Artemio Franchi

Last Game

Siena 1 - 2 AC Milan

Sunday, 19 May 2013, 19:45

Serie A

Serie A weekend preview

Antonio Conte makes his long-awaited return to the touchline as Serie A leaders Juventus visit Palermo this weekend.

Last Updated: 07/12/12 at 08:50 Post Comment    Bet with SkyBet  Italian Serie A. Click here to bet.

Antonio Conte: Ban completed

Antonio Conte: Ban completed

The Juve head coach was handed a 10-month suspension in August - later reduced to four months on appeal - for his alleged role in the 'Calcioscommesse' match-fixing scandal.

Saturday sees that lengthy ban from the dugout draw to a close, with a pre-match press conference in Sicily marking Conte's first appointment before he takes control of the Italian champions once again.

Palermo boss Gian Piero Gasperini is a confirmed admirer of the 43-year-old but will be giving him no quarter on Sunday afternoon.

He told La Repubblica: "In my opinion, Conte has always been a fine example for anyone to follow. I have a great relationship with him and he's been missed.

"I certainly won't wish him good luck against us, though, in fact I hope it goes badly for him! From personal experience, I can say that a coach's direct involvement is very important to his players."

Juventus have even posted an electronic countdown to Conte's return on their official website.

Assistant boss Angelo Alessio was delighted to seal progression to the knockout stages of the Champions League before handing over the reins.

"Credit must go to these lads because even without Antonio they've done everything that's been asked of them," he told juventus.com. "As time has passed we've become more and more confident in our own means."

Inter Milan and Napoli go head-to-head at the San Siro with both sides bidding to close Juve's advantage at the top of the table.

The Nerazzurri are currently at odds with Dutch playmaker Wesley Sneijder, who is refusing to take a wage cut and faces an uncertain future in Milan as a result.

AC Milan look to continue their recent resurgence with a positive result at Torino, while Roma and Fiorentina battle it out for dominance of the European places on Saturday night.

Elsewhere, Atalanta have lost three games in a row but face a Parma side struggling hard for consistency.

Cristiano Bergodi is searching for a first win since replacing Giovanni Stroppa at Pescara last month, with Sunday's opponents Genoa floundering in the relegation places having lost seven of their last eight games.

Cagliari are on a poor run of form and host Chievo, while 19th-placed Siena welcome Catania to the Stadio Artemio Franchi.

On Monday night, Bologna look to move away from the bottom three with a positive result against Lazio and a much-improved Sampdoria side host Udinese.

Bet with SkyBet  Italian Serie A. Click here to bet.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

I

thought you were describing Bart Simpson there from the episode where he sold his soul to Milhouse. I wonder do automatic doors work for Michael Owen.

sulman
The Evaporation Of Michael Owen

R

afa Benitez has won more trophies (10) over the past 11 years than the rest of the current managers in the EPL combined, except for Alex Ferguson.

angry bird
Chelsea duo salute Benitez

T

he day Tonys hat goes missing for some bantz will be different story altogether..

TheBrestEver
Stoke probe 'banter gone wild'

Footer 365

Carrick excited by Moyes arrival

Michael Carrick insists Manchester United's players are ready to embrace the challenge of playing for David Moyes.

No way Jose will stay at Real

Jose Mourinho is reportedly set to leave Real Madrid at the end of the season as speculation grows about his return to Chelsea.

Rodwell called up by England

Manchester City midfielder Jack Rodwell has been called into the England squad for the friendlies against Republic of Ireland and Brazil.

Mail Box

What Would United Be Like In The Pub?

The Premier League season has only been over for about 20 hours and already we're well into the summer-type Mailbox. Plus, a shout for the 2014 player of the year...

Arsenal Should Be Praised For Finishing Fourth

Arsenal fans are largely positive after their top four finish, whilst one wag suggest buying Bale from their rivals. We also have an interesting final mail. Enjoy...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved