Real Madrid will travel to Turin to take on Juventus for the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals. Here is everything you need to know about the Italian side.
Real Madrid will face off against Juventus in a rematch of the 2017 Champions League Final in Cardiff. Many might argue that Juventus are a shadow of their former self. Let us not forget that they are The Old Lady, one of the most consistent team’s in Europe.
Juve is a bit light weighted at the moment when it comes to personnel available for this humongous game at the Juventus Stadium. Defender Mehdi Benatia and star midfielder, Miralem Pjanic, are both suspended due to their accumulation of yellow cards in the competition. In addition, Giorgio Chiellini, Alex Sandro, and Rodrigo Bentancur are a booking away from suspension. Consequently, Juventus have to be really, really careful defensively.
In terms of injury, manager Massimiliano Allegri will have the services of Juan Cuadrado and Benardeschi for this game.
However, Mario Mandzukic could be a doubt for the game as he did not participate in any training sessions following the international break. It remains to be seen if the Croatian will be fit ahead of this key fixture, as there is no statement from Juve on his availability.
Probable Formation
Juve is probably most fluid when it comes to switching formations mid-game. Based on the eye-test, it seems they are currently playing with a 4-3-3. However, they can switch to a 4-4-2 while pressing the opposition and into a 4-5-1 or 5-4-1 to defend the ball in their own half.
On paper though, Juventus for most of the season have lined up in a 4-3-3. A solid three man midfield of Pjanic, Blaise Matuidi ,and Sami Khedira working behind the strikers.
Given the absence of Pjanic, Allegri might switch to a 4-2-3-1 set-up, with Khedira and Matuidi as the double pivot. Former Real Madrid man, Gonzalo Higuain, might play as a lone striker upfront followed by a line of three attackers – Paulo Dybala, Douglas Costa and Mario Mandzukic, or Juan Cuadrado.
As everyone knows, Allegri is a master tactician and he could spring a surprise or two with his starting line-up. Juve’s game against Spurs in the Round of 16 was a tactical battle between two of the best managers in the game. Juventus was second best for the majority of the tie and were still able to advance – mostly due to Allegri’s tactical flexibility.