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Juventus and Milan both find themselves six points behind Serie A leaders Inter at present and will be desperate to win when they face-off on Sunday in order to keep up with the Nerazzurri. Adam Scime looks at some of the key battles that will take place at the Stadio Olimpico in Turin...In every match there are players or coaches who contribute heavily to the result. Whether it be because they made a spectacular play or had a lapse in judgement. It will be no different when two of Italy’s greatest sides face-off on Sunday evening, and there are several match-ups that could have a large influence on the final result.Claudio Ranieri v Carlo AncelottiThis match brings together a pair of ex-Parma coaches. However, the stakes are likely much higher for Ranieri and Ancelotti this time around than from their Gialloblu days. It is no secret that Milan’s main objective is the Serie A title this season and if they fall nine points behind following this match it would be a massive blow for the Rossoneri. Plus, Ancelotti would no doubt like to put one over on Juve, who he could not lead to success during a two-year stint from 1999-2001.Meanwhile, Claudio Ranieri still has his doubters, who believe he is not capable of succeeding as coach of a big club like Juventus. The former Chelsea boss will be keen to prove those doubters wrong, as a win Milan, who are currently tied with Juve on 30 points, may cause some of those nay-sayers to start doubting themselves instead of Ranieri.Momo Sissoko v KakaI have never been a huge fan of Momo Sissoko, but you can never fault him for lack of effort, and he will need plenty of heart if he wants to stop former Golden Ball winner Kaka. It may not be his job to mark the Brazilian directly, but if Sissoko can clean up the midfield and win his fair share of loose balls and fifty-fifty challenges than Kaka may not be able to show his true worth.Alessandro Del Piero v Paolo MaldiniTwo great Italian veterans, who have a clear mutual respect for one another, as witnessed by Maldini recently labelling Del Piero a “true champion.” The two captains will try to use all their experience to outwit one another on the pitch and this could perhaps be the most telling match-up in the game. Will Del Piero ignite the Juve offense? Or will Maldini keep the Milan backline water-tight?Pavel Nedved v Gianluca ZambrottaThe ageless ‘Czech fury’ will come up against one of his former teammates. Neither may have the speed they had in the past, but they are two of the most famous in Europe in their respective positions and it will be interesting to see which player is the one who ends up being pinned back.Other Key PlayersOf course other players could have an effect on the match as well. Juventus have tower of strength Giorgio Chiellini, who is developing into one of the best defenders in Europe. There is the also Bianconeri’s top-scorer Amauri, who will be a handful for the Milan stoppers.Also, although doubts for the match, it is widely expected Ronaldinho and Andrea Pirlo will recover in time and be in the Rossoneri starting XI. Both of these players have the imagination and skill to create their side opportunities, and hopefully will be at their best and not hampered by injury or lack of match-fitness.
