Team News: Juventus stick with Fernando Llorente for Empoli clash

Juventus have opted for Fernando Llorente to partner Carlos Tevez in attack as they try to close in on the Serie A title by beating Empoli.

The ex-Athletic Bilbao frontman retains his place in the starting lineup at the expense of fellow Spaniard Alvaro Morata.

Veteran midfielder Andrea Pirlo is not risked for the game as he continues his recovery from calf problem, while Claudio Marchisio is likely to be out of action for much of 2015.

Giorgio Chiellini is named on the bench for the Bianconeri, with Massimiliano Allegri perhaps having one eye on the Champions League tie with Monaco.

Empoli, currently 11 points clear of the relegation zone, name an unchanged side from the team which beat Sassuolo before the international break.

Juventus: Buffon, Ogbonna, Barzagli, Bonucci, Padoin, Vidal, Lichsteiner, Sturaro, Evra, Tevez, Llorente

Empoli: Sepe, Mario Rui, Hysaj, Rugani, Barba, Croce, Valdifiori, Vecino, Saponara, Maccarone, Pucciarelli