PRE MATCH: JUVENTUS VS GENOA

Juventus gets their Coppa Italia run, as they face Genoa in the round of 16 at the Allianz stadium on Wednesday Evening.

Both sides come into this clash on the back of league wins at the weekend, with the hosts particularly keen to take a first step towards a record-extending 14th cup triumph in the spring.

Game Preview:

Ahead of their return to knockout football, Juventus sealed a second successive Serie A win over a close rival in the standings. In the round-ending Sunday evening kickoff, the Bianconeri saw off Sassuolo 3-1 thanks to late goals from Aaron Ramsey and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Even with the Champions league not resuming until February, Juventus has a slew of important matches in the next couple of fixtures. The play Inter in the Derby' D Italia, and the Super Coppa Italian cup vs Napoli.

Increasingly decimated by injuries and illnesses, Pirlo will necessarily rely on his impressively deep squad against Genoa, as they aim for a fifth win in six games and a potential quarter-final with Sassuolo or Serie B side SPAL.

Genoa have made it to the final 16 by virtue of wins over Catanzaro and city rivals Sampdoria in the third and fourth rounds respectively, but must now face the sternest test in Italian football.

With two wins, a draw and just a solitary loss recorded since the experienced tactician took over in December, the change in a squad that previously looked doomed to the drop has been remarkable.

Final Analysis:

Though it is possible that Juventus could take their eye off the ball on Wednesday - given upcoming encounters with Inter and Napoli - the absence-afflicted Bianconeri can still field a fearsome 'second string', with Dejan Kulusevski and Federico Bernadeschi among those eager to contribute.

Even with injuries to Dybala, Chiesa, and Mckennie look for Juventus to win easily.

Final Score: Juventus 3-0 Genoa