Massimiliano Allegri has some selection dilemmas ahead of tonight’s clash with Real Madrid.
Words: Elio Salerno
Juventus are becoming accustomed to the latter stages of Europe’s elite football competition with this their third Champions League quarter final appearance in the last four seasons. The draw pitted them against the kings of Europe and a familiar adversary in the shape of 12 times winners Real Madrid.
Massimiliano Allegri has some selection dilemmas ahead of tonight’s clash with Real Madrid.
Words: Elio Salerno
Juventus are becoming accustomed to the latter stages of Europe’s elite football competition with this their third Champions League quarter final appearance in the last four seasons. The draw pitted them against the kings of Europe and a familiar adversary in the shape of 12 times winners Real Madrid.
It was under a year ago that Los Blancos ran riot in Cardiff against the Bianconeri. Last seasons Champions League final defeat is still fresh in the minds for many of the Juventus faithful. All those connected to The Old Lady will perhaps see this two-legged affair against the same opponent as a chance to put some demons to rest from that second half in the Welsh capital.
Max Allegri does have a couple of selection issues to resolve prior to the first leg, as two of his key players – Medhi Benatia and Miralem Pjanic – are suspended for the game at the Allianz Stadium. Alex Sandro and Mario Mandzukic have shaken off injuries in time and have been included in the squad.
In his press conference Allegri alluded to the fact his side would have to be “Very good as a unit” to stop the “extraordinary” goal machine that is Cristiano Ronaldo. Gigi Buffon will start and hope to stop a certain Portuguese striker that has given him “sleepless nights”. Mattia De Sciglio will return at right back after being rested at the weekend. On the opposite side of the defence, Alex Sandro is expected to slip back into his usual slot at left back in place of Kwadwo Asamoah.
There is no doubt that the colossal Giorgio Chiellini will play in the centre of the defence but Chiellini’s boss left us guessing as to who will partner him. Allegri stated that he “will have to evaluate between Daniele Rugani and Andrea Barzagli” but early indications are that the veteran Barzagli will start over his Italian teammate.
In midfield Juventus have a giant Miralem Pjanic shaped hole to fill, the Bosnian has been a key man for his team this season and will be sorely missed in the first leg. The potential replacements are clear; it will be Claudio Marchisio or Rodrigo Bentancur with Mister Allegri deciding which one of the two will play tomorrow. It is rumoured that Uruguayan talent Bentancur will get the nod and his substitute appearance during the game with Milan was perhaps an indication to this. The usual pair of Sami Khedira and Blaise Matuidi will occupy their regular positions on the right and left of the midfield three.
The Juventus coach mentioned that he will have to “evaluate who will play up-front” but it appears clear who will make up his attacking trio. Paulo Dybala received high praise for his performance in Saturday evenings home win and Allegri is expecting that his number 10 “will play a great game tomorrow”. Gonzalo Higuain was instrumental in Juve’s progression to the quarter final with three goals and the tie winning assist against Spurs. The number 9 would love nothing more than to score against his old side and he will spearhead the attack.
Douglas Costa swung the game in his side's favour at the weekend and brought a different dimension to the Bianconeri attack. The lighting fast Brazillian will complete a dangerous looking attacking line-up. Mario Mandzukic and Juan Cuadrado will provide strong options from the bench should the team need fresh impetuous in forward areas.
Probable Juventus XI:
Buffon; De Sciglio, Barzagli, Chiellini, Alex Sandro; Khedira, Bentancur, Matuidi; Douglas Costa, Higuain, Dybala