Udinese vs Juventus preview - Maicosuel looks to make amends for Udinese

Posted Sunday, September 02, 2012 by PA

Brazilian midfielder Maicosuel will be hoping to make up for the penalty miss which cost Udinese a Champions League place when his side take on Juventus in Serie A on Sunday.

The 26-year-old was the only player to miss a spot-kick with a tame chip in the penalty shoot-out against Braga in midweek which consigned Udinese to the Europa League and an encounter with Liverpool in the group stage.

Maicosuel told Udinese's official website: "I know well how hard my team-mates and Udinese had worked to get the chance to play in the Champions League. It would have been an historic achievement. This is why I want to apologise to all the team, the club and each and every supporter for what happened.

"When I got on the penalty spot I intended to shoot like that. I thought I would score for sure. Unfortunately the goalkeeper second-guessed me and the world fell on my shoulders.

"But I want to make it clear, I am going to rise again and I will redeem myself."

On Sunday, Juventus, who kick off their Champions League campaign against holders Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, welcome back goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and defender Giorgio Chiellini to their squad after both recovered from injury although midfielder Sebastian Giovinco is absent.

Midfielder Simeone Padoin is also ruled out for the trip to Udinese after pulling up in training with a torn thigh muscle which will sideline him for three to four weeks.

Up front Juventus are likely to field Alessandro Matri and Mirko Vucinic against Udinese, who will be looking to regroup after also losing their opening Serie A encounter with Fiorentina.