Today’s training session will be decisive for the fitness of midfielder Manuel Locatelli for tomorrow’s Serie A match between Juventus and Inter Milan.
This according to today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews.
Locatelli is still a doubt for Juventus ahead of the Derby d’Italia tomorrow.
The 25-year-old is still suffering pain from a fractured rib.
This injury was enough to rule him out of international duty over the break. Locatelli was not part of the Italy squad that scraped qualification for the Euros against North Macedonia and Italy.
The Azzurri managed to cope without Locatelli.
But for Juventus, it would be if anything even more difficult.
Locatelli has been an absolutely crucial player for the Bianconeri this season.
Juventus coach Max Allegri has deployed the former AC Milan and Sassuolo player as the regista at the base of the midfield trio.
Locatelli has been an important presence both in and out of possession.
Defensively, the 25-year-old’s physicality, height, and defensive instincts have provided an important screen in front of the back three. Locatelli has more than played his part in the Bianconeri’s recent run of clean sheets.
And in possession, Locatelli’s range of passing has been Juventus’s creative heartbeat.
Today’s Training Decisive For Manuel Locatelli Fitness For Juventus Vs Inter Clash
According to the Gazzetta, Locatelli is training today.
But the 25-year-old has been in need of physical protections for his rib injury.
There has still been pain for Locatelli due to the injury.
One thing that looks clear is that, one way or the other, the Bianconeri midfielder will not be feeling at his best tomorrow. And that the decision will come down to the wire.
But seeing how Locatelli responds to today’s training could be the key factor.
With a day to go, it is now or never for the Juventus midfielder.