Luca Toni thought Hellas Verona would be doomed to the drop this season, but was pleasantly surprised and hopes they can trip up Juventus tonight.
It kicks off this evening at 19.45 GMT, click here for a match preview.
Now retired hitman Toni played for both Juve and Verona, so gave his unique insight into the game in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Luca Toni thought Hellas Verona would be doomed to the drop this season, but was pleasantly surprised and hopes they can trip up Juventus tonight.
It kicks off this evening at 19.45 GMT, click here for a match preview.
Now retired hitman Toni played for both Juve and Verona, so gave his unique insight into the game in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“I will never forget the affection of the Stadio Bentegodi crowd, especially as I arrived there in a sceptical atmosphere, as people said I was too old,” said the 2006 World Cup winner.
“Instead, Verona was the city where I experienced a second run at youth, the place where I was reborn after a series of negative experiences.”
Hellas really did represent a rebirth, as Toni scored 51 goals in 100 games for the club, compared to just two in 16 Juventus appearances.
“I joined Juventus in the wrong period, really. The team from January to June 2011 was not up to the standards of previous years, I was often injured and only scored a couple of goals.
“There was worse to come when Antonio Conte arrived, as I was not in his plans and didn’t play a single minute. It’s understandable, the coach has the right to make his decisions and Conte has proved himself to be a great tactician. I left in January without a fuss.”
Now 42, Toni had a brief spell on the Hellas Verona directorial staff after retirement in 2016.
“Juve are clearly the favourites this evening, but have to be wary. Verona are the revelation of the Serie A season. Everyone, including myself, had them as prime candidates for relegation, but they are having an incredible campaign.
“Verona have a lot of interesting players, including Sofyan Amrabat, Marash Kumbulla, Marco Silvestri and my old Genoa teammate Miguel Veloso.
“I still speak often with Giampaolo Pazzini, as he desperately wants to play and prove what he can do, especially as he scored three goals this season with only a few run-outs. I’d always play Pazzini, but then again, I am biased…"