14 February 2015
Cesena has traditionally been a happy hunting ground for the Bianconeri over the years, although goal-fests have proved hard to come by at a venue where the hosts recorded their last top-flight victory over Juventus in 1987.
With the Old Lady’s biggest Serie A win on Cesena soil a 2-0 triumph back in 1974, history suggests that a success for either side would most likely come via a slender margin.
The two sides’ recent form, however, appears to indicate otherwise, and goals kick-off this week’s look at the fixture’s vital statistics.
Goals guaranteed?
Cesena have conceded in 21 of their 22 Serie A games so far this season, with their solitary clean sheet coming in a 1-0 opening day win over Parma.
History would appear to favour the net bulging in Emilia-Romagna at some point, as only one of the previous 25 top-flight meetings of the sides has finished goalless (March 1988).
Making corners count
Domenico Di Carlo’s side have struggled to defend crosses into the box this season and currently hold Serie A’s worst record for conceding from corners: 10 goals.
Armed with the quality of Andrea Pirlo’s deliveries, Massimiliano Allegri will undoubtedly be looking to capitalise on this weakness when his team run out at the Manuzzi on Sunday.
He will also be looking to send the likes of Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini forward to attack these set-pieces, given that the Cavallucci Marini have shipped the most goals of any top-flight side to opposition defenders (nine).
Strike in the second half
Sunday’s hosts hold the worst record for conceding goals after the break, letting 25 in over the course of the campaign, with 13 of these coming in the last 15 minutes.
Turning the tables
Cesena have never fought back to win a game after falling a goal behind, clinching a point from just two of the 15 Serie A matches in which the opposition have gone in front this term.
In contrast, Juventus have never lost a top flight encounter after gaining the advantage (16 wins and two draws).
Fab five for Allegri?
During his time at Cagliari, Milan and Juventus, Massimiliano Allegri has presided over five meetings with Cesena, winning four of these.
Can he get the better of Domenico Di Carlo, a man who has won just one of his 11 top flight outings against the Bianconeri?
In-form Cesena
The Cavallucci Marini approach the game with an added spring in their step after winning two of their last three and ending a four-match losing streak on home soil with a triumph over Lazio.
