Juventus Coach Massimiliano Allegri could deploy a midfield diamond against Olympiacos, as his side looks to overcome their European woes.
The Bianconeri usually operate in a 3-5-2 system, but the formation has attracted criticism as unworkable in Europe.
Juventus Coach Massimiliano Allegri could deploy a midfield diamond against Olympiacos, as his side looks to overcome their European woes.
The Bianconeri usually operate in a 3-5-2 system, but the formation has attracted criticism as unworkable in Europe.
Now reports suggest that a spate of defensive injuries could force Allegri’s hand, with the tactician setting his team out in a 4-3-1-2 formation against their Greek Champions League opponents.
The Gazzetta dello Sport suggest that with Angelo Ogbonna doubtful and Andrea Barzagli, Martin Caceres and Luca Marrone certain to miss the game through injury, Allegri will deploy a back four system.
The Corriere dello Sport notes that Juventus practised this formation in yesterday’s training session, with Simone Padoin filling in at left-back, Stephan Lichtsteiner at right-back and a central defence of Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci.
Such a change would allow the former Milan Coach to include all of his star midfielders in the starting XI, with Andrea Pirlo operating at the base of a midfield diamond, Claudio Marchisio at the top and Arturo Vidal and Paul Pogba marshalling central midfield.
Both Tuttosport and Corriere dello Sport believe that should Ogbonna be declared fit, Allegri will stick with the 3-5-2 formation, but similarly do not rule out the use of a 4-3-1-2 system.
Should the Coach stick with three central midfielders, Arturo Vidal is the man expected to miss out, with Roberto Pereyra possibly being included at right-wing-back rather than Lichtsteiner.
Whatever the formation, Alvaro Morata’s showing in the 2-0 victory over Empoli is expected to see him partner Carlos Tevez in attack at the expense of Fernando Llorente.
Probable Juventus XI to face Olympiacos: Buffon; Ogbonna, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio, Pereyra; Morata, Tevez