Juventus legend Claudio Marchisio explains why the Bianconeri could suffer against Torino tonight and insists the Old Lady can’t afford to lose Paulo Dybala and Matthijs de Ligt.
The former Italy midfielder spent almost his entire playing career at Juventus, making his senior debut in 2006-07 in Serie B after coming through the club’s academy.
Born and raised in Turin, he played the Debry della Mole at youth and senior level and although the Bianconeri are usually the favourites against their city rivals, Marchisio expects a tough game for Max Allegri’s men tonight.
“The first goal will be decisive. Juventus must take the lead,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“This Juventus side have lost a little bit their ability to recover when they go down. They are without Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini and Federico Bernardeschi. It’s a problem.”
Marchisio believes that Allegri will rest Vlahovic, Dybala or Morata ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash will Villareal, but according to the latest reports, they will all start against Ivan Juric’s side today.
“Juventus have enthusiasm, the atmosphere in the dressing room has changed,” he continued.
“However, Inter have a better team and Milan play better football, so I think they are still superior to the Old Lady.”
How about Dybala? His contract runs out in the summer. Will he stay in Turin?
“I think that Juventus must build a solid basis of players, they must do it now so they can’t lose players like Dybala or De Ligt because of their talent and age. With Dusan Vlahovic and Federico Chiesa, they are the future.”
De Ligt’s contract in Turin expires in June 2024 but he’ll have a €125m release clause included in his contract from the summer and Chelsea are the most interested clubs in securing his services in the summer and one of the few clubs in Europe who can afford his signature.