Salernitana celebrated their first Serie A (SA) victory since the end of October when conquering Lecce last round (2-1), ending their dreadful seven-game winless stretch (D2, L5). It was far from perfect, however, with their last SA clean sheet now ten matches ago. When considering the fact they came into this round with a league-high 38 goals conceded, their fight for safety appears far from over.

 

Repeating the 2-2 stalemate from the reverse fixture would be appreciated as far as survival is concerned, but their mediocre home form (W3, D3, L4) and no win here against sides that started this round above Salernitana, doesn’t give Davide Nicola’s men much hope. A quick start may change that, as they are unbeaten at home this SA season after scoring first (W3, D1).

 

Breaching FIFA regulations can be costly. If Juventus lose to Salernitana, they’ll find themselves a point behind them in 14th. Is point deduction the best way to punish FFP offenders?

 

A narrow 1-0 Coppa Italia victory against Lazio last Thursday was perhaps a timely one, as Juventus are travelling to the Campania region almost one month after their humbling 5-1 defeat at the hands of Napoli. However, with four clean sheets from four away league matches against sides that started this round below them (W3, D1), the visitors have earned their warm favouritism.

 

Players to watch: Salernitana’s Boulaye Dia scored and assisted in their recent win over Lecce to move to four goal contributions from three SA appearances (G2, A2). Juventus’ match-winner against Lazio, Gleison Bremer, also scored his side’s opening goal in the reverse fixture.

 

Hot stat: Juventus started the round as one of three clubs to have lost every SA away game this season when conceding the first goal (L3).