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Juventus probable XI to face Lazio

Max Statman

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The Serie A season is in full swing, and fans are eagerly anticipating the exciting matchup between Juventus and Lazio.

As the 2023-24 Serie A campaign kicks off, Juventus finds themselves in an interesting position.

While they are yet to secure their first home win of the season, they have already accumulated six points from two impressive away fixtures.

Their most recent victory, a 2-0 triumph over Empoli, showcased their defensive prowess with another clean sheet. So far this season, Juventus has conceded just one goal, highlighting their defensive solidity.

Allegri’s Juventus would mark three clean sheets in their first four matches for the second consecutive year. This strategy heavily relies on the fitness and form of their attacking duo, Federico Chiesa and Dusan Vlahovic.

Federico Chiesa, who has been plagued by injuries, missed Italy’s Euro 2024 qualifiers due to an adductor problem.

However, he is now back and available for the clash against Lazio. Chiesa’s recent form has been impressive, with six goal involvements in his last eight Serie A appearances. His return will be a significant boost for Juventus.

Historically, Juventus has had the upper hand against Lazio, winning nine out of 12 attempts since moving to the Allianz Stadium in 2011.

Although Lazio secured a 2-1 victory in their most recent league meeting, Juventus had previously dominated with four wins and two draws in their six encounters.

This history could play a crucial role in boosting Juventus’ confidence.

However, not everything is smooth sailing for Juventus. The recent doping charge against Paul Pogba has cast a shadow over the team. Allegri must ensure that the team remains focused amid the off-field distractions.

Team news and probable starting lineup

Paul Pogba’s absence due to a doping ban is a significant blow to Juventus. On the positive side, Federico Chiesa is back in action, and his presence will be vital.

With first-choice goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny’s return from injury and Federico Gatti’s recovery, the team is looking more solid. The only long-term absentee is Mattia De Sciglio.

Probable Juventus line-up: Szczesny; Gatti, Bremer, Danilo; McKennie, Fagioli, Locatelli, Rabiot, Kostic; Chiesa, Vlahovic.

Match Coverages

Match preview: Juventus v Lecce – Redemption beckons for the bianconeri

Max Statman

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After a stunning defeat last weekend, Juventus is eager to regain their momentum on Tuesday evening when they host the Serie A high-flyers, Lecce, at the Allianz Stadium in Turin.

Juventus makes their way back to their home ground, licking their wounds after suffering a shocking loss to Sassuolo that ended their unbeaten streak.

In contrast, their southern opponents, Lecce, have been a force to be reckoned with, boasting three wins from five matches and remaining undefeated.

Before their unfortunate downfall in Sassuolo, Juventus appeared to be on the path to a promising season start that could potentially put them back in the Scudetto contention after several years of decline.

However, the manner in which they crumbled, including a bizarre own goal by Federico Gatti during second-half stoppage time, has raised concerns for head coach Max Allegri.

Probable lineup and team news

With a crucial match ahead against Atalanta on the weekend, Juventus can’t afford to underestimate Lecce. Max Allegri’s rotation may be relatively limited on Tuesday, with Tim Weah expected to feature on the right flank.

Arkadiusz Milik and Nicolo Fagioli are pushing hard for a spot in the starting lineup. Unfortunately, injuries continue to sideline defensive duo Alex Sandro and Mattia De Sciglio, while Paul Pogba is dealing with a doping case, and Moise Kean’s availability remains uncertain.

Dušan Vlahović, meanwhile, is also expected to start from. the bench as a precaution.

Juventus pobable starting XI: Szczesny; Rugani, Bremer, Danilo; Weah, Fagioli, Locatelli, Rabiot, Cambiaso; Milik, Chiesa.

Key players to watch

Federico Chiesa, in stellar form with four goals in his first five matches, is expected to lead Juventus’ attacking charge. Going up against Lecce’s rock-solid defense, which has conceded just four goals in five games, will be a stern test for the Italian striker.

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Match Coverages

Match report: Sassuolo triumphs over Juventus in thrilling 4-2 encounter

Max Statman

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In a highly anticipated Serie A showdown, Sassuolo hosted Juventus, resulting in a remarkable 4-2 victory for the home side. The match, although not destined for football history, was a rollercoaster of emotions that showcased the unpredictability of the sport.

