EUROPA LEAGUE: STADIO OLIMPICO DI TORINO, THURSDAY MARCH 11, 2010, KICK-OFF 2005 GMT
FULHAM:
A trip to Juventus once seemed beyond the wildest dreams of any Fulham supporter, but as they continue their adventure on the continent it seems nothing can faze their players.
A Europa League tie in Turin not only brings home the full extent of Roy Hodgson's success in West London, but also hands an incredible opportunity to Jonathan Greening, who is in line to deputise for suspended captain Danny Murphy in midfield.
Murphy was sent off as Fulham progressed through to the last 16 with a 3-2 aggregate success against the UEFA Cup holders Shakhtar Donetsk.
Greening now has the responsibility of overcoming one of the most respected sides in the history of Italian football, but he refuses to be overawed.
"It's just what dreams are made of," Greening said, as he set off for Turin. "If we can put in a good performance like we did against Shakhtar – then everything is possible.
"We're well prepared under the gaffer because everyone knows their jobs. I knew we would be in Europe this year and that's one of the reasons I came to Fulham.
"Danny's captain and has been playing well – but it gives me a chance to come in and do well. Every player wants to play in these type of games."
Manager Hodgson took Inter Milan to the UEFA Cup final in 1997, and will realise success here would leave his Fulham side in the frame to reach their first ever European final.
Defender John Pantsil said: "He has time for each and every player. He has changed the team, he has lifted the team to a certain level. His training makes us feel more relaxed and more comfortable with our positions on the pitch. He is experienced. He knows how to coach his players to play European football."
Strategy: It would be tempting to sit back and frustrate the Italians, but on the evidence of past showings in Europe this season Fulham will try and take the game to Juve. Bobby Zamora will provide a presence in attack that Fulham will use as their focal point, with Damien Duff being told to take on his full-back and deliver as many crosses as possible from every angle in a bid to cause havoc in the Juve back line.
Injury Update: Paul Konchesky is back in the reckoning following a spell on the sidelines with a calf and ankle problem, while the game is also likely to come slightly too soon for Clint Dempsey. Pantsil remains in the treatment room with a knee problem, and forward Andrew Johnson is out for the rest of the season.
JUVENTUS:
The Old Lady have won only one of their last six European home games. That came against Maccabi Haifa as they picked up a 1-0 win in this season's UEFA Champions League group stage. Four of their other home encounters have ended in a draw, giving Fulham extra reason to believe they can take something from the game.
Coach Alberto Zaccheroni came on board recently, and though he is not considered a long term appointment, his impact has been impressive and Juve have moved up to fifth in Serie A. They beat Ajax in the last round, but will be missing key midfield player Felipe Melo through suspension for the first-leg.
