Juventus are top of Serie A at the moment, just marginally ahead of Udinese on goals scored, but they'll face a serious test to stay top on Saturday. Genoa come into Turin looking to attack, while the Old Lady will be without two of their best performers. Juventus legend and goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is not expected to play, nor is versatile Chilean star Arturo Vidal, who can play just about any position on the field depending on the situation.
Juventus Vs. Genoa, 2011 Italian Serie A Week 7 Matchup: Old Lady Tries To Stay Top Without Buffon, Vidal
Juventus will be without Gigi Buffon and Arturo Vidal when they host Genoa on Saturday
The former problem isn't too much of a problem, as Marco Storari is one of the best backup goalkeepers in world football. The latter, though, will require players to step up. Andrea Pirlo might have to do a little more than simply sit in his hole and create in the absence of Vidal, while more will also be asked of Claudio Marchisio, who has had an excellent start to the Serie A season. Offseason addition Michele Pazienza could finally get an opportunity to make a start in Vidal's absense.
Genoa currently sit in the bottom half of Serie A, but they have enough talent to be up near Europa League places at the end of the season. Rodrigo Palacio is doing his part with five goals, but he’ll need those around him to step up. Defender Kakha Kaladze will be out suspended for this game, but based on his play so far this season, that’s hardly going to be a loss.
Juventus vs. Genoa
Game Date/Time: Saturday, October 22, 2:45 pm ET (8:45 pm local)
Venue: Juventus Stadium, Turin, Italy
TV: FOX Soccer Channel (USA), ESPN (UK)
Online: ESPN3.com (USA)
We’ll have coverage of Juventus-Genoa and the rest of the week’s Serie A action in our Serie A Week 7 StoryStream. For more on the entire world of footy, check out SB Nation Soccer.
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