Thiago Motta explains his surprising changes to the Juventus starting XI for tonight’s trip to Inter. ‘We must above all be aware of Inter’s transitions.’
It kicks off at San Siro at 17.00 GMT.
The Bianconeri were shaken midweek by a surprise 1-0 Champions League home defeat to VfB Stuttgart, but the coach is eager to cast that aside.
“The Champions League is the past now, we are concentrated on today. There’s a great atmosphere, perfect to play football and stay focused, trying to bring the game our way, paying attention to the details,” Thiago Motta told Sky Sport Italia.
“We must above all be aware of Inter’s transitions. They are physically very strong, recover the ball and surge forward in numbers with pace, so that is where we must be wary.”
Thiago Motta identifies Inter strengths
Kenan Yildiz is dropped to the bench for only the second time this season, using Nicolò Fagioli as a trequartista, plus Tim Weah and Francisco Conceicao on the flanks.
Danilo also steps into the defence for injured Gleison Bremer. Was squad rotation and fitness a concern in making these decisions?
“It is fitness levels too, although Kenan is fine and Timothy has recovered from his injury. He starts tonight and I am sure he will do very well, while Kenan can give us alternatives for the second half, as a striker or a midfielder.”
Speaking earlier to Sky Sport Italia, Tim Weah confirmed he will be on the left flank up against Denzel Dumfries.
Dusan Vlahovic has seemed at times isolated in attack for Juventus so far this season, so how does Thiago Motta plan to change that?
“It is about playing collectively and providing the right support for Dusan. Inter will defend deep and so we need to make vertical passes to find those spaces for Dusan.”
Not Danilo 🤦🏻♂️