Claudio Ranieri reiterated the Juventus-Milan is “the real derby d’Italia,” but Mauro Camoranesi won’t make it.
The 2006 World Cup winner was racing against time to recover from a dislocated shoulder, but is not even in the squad to face the Rossoneri on Sunday evening.
“Camoranesi can’t make it, he still has pain when he kicks the ball and goes into a challenge. We hoped he’d recover, but if he isn’t fit then we cannot force him,” said Ranieri, who also misses the suspended Nicola Legrottaglie.
“[Momo] Sissoko had a bit of a flu, but it only lasted a day and he is not in doubt. [Hasan] Salihamidzic is better and back in the side, while [Cristiano] Zanetti recovered well from the 90 minutes against BATE Borisov.”
The title of derby d’Italia has always been attributed to Juventus-Inter, but Ranieri agrees with Lapo Elkann and Andriy Shevchenko that times have changed.
“I think it’s fair to say this is the real derby d’Italia. Let’s not forget that Milan are the Club World Cup holders, so on Sunday night we are facing a top team with a capital T.
“This is not an ordinary game and for us is every bit as important as the meeting with Inter. Doing well would allow us to break three points clear of Milan and maintain the gap from Inter.
“I don’t want to say anything yet, as there is time for the Scudetto to be decided and the best side doesn’t always win.”
If the Sunday night game ends in a draw and Inter beat Chievo, the Nerazzurri will go eight points clear at the top of the table, whereas defeat would leave one of the two nine points adrift.
“Whoever loses on Sunday is not cut out of the race, but will have to work extraordinary overtime to keep up with Inter,” continued Ranieri.
“Both Juve and Milan can consider themselves rivals for the Nerazzurri. If we were to remain on our own to challenge them, it would be a less interesting season.
“It is important to have consistency, but up until now we have only been missing a great victory against a big club in Italy, the same way we beat Real Madrid in the Champions League.”
Kaka is in doubt for Sunday night’s game, but Ronaldinho has recovered after missing last week’s win over Catania.
“There are players who are worth the ticket price alone and Ronaldinho is one of them. He is capable of magic moments that light up the night, so it’s up to us to put him out.
“Gennaro Gattuso was their leader with charisma, grit and motivation, so as a fan of sport I am sorry he is injured and wish him a speedy recovery.”
Gattuso will be out of action for up to six months and will undergo knee ligament surgery on December 19.
Juventus squad: Chiellini, Mellberg, Zanetti, Salihamidzic, Amauri, Iaquinta, Del Piero, Nedved, Chimenti, Manninger, Marchisio, Giovinco, Grygera, Sissoko, Ekdal, Molinaro, De Ceglie, Marchionni, Ariaudo, Pinsoglio.
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