Juventus welcome back Marchisio for Fiorentina semi-final

AFP , Monday 6 Apr 2015

Marchisio
Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio (Photo: Reuters)

Claudio Marchisio is back from injury for Juventus as they bid to overturn a 2-1 first leg deficit to Fiorentina in the second-leg of the Italian Cup semi-final.

The Italy international midfielder has been sidelined with a knee injury, but is back in training ahead of Tuesday's tie in Florence.

"Marchisio is doing fine, he's available and today we'll assess whether he's match fit or not. The few days of rest have helped him," said Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri.

Allegri will still have to do without midfield maestro Andrea Pirlo as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury, and the coach is set to replace stalwart Gianluigi Buffon in goal with his understudy Marco Storari.

"From Wednesday Pirlo will start to train again then we'll look at his condition," added Allegri.

"It will be good to have him back. Even if he's not in top condition his tactical intelligence is a plus."

He added: "We'll be sending out a strong team with Storari in goal."

Juventus were stunned by a Mohamed Salah brace in the first leg in Turin last month.

Allegri says he has been impressed by the Egyptian, but is hoping the Bianconeri keep their focus and score the goals that would guarantee a first Italian Cup final in three years.

"Salah is a good player, Fiorentina did well in bringing him to the club," said Allegri.

"It won't be easy to turn things around, but we'll go to Florence and try. To go through we need to win by two clear goals so we will have to play things intelligently and keep our focus."

Six-time winners Fiorentina, who last lifted the trophy in 2011, were outgunned by Napoli in last year's final.

Despite their advantage from the away leg, coach Vincenzo Montella is taking nothing for granted.

"We have a small advantage, but it will count for little," he told reporters on Monday.

"I'm expecting an open game. Juventus are a strong side and will fancy their chances, but so do we."

Holders Napoli host Lazio in the other semi-final on Wednesday. Their first leg finished 1-1 in Rome.

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