JUVENTUS, Marchisio: "Unbeaten and winning"

© foto di Daniele Buffa/Image Sport

Claudio Marchisio has confirmed his determination to maintain the Bianconeri’s scintillating run of form with a win over Roma. But before discussing Sunday’s big clash in an exclusive interview with Sky Sport, the midfielder sought to pay tribute to former international team-mate Piermario Morosini.

The 26-year-old said: “I was deeply saddened about Piermario’s passing away. I remember the two years I spent alongside him with the Under-21s, along with the youth team games against Atalanta, where he played alongside Marco Motta... He was a superb guy, always relaxed and helpful.”

Morosini expressed his admiration for Juventus Stadium when visiting as a supporter in January. And the Bianconeri are aiming to honour his memory with a strong performance against a tough Giallorossi outfit on Sunday.

“Roma are an excellent team and they’re in a good run of form. They have their ups and downs, but possess great champions and we’ll face them with total respect. The final showdown between Totti and Del Piero? They’ve gifted extraordinary moments to Italian football, both with the World Cup win in 2006 and throughout their careers as a whole. They’ll have the desire to play a key role once again.”

The game will also see a battle between midfield maestros Marchisio and De Rossi, the new symbols of Juventus and Roma.

“Daniele has plenty of experience and he’s not just a great midfielder, he’s also a fine defender, given that he’s recently featured in that role. He stopped me when I tried to break forward in the first meeting, fingers crossed he won’t be able to do the same on Sunday evening.”

Aside from the talents of De Rossi, Marchisio singled out Bosnian playmaker Pjanic as another potential threat.

“He’s immediately settled into Italian football, just as Vidal has with us. Despite his young age, he already possesses considerable international experience from his time at Lyon. He’s brought technique and personality Roma.”

The midfielder concluded by reflecting on the end of season run-in, as the Bianconeri look to round off their sensational campaign in the best possible way.

“We’ll need to be alert and show desire in every game, not just in Sunday’s clash. On paper we have easier games ahead of us after Roma, but we’re fully aware it’s not like that and we must always be at our maximum. It’s an even tussle with Milan. We’re unbeaten and this makes us proud, but maintaining that run is only nice if we have something to show for it at the end.”