Serie A title rivals are now set to face each other in the first leg of Coppa Italia semi-final, with both sides looking to record a good result before the return leg.

Heavy investment in the playing squad is starting to pay off for Juventus, with huge strength in depth allowing the Bianconeri to dominate all the competitions entered.

Many believed that Antonio Conte’s side would struggle to beat in-form Udinese given that Andrea Pirlo, Claudio Marchisio, Kwadwo Asamoah and Giorgio Chellini were all missing, but the Old Lady proved their worth by recording a 4-0 win.

The victory not only saw them increase their advantage at the Serie A summit to five points, but also gave the team a much needed boost ahead of the clash with high-flying Lazio.

Even if the aforementioned players continue to miss out, Juventus are 1.62 (5/8) favourites with Sportingbet, while they are 1.75 (3/4) to score two goals or more.

Andrea Pirlo and Claudio Marchisio are not yet ready to return, while Arturo Vidal is doubtful through injury.

Antonio Conte is widely tipped to make a number of changes to the side that hammered Udinese at the weekend.

Probable starting line-up (3-5-2): Storari – Barzagli, Bonucci, Caceres – Isla, Marrone, Pogba, Giaccherini, De Ceglie – Matri, Giovinco.

Even if Lazio were not even tipped to enter the race for Champions League places, the Stadio Olimpico outfit have done so well in Serie A that they are now considered serious title contenders.

A four-match winning run in the league came at an end this weekend as the team were held to 2-2 draw by Palermo, but a match against weakened Juventus could be a perfect opportunity to return to winning ways.

After suffering a real scare against Siena in the last 16 stage, Lazio eased off to the Coppa Italia semi-finals by defeating Catania at home, and they are now in a great position to fight for the first trophy of the season.

Considering the circumstances, there may be some value in backing the Biancocelesti not to lose, at odds of 2.40 (7/5) offered at bet365.

Miroslav Klose and Abdoulay Konko are still few days away from returning to the side, while Ederson and Ogenyi Onazi remain sidelined.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Bizzarri – Cavanda, Dias, Biava, Radu – Ledesma, Gonzalez – Mauri, Hernanes, Candreva – Floccari.

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