As Serie A action resumes this weekend, Juventus will be looking to halt their recent slide when they host Empoli at the Allianz Stadium on Sunday. The Bianconeri, under increasing pressure after a string of disappointing results, face an Empoli side battling to avoid relegation but with a history of causing upsets in Turin.
Thiago Motta’s tenure at Juventus has hit a rough patch, with the team winless in their last three matches across all competitions. A 2-1 defeat to league leaders Napoli last week was followed by a 2-0 loss to Benfica in the Champions League, dropping Juventus to 20th in the final standings of the competition’s league phase.
The Old Lady’s domestic form has been equally concerning. With only eight victories in 22 Serie A matches, Juventus find themselves in fifth place, a far cry from their usual title-challenging position. Motta now bears the unwanted distinction of having the third-lowest win percentage of any permanent manager in Juventus’ illustrious history.
Despite these setbacks, Juventus remain the only unbeaten team at home in Serie A this season, a record they’ll be keen to maintain against Empoli.
Empoli arrive in Turin in the midst of their own crisis, winless in their last seven Serie A matches. The Azzurri’s recent 1-1 draw with Bologna offered a glimmer of hope, but their overall form – particularly at home – has left them perilously close to the relegation zone.
Interestingly, Empoli have fared better on their travels this season, which could provide some optimism for their visit to the Allianz Stadium. The visitors can also draw confidence from their recent record against Juventus, having lost just one of their last four league encounters with the Bianconeri.
The Bianconeri are looking to bounce back after a 2-0 defeat against Benfica in the Champions League on Wednesday, and pre-match reports suggest that Motta could name a rotated side after the mid-week slip.
Renato Veiga could come in for his debut in defence, while Timothy Weah could also start at full-back again as he did against Benfica.
Manuel Locatelli is expected to return in midfield alongside Weston Mckennie, likely with Nico Gonzalez, Teun Koopmeiners and Kenan Yildiz in front of them.
Multiple outlets including Sky Sport Italia suggest that Randal Kolo Muani is expected to start up front in place of Vlahovic.
Juventus (4-2-3-1): Di Gregