Juventus.com takes a look at Hellas Verona trio Rafael, Panagiotis Tachtsidis and Luca Toni in the feature’s final installment of the 2014/15 season
Sole Scudetto winners in 1985, Hellas Verona approach their final match of this domestic term 13th in Italy’s top flight with 45 points.
Since reconfirming their Serie A safety for a third consecutive season last month, the Gialloblu’s recent form has been indifferent, winning one, drawing three and losing one of their previous five domestic encounters.
Andrea Mandorlini’s men, however, will want to bring their campaign to a close in style when a Juventus side, who are unbeaten in their last five league games, arrive in Veneto on Saturday evening.
Verona will also be out improve a record which has seen them pick up just two points in their previous seven league meetings with the Bianconeri, and claiming a positive result up against the newly-crowned champions would be a step in the right direction.
Juventus.com casts a glace over veteran goalkeeper Rafael, midfield enforcer Panagiotis Tachtsidis and evergreen forward Luca Toni who will all be endeavouring to make life difficult for Massimiliano Allegri’s troops at the Bentegodi.
Name: Rafael
Age: 33
Position: Goalkeeper
Brazilian shotstopper Rafael is now in his eighth season at the club after signing from Sao Bento back in 2007.
The 33-year-old was virtually an ever-present during Hellas’ first campaign back in the big time and has made over 250 appearances for the Bentegodi outfit.
Despite being the Gialloblu’s customary number one, Rafael has played in 19 league games, sharing the responsibility alongside Francesco Benussi this term.
The ex-Santos star put in a man of the match performance during last month’s surprise 1-0 victory away at Fiorentina.
Name: Panagiotis Tachtsidis
Age: 24
Position: Defensive/Central midfielder
Tough tackler Tachtsidis is coming towards the end of a season-long loan from fellow Serie A outfit Genoa.
Normally deployed in front of the defence, the 23-year old is known for his combative nature and ability to break up play and begin attacks.
The midfielder, who possesses excellent passing ability, has also chipped in with three goals and two assists in 33 appearances this campaign, instilling himself as a firm fans’ favourite.
Tachtsidis played in all four of Greece’s matches at the 2014 World Cup before they were eliminated 5-3 on penalties by Costa Rica at the last 16 stage.
Name: Luca Toni
Age: 38
Position: Striker
Club captain Toni is the team’s main marksman and at the grand old age of 38, continues to demonstrate his eye for goal, bagging 41 goals over the last two Serie A seasons, more than any player.
A World Cup winner in 2006, the former Juventus forward– who spent 12 months in Turin – currently leads the top flight’s scoring charts with 21 strikes, one ahead of Argentinean duo Carlos Tevez and Mauro Icardi.
With strength, aerial prowess and power, the former Bayern Munich man has become a handful for defenders to mark over the years and will be the main individual to keep tabs on in Veneto on Saturday evening.