Juventus under threat

in-form Udinese.
The champions, on 45 points, have a three-point lead over Napoli, who moved back into second place in unexpected fashion Thursday, when the Italian federation (FIGC) overturned a two-point deduction for suspected match-fixing. Lazio drop to third, equal on points, while Inter Milan are fourth on 38.

However Juve’s hopes of keeping the chasing pack at bay could be dealt a blow even before Udinese, whose striker Antonio Di Natale has recently taken his league tally to an impressive 14 goals, visit Turin today.

Italy international Pirlo (calf) and Chilean winger Arturo Vidal (ankle) added to coach Antonio Conte’s woes when they missed training on Thursday. Claudio Marchisio, who missed last week’s 1-1 draw at Parma due to a knee injury, also remains doubtful as he continues to work his way back to match fitness. Juventus did not confirm whether any of the trio would be available, stating simply: “The players’ conditions will continue to be monitored over the coming days.”

However reports suggest that neither player will be fit in time.
Whether Udinese can maintain a purple patch of form which has seen them climb to eighth remains to be seen, especially as the north-eastern side lost number one ‘keeper Zeljko Brkic last week for a month due to a fractured finger, meaning Daniele Padelli steps into the breach. — AFP.