The contest began with both teams displaying intent and attacking prowess. However, it was Sassuolo’s Armand Laurienté who drew first blood. His right-footed strike from the edge of the area found its way past Wojciech Szczesny, who appeared caught off guard. This early setback put Juventus on the back foot.

Undeterred by the early deficit, Juventus fought their way back into the game. A stroke of luck came their way when Matias Vina, Sassuolo’s defender, inadvertently deflected a Federico Chiesa cross into his own net, leveling the score at 1-1. This fortunate turn of events breathed new life into the Bianconeri.

Domenico Berardi, celebrating his 300th Serie A appearance, had a night to remember. The Sassuolo captain marked the occasion with an outstanding goal, sweeping the ball into the far bottom corner with finesse. It was a fitting tribute to his career with the Neroverdi.

With the match hanging in the balance, Federico Chiesa emerged as Juventus’ savior. His first-time strike from 14 yards, aided by a slight deflection, beat the goalkeeper at the near post. Chiesa’s goal leveled the score once more at 2-2, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion.

Sassuolo refused to back down and seized the lead once again. Matheus Henrique’s brilliant playmaking set up Domenico Berardi for his second goal of the match. However, the real twist came when Andrea Pinamonti capitalized on Szczesny’s fumble, heading the ball into the net to give Sassuolo a 3-2 lead.

In an unforgettable turn of events, Fabio Gatti added a bizarre chapter to the match. Under pressure from Matheus Henrique, Gatti calmly passed the ball into his own empty net, sealing Sassuolo’s 4-2 triumph. It was a moment that left both teams and fans in disbelief.

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Match Coverages

Max Allegri talks the match against Sassuolo, injury updates, this season ambitions and more

Max Statman

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Juventus head coach Max Allegri held a comprehensive press conference today, addressing various aspects of the team’s current situation and their upcoming match against Sassuolo.

With a mix of tactical insights, player updates, and a focus on the team’s ambitions, Allegri gave an intriguing glimpse into the mindset of the club.

Allegri began by emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus despite early-season success, saying, “Tomorrow, we’ll need to stay alert; there’s too much euphoria. It’s nice, but it risks taking away our focus. We’re only in the fifth match; we need calmness.”

He continued by discussing the squad’s composition, especially with younger talents, noting, “The responsibilities when playing for Juventus belong to everyone, not just the young players. It’s normal to expect some mistakes due to inexperience from the younger ones, but fortunately, we have a group of experienced players who help and encourage them. All our young talents are growing, and that’s important.”

Allegri also addressed the team’s pursuit of Champions League qualification, emphasizing the significance of this goal, both economically and for sporting ambitions: “This year, we don’t have any cups, but it’s crucial to qualify for the Champions League next year, both for financial reasons and sporting ambitions.”

The coach elaborated on the team’s playing style, commenting, “Our style of play? As I’ve mentioned before, it’s a matter of the squad’s composition. This year, we’ve lost some experience but gained enthusiasm and dynamism.”

In terms of upcoming matches, Allegri acknowledged the tight schedule, mentioning the game against Lecce on Tuesday and the need to manage the squad effectively: “On Tuesday, there’s a game with only three days in between, which won’t happen often this year. For now, we focus on tomorrow, and then tomorrow night, we’ll think about Tuesday.”

When asked about individual players, Allegri provided updates, including Vlahovic and Chiesa’s availability, as well as Huijsen’s inclusion due to Alex Sandro’s absence: “Vlahovic and Chiesa had some minor issues, but they are fully available. Huijsen will be with us from now on because Alex Sandro will be out for quite some time.”

Allegri also commented on the visit from Spalletti, showing his commitment to assisting players in reaching the national team: “Spalletti’s visit was very pleasing to me. We are available to ensure that our players are in the best position to represent the national team and perform well.”

The press conference concluded with Allegri emphasizing the importance of balance and consistency: “The strength of a team and a club lies in having balance. Results are achieved through balance. A win or a loss should not sway us.”

Allegri’s words reflect a determined and focused Juventus side as they prepare for their clash against Sassuolo. The coach’s careful management and emphasis on the team’s long-term goals set the tone for the upcoming matches in their quest for Champions League qualification.

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