A-League All Stars set to tackle Juventus
An A-League All Stars side led by Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero is set to tackle the “Old Lady” of Italian football. After a disappointing showing last year against Manchester United, the All Stars are looking to rectify their performance this year with a win over the Italian heavyweights.
Led by Josep Gombau, the All Stars will look to implement a style of play that mirrors that of Adelaide United. A high-pressing and a high-tempo possession based brand of football. Expect them to not take a backward-step and fully take the game to the Italian side.
However, Juventus boast a host of star players with the perfect blend of youth and experience. With players like Paul Pogba, who is arguably one of the best young players in the world today, to Italian legends, Andrea Pirlo and Gianluigi Buffon. After coming off an 8-1 win in their last match, Juve will be looking to pick up where they left off.
The biggest story of this match still remains to be the eagerly anticipated contest between ADP and his former side. Still one of Juventus’s favourite son’s, seeing Del Piero clash with his former club will be a sight to behold. After winning numerous accolades with players from that team, including Champions League and the World Cup, Del Piero is using his knowledge of the team to potentially give the All Stars an edge leading into tomorrow’s encounter. Johnny Warren medal winner and Brisbane Roar ace Thomas Broich had this to say on Del Piero’s impact on the team: “We were talking football quite a lot last night during dinner and he pointed out a few things to us that we need to be mindful of, it certainly helps to have him in the team.” How much of an impact the Italian legend will have on the game is yet to be seen, but his presence and understanding of the Italian’s tendencies will certainly not hurt the All Stars chances.
To have such a prolific team grace our shores a year after the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United came down under shows just how far our young league has come. After the aforementioned games sold out last year, tomorrow’s game is expected to be no different.
All Stars Player to watch: Besart Berisha
The former Brisbane Roar sharp-shooter has proven himself to be one of the best out and out goal scorers that the A-League has seen in it’s short history. Berisha managed to get on the scoresheet last season against Manchester United, and has made it publicly known in recent days that he has legendary goalkeeper Gianlugi Buffon in his sights. Expect the now Melbourne Victory striker to come out as hungry as ever, and maybe even add another goal to his name in tomorrow’s game.
Juventus Player to watch: Andrea Pirlo
The legendary playmaker makes the game look easy. One of the best short and long passers that the game has ever seen, expect Pirlo’s phenomenal vision to exploit any weakness displayed by the All Stars. He also possesses a wicked shot with the ability to score from distance, and is a magician on the dead ball. Some people argue that he has improved as a player with age, I for one certainly wouldn’t argue with them.
Prediction: All Stars 2-1 Juventus
As a huge fan of Josep Gombau, and with the advantage of having ADP in the camp, I think the All Stars will be able to get a result against the Italians.
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