Juventus-Milan: Key Battles In The Race For Second Place

Adriano Galliani described this match as the "real Derby d'Italia", but whatever you call it, the showdown between Juventus and Milan at the Stadio Olimpico will take centre stage in Serie A's week 19 of action.

With so much riding on the game, both sides will need to ensure they throw the dice well. Who will be the ace? The joker? They say to always bet on black, but in this game of Calcio roulette the red is worth a punt. 36-1, Ciro Ferrara will just be hoping it pays the three points as he gambles on Juve's season.

Ciro Ferrara v Leonardo

Ferrara has come under heavy scrutiny for what has been seen by many as a fallible season. If seasonal objectives are to be attained, the coach will need to set the tone here against a Leonardo who is not afraid to throw caution to the wind. Neither coach will shrink away from the challenge ahead. A win for either will see contrasting fortunes at either end of the A4 Torino-Milano motorway.

Fabio Cannavaro v Marco Borriello

The battle of Naples. Borriello needs little introduction to one of Italy's great defenders. This will be an interesting conflict where the striker's aerial threat could see Cannavaro struggle - some might say cat and mouse. However, the stopper is likely to use his usual up close and personal tactics to ruffle the hitman's feathers. Six goals in 11 Serie A games for Borriello, who has played more times already than he did the whole of last season, meaning his fellow Neapolitan will have to be wide awake.

Fabio Grosso v David Beckham

All eyes will be on Beckham down on the right side where he is likely to encounter a big obstacle in Grosso. We all know the Englishman can deliver, but the Italian defender has yet to underline his status in the left role. It will be interesting to see who comes out on top. Grosso likes to venture forward - leaving large spaces that 'Becks' will thrive on exploiting.

Felipe Melo v Andrea Pirlo

Juventus thought they had bought Pirlo when they signed Melo from Fiorentina. It didn't quiet turn out that way. One is a play-breaker, the other a sort of play-maker who can also break it up as and when. As the former, the Brazilian will need to ensure Pirlo has little room to manoeuvre, swivel and find his men with slick passing. It's crunch time. Melo has to render, not surrender.

Diego v Ronaldinho

No Calcio celebration will be complete without the party piece from Brazil. Two of the world's finest masters of the skillful side. Panache, technique, wizardry, magic. Lets just hope they come out of their shell and pull the rabbit out of the hat or they may be given the stick, not the carrot at half time. Diego has yet to fulfil his potential in Turin, despite a good start earlier. Ronnie is getting there. Slowly, but surely he is finding the harmony to reforge a special bond with pitch and ball. For both men this is the chance to put it all together. The stage is set. Abracadabra!

Other Key Players

The referee... Actually, on another note, football is a team game, and thus the other unsung heroes are all waiting for their moment of glory. Midfielder Claudio Marchisio usually rises up to the big occasion, remember that sublime goal against Inter? Who said goals? Amauri listen up. The Brazilian has struggled to find the net with frequency, but he is likely to have his say. An unexpected goal from him is always a possibility. Alex Manninger has a major task of filling Gianluigi Buffon's gloves. Then we have Nelson Dida, any slippery glove-induced calamities like the ones against Real Madrid will have the Old Lady chuckling.

Who will come out on top in this classic of fixtures? Juventus or Milan? Which players will make a difference? Who will fail to shine? Goal.com wants to know what YOU think...

Salvatore Landolina, Goal.com

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