Juventus are desperate to pick up three points in their must-win Champions League clash with Maccabi Haifa.
The match between the Israeli side and the Bianconeri kicks off at 17.45 UK time at the Sammy Ofer Stadium.
Juventus currently sit four points behind group leaders Paris Saint-Germain and Benfica, making a win over Maccabi Haifa vital as they fight for a spot in the Champions League Round of 16. A loss to the Israeli side would be disastrous for Allegri and his squad and they’ll be hoping for a strong response following their recent loss to Milan.
Mattia De Sciglio, Paul Pogba, Federico Chiesa and Kaio Jorge are all still sidelined with injuries for Juventus, but they can count on a fully fit Wojciech Szczesny. Leonardo Bonucci is not expected to start and will remain on the bench.
Massimiliano Allegri made it clear that he expects his players to put their hearts on the line in Israel as they fight for a vital three points.
“We need heart and passion, it’s a part of a path after many years of victories. We put in all our love and the passion that Juventus deserve, but we must do more and more, regain self-esteem and return to the previous standards.”
Adrien Rabiot highlighted the importance of a win over Maccabi Haifa in the race for a Round of 16 spot.
“We all want to react and do well, we want to win to believe in the qualification. We are talking, not everything goes well even when we win.
“We must isolate the problems on the pitch. We are a nice group and we are working well in training, so we must do the same during games.”
Probable Juventus line-up for Champions League clash against Maccabi Haifa
Juventus (4-3-3): Szczesny; Cuadrado, Bremer, Danilo, Alex Sandro; McKennie, Paredes, Rabiot; Di Maria, Vlahovic, Kostic.
cmon danilo ahead off gatti and mckennie ahead of locatelli in his normal position