Preview: Torino - Juventus

Torino have enjoyed a good 2009 so far. After two early defeats at the start of the year to Genoa and Roma, the Granata have stopped the slide towards Serie B. Walter Novellino has finally managed to get Toro back on the right track. Unbeaten in seven games, there is real belief that Juventus' bitter city rivals will live to fight another season in Italy's top-flight. However, there are still 11 games before Urbano Cairo's men can wave the safety flag.

Although Toro are slowly climbing back up the table, they are still just one point clear of the relegation zone. A win against Juve this Saturday will give the team a massive psychological boost. Serie A salvation is never easy. Despite being on the right track, the Granata are just not picking up enough wins. Only five victories all season does not make for inspirational reading in terms of dodging relegation. In there last six matches, Torino have only picked up one win. That was at home to Udinese two weeks ago. The rest have been draws with Cagliari, Chievo, Reggina, Lazio and Inter. Torino really should have beaten the first three teams as they are direct rivals for the survival places.

Form Guide

Torino

Mar 1: Cagliari 0-0 Torino

Feb 22: Torino 1-0 Udinese

Feb 14: Lazio 1-1 Torino

Feb 8: Torino 1-1 Chievo

Feb 1: Inter 1-1 Torino

Juventus

Feb 28: Juventus 1-0 Napoli

Feb 21: Palermo 0-2 Juventus

Feb 15: Juventus 1-1 Sampdoria

Feb 8: Catania 1-2 Juventus

Jan 31: Juventus 2-3 Cagliari

Team News

Torino

Alessandro Rosina is fighting for a starting role against Juventus. The No. 10 has been impressive in training this week and he could come into contention. Elvis Abbruscato, Aimo Diana and Marco Di Loreto are all unavailable, while Paolo Zanetti serves a one match suspension.

Probable Starting XI 4-4-1-1: Sereni, Colombo, Natali, Pisano, Ogbonna, Saumel, Dzemaili, Corini, Abate, Bianchi, Stellone.

Juventus

Giorgio Chiellini worked apart from the rest of the squad on Thursday after suffering from muscle fatigue, but he should be back for the game against Torino. Zdenek Grygera and Marco Marchionni also trained separately but they are likely to start. Nicola Legrottaglie is suspended while Mauro Camoranesi, Paolo De Ceglie, Cristiano Zanetti, Tiago and Jorge Andrade are all injured.

Probable Starting XI 4-4-2: Buffon, Grygera, Mellberg, Chiellini, Molinaro, Marchionni, Sissoko, Marchisio, Nedved, Del Piero, Trezeguet.

Players To Watch

Torino: Keep an eye on former Manchester City flop Rolando Bianchi. He has scored four goals for Toro this term. The big target man is likely to cause the Juve back line some trouble and he has the ability to score when it's least expected.

Juventus: David Trezeguet is the one Torino will be monitoring closely. The Frenchman is itching to score again after his showing against Palermo. The problem has been the constant changing from Ranieri. If 'Trezegol' starts then he will all but guarantee a goal for his side.

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