After suffering a calamitous defeat over the weekend, Juventus is determined to make a strong comeback as they host high-flying Lecce in Turin on Tuesday evening.
Match Preview
Despite their unbeaten start being torn to shreds by Sassuolo, Juventus still has hopes of challenging for the Scudetto this season.
However, their collapse, which included a bizarre own goal by Federico Gatti during stoppage time, has left head coach Max Allegri concerned.
Although Juventus managed to equalize twice after conceding the opening goal, their performance faltered in the closing stages, resulting in a 4-2 victory for the hosts at Mapei Stadium. This loss marked only their second defeat of the season in Serie A.
Interestingly, Allegri had fielded the same starting lineup for consecutive games for the first time in 112 matches, but his team failed to replicate the form that saw them convincingly beat Lazio just a week earlier.
On a positive note, Federico Chiesa remains fit and in excellent scoring form. He will face the challenge of breaking through one of the league’s most effective defensive setups when Juventus takes on Lecce.
While Juventus conceded four goals in their previous match, Lecce has only conceded the same number of goals in five games.
Therefore, rectifying their defensive woes might not be an easy task for Juventus.
Lecce has had an impressive start to the season, accumulating 11 points from their first five league fixtures.
Under the guidance of new coach Roberto D’Aversa, they sit above Juventus in Serie A’s top four for the first time.
Although Lecce suffered two defeats against Juventus last season, including a 2-1 loss in Turin, their strong performances this season make them a formidable opponent.
They have held Monza and Fiorentina to draws and secured victories over Lazio, Salernitana, and Genoa.
In their recent clash against Genoa, Lecce patiently pressed for a winning goal, which came in the 83rd minute through Remi Oudin’s deflected strike. Summer signing Nikola Krstovic also showcased his skills with several attempts on goal.
Lecce’s fine form will be put to the test as they face two tough matches, starting with Juventus and followed by a visit to Naples to take on last season’s champions.
Team News:
Juventus may not rotate their squad extensively for the match against Lecce, considering the importance of bouncing back from their previous defeat.
Defensive duo Alex Sandro and Mattia De Sciglio remain unavailable due to injury, while Paul Pogba is still involved in a doping case. However, there are no other major absences for Max Allegri.
Tim Weah is expected to start on the right flank, with Arkadiusz Milik and Nicolo Fagioli pushing for more playing time.
Federico Chiesa, despite his strong goal-scoring record, might be rested to prevent any injuries.
Lecce will have Federico Baschirotto back from suspension, boosting their defense. Kastriot Dermaku is also set to return after overcoming a muscular issue.
Lameck Banda will remain sidelined due to a thigh injury. The attacking lineup is likely to remain unchanged, with Remi Oudin hoping to secure a starting spot following his match-winning goal.
Possible Starting Lineups:
Juventus:
Perin;
Rugani, Bremer, Danilo;
Weah, Fagioli, Locatelli, Rabiot, Cambiaso;
Kean, Milik
Lecce:
Falcone;
Gendrey, Pongracic, Baschirotto, Dorgu;
Kaba, Ramadani, Rafia;
Almqvist, Krstovic, Oudin
Prediction:
Juventus is determined to make amends for their recent defeat and will have the home advantage.
Lecce, despite their strong start to the season, has struggled against Juventus in the past.
We predict a hard-fought match, with Juventus emerging as 2-1 winners.
