Turin, Italy (Sportsbooks) - Roma will try to jump-start its season Thursday when it faces former coach Fabio Capello and Juventus in a showdown of Italian powers.
Capello left Roma for Juventus this summer, a move which angered many Roma supporters and officials. He also lured Brazilian midfielder Emerson and French defender Jonathan Zebina away from Roma to Juve.
Capello has had amazing success with his new team, as Juventus has not lost in any competition this season. The Turin outfit has won all three of its Champions League encounters and recorded six wins and one draw in seven Serie A matches.
Meanwhile, Roma has suffered through a coaching carousel and disappointing performances on the field and off so far this season. Cesare Prandelli, Rudi Voeller and Luigi Del Neri have all led a team that is currently ninth in Serie A and has lost all three of its Champions League matches.
Juventus striker Alessandro Del Piero returned from an Achilles injury and scored twice in a 3-0 win at Siena on Saturday. He is expected to pair with Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic up top as David Trezeguet remains out with a shoulder injury.
For Roma, talented youngster Antonio Cassano's questionable attitude has led to transfer rumors. The striker has reportedly attracted interest from both Juventus and AC Milan, and it is unknown if Del Neri will start him Thursday.
"(Roma) can be dangerous, have top quality players who can make all the difference particularly in the last 30 meters," said Capello. "It's a team I know very well. They are very talented."
In other midweek Serie A action, second-place Lecce will get a stiff test Wednesday when they host Inter Milan. Inter is coming off a scoreless draw with AC Milan Sunday which allowed them to remain unbeaten in Serie A this season.
AC Milan takes on basement-dwellers Atalanta, and figures to have no trouble with the winless squad.
MIDWEEK SERIE A FIXTURES:
WEDNESDAY:
AC Milan - Atalanta
Bologna - Udinese
Brescia - Siena
Cagliari - Parma
Chievo - Sampdoria
Lazio - Messina
Lecce - Inter Milan
Palermo - Livorno
Reggina - Fiorentina
THURSDAY:
Juventus - Roma
