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Juventus’ start to the Serie A season has been pitiful and they will be aiming to return to winning ways when their Champions League campaign gets going against Malmo on Tuesday.
Despite their domestic struggles, the Old Lady go into this one as clear favourites – but they will have to cope without their injured star man Federico Chiesa.
Here is the starting XI Max Allegri is most likely to select ahead of his first Champions League game since returning to the club.
Wojciech Szczesny (GK) – He made a string of howlers against Napoli last time out but with no one in the squad worthy of replacing him, Szczesny will continue between the sticks.
Danilo (RB) – A guaranteed starter when fit, he is also capable of playing in midfield if required.
Matthijs de Ligt (CB) – Few could argue against De Ligt having the potential to be one of the world’s best defenders in the future. However, he has not reached those heights in Turin quite yet.
Leonardo Bonucci (CB) – Bonucci appears to be just ahead of best mate Giorgio Chiellini at present, so he should got the nod against Malmo.
Alex Sandro (LB) – Like Danilo, Alex Sandro was rested for the Napoli defeat as he was late returning from international duty. Time will tell whether that was the right call.
Juan Cuadrado (RM) – Cuadrado is one of Juventus’ most reliable performers and Allegri will be delighted to have him back, after a delayed return from international duty.
Manuel Locatelli (CM) – Aaron Ramsey will be pushing for a start but he rarely plays back-to-back games. Locatelli can also offer Juventus extra control in the middle, though they will lose something in the final third.
Rodrigo Bentancur (CM) – Another one of Juventus’ South American contingent who returned to Italy late, Bentancur will go straight back into the side here.
Dejan Kulusevski (LM) – Chiesa’s absence means the left-wing berth is pretty open. Federico Bernardeschi started against Napoli but we reckon Allegri will opt for the exciting Kulusevski for this one.
Paulo Dybala (ST) – With Cristiano Ronaldo gone, there is pressure on Dybala to produce regularly this season. He will want to prove he’s got what it takes by getting off to a good start in Europe.
Alvaro Morata (ST) – The selfless Morata managed six goals in the Champions League last season and he will need to reproduce that form if he wants to earn a permanent move to Turin in the summer.
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