Max Allegri explains his Juventus choices against Malmo, but also warns the Italian media is excessive in positive and negative treatment of clubs. ‘We leap from total disaster to being revived from death, but it’s neither one.’
It kicks off at 17.45 GMT at the Allianz Juventus Stadium in Turin.
You can follow the build-up and action as it happens on the LIVEBLOG.
Champions League Liveblog: Juventus-Malmo, Atalanta-Villarreal
There are quite a few surprises in the starting XI, as Moise Kean was said to be in doubt with an ankle issue, but he starts rather than Alvaro Morata.
“Kean is fine, Morata has played a lot lately. Koni De Winter is a young lad who is ready for a game like this, we made some changes in midfield with a side that must try to win,” the coach told Sky Sport Italia.
“I am happy that Mattia Perin is playing. Daniele Rugani has done well when called upon, Arthur has his second start tonight after Verona, so needs to get minutes in his legs. We will need everyone to be in good shape.”
Juventus and Inter have already qualified for the Champions League Round of 16, while Atalanta could follow tonight if they beat Villarreal.
After Milan went out of Europe entirely, Allegri said the media response has tended to go too far one way or the other.
“Up until the other night, people said Italian teams were level with all the others, then last night Milan lost to Liverpool. Right now, the English clubs, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and PSG are stronger than the others.
“Milan had a tough Champions League, Atalanta are in the running and we hope they can reach the Round of 16. Inter are already there, so are we, I consider it positive.
“The problem is that in Italy we leap from considering our teams a total disaster or being revived from death. We are neither one, nor the other, it’s just a growth process and at this moment there are teams a step above. We just have to acknowledge that.”