Lazio vs Juventus preview - Marchetti relishing Juve test
Posted Saturday, November 26, 2011 by PA
Lazio goalkeeper Federico Marchetti believes his team must be at their best if they are to end Juventus' unbeaten run this season.
Fans can expect a thrilling game at the Stadio Olimpico with both sides having enjoyed strong starts to the campaign.
Juve and Lazio are level on 22 points and the Turin giants lead the Serie A standings on goal difference and with a game in hand.
Lazio have lost just once in Serie A this season - a 2-1 defeat to Genoa on September 18.
However, Marchetti is aware of the challenge he and his team-mates face to stop a Juve side that has shown few weaknesses so far.
"Antonio Conte's team is in great form," Marchetti said. "We will have to produce a superb performance to come out triumphant.
"We nevertheless will try our best and, hopefully, with the support of our fans we can get a good result."
Juve goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has urged his team-mates to keep concentration high in what will be a challenging week for the Bianconeri.
Juve travel to the Stadio San Paolo to face Napoli on Tuesday before hosting Cesena next weekend.
"The games against Lazio and Napoli are very important tests for us," Buffon said.
"We cannot lose focus and we will not go down without a fight."
Conte will be hoping to recover playmaker Andrea Pirlo, who is doubtful for the trip to Rome after sustaining a minor knock in last weekend's 3-0 triumph over Palermo.
Lazio, meanwhile, will be bolstered by the return of the team's top scorer Miroslav Klose.
The German missed last Saturday's goalless draw at Napoli with a muscular problem but is set to lead Lazio's attack alongside Djibril Cisse.
Lazio coach Edy Reja will be without defender Andre Dias and midfielder Matuzalem, both out injured.
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