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Serie A | Gameweek 21
Jan 27, 2019 at 7.30pm UK
 
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Martin Caceres closing in on Juventus return

Martin Caceres closing in on Juventus return
© Reuters
Caceres has already had two spells as a Juve player.

Massimiliano Allegri insists Martin Caceres is "not a quick fix" for the Juventus back-line as the Uruguayan defender finalises his return to Turin.

Caceres, 31, has already played for the Bianconeri across two previous spells and this weekend looks set to make it three by switching from Sunday's Serie A opponents Lazio.

The clash in Rome will come too soon for the former Barcelona and Southampton player but Juve boss Allegri is just relieved to have another experienced centre-back lined up as Medhi Benatia nears the exit.

"Martin Caceres is not a quick fix, but someone we really need, because Benatia has asked to leave. Caceres is good and he knows how things work here," said Allegri at his pre-match press conference.

"I know Caceres can offer a lot to Juve. He's a player who's always ready, and he's already had to learn the language and get to know the atmosphere.

"Caceres can play in the middle and even does well at full-back. He's a positive lad and that's really important – I'm happy."

Morocco international Benatia has struggled for game time at Allianz Stadium this season and, despite being linked with Premier League clubs Arsenal and Manchester United, looks likely to move to Qatar.

Allegri added: "Benatia has made a choice and the club have evaluated and accepted his request. It makes no sense to keep hold of a player against their will. He's had some great years here."

Juan Cuadrado, Andrea Barzagli and Mario Mandzukic are unavailable through injury while Allegri will assess Sami Khedira and Miralem Pjanic before the game at the Stadio Olimpico.

The gap in midfield means Emre Can should feature, with Allegri saying of the former Liverpool player: "Can needs to improve when it comes to covering the defence, but that's only a matter of more training.

"He gives us a lot of coverage in that role and he's improved when it comes to intercepting moves."

Lazio are 24 points but only five places behind the leaders and striker Ciro Immobile hopes fortune will shine on the Biancocelesti on Sunday evening.

"Juventus are very strong but there will be a lot of people supporting us at the Olimpico," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "In recent years we've managed to beat Juve.

"We'll try to work even harder and hopefully we'll enjoy a little bit of good luck, too."

Adam Marusic and Italy defender Francesco Acerbi are suspended.

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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Napoli118121881025
2Inter Milan1173125131224
3Atalanta BCAtalanta1171329141522
4Fiorentina116412291322
5Lazio1171324141022
6Juventus115601971221
7AC Milan105231711617
8Udinese115151416-216
9Bologna103611211115
10Torino114251516-114
11Empoli1135389-114
12Roma113441214-213
13Hellas VeronaHellas Verona114071624-812
14CagliariCagliari11236919-109
15Genoa11236821-139
16Como112361222-109
17Parma111641417-39
18Monza111551014-48
19VeneziaVenezia112271019-98
20Lecce11227420-168


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