Juve lead under threat from Napoli, Lazio

ROME - Juventus’s lead at the top of Serie A could come under threat Saturday when they are expected to be without three key midfielders, including Andrea Pirlo, when they host in-form Udinese.

Friday, January 18, 2013

SaturdayPalermo     vs     Lazio    19:00    Juventus     vs     Udinese    21:45    SundayFiorentina     vs     Napoli    13:30 Milan     vs     Bologna    16:00    Atalanta     vs     CagliariGenoa     vs     CataniaChievo     vs     ParmaSiena     vs     SampdoriaUS Pescara     vs     TorinoAS Roma     vs     Inter        21:45ROME - Juventus’s lead at the top of Serie A could come under threat Saturday when they are expected to be without three key midfielders, including Andrea Pirlo, when they host 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 on Saturday.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. Should Juve lose, Napoli and Lazio could both pull level on points if they win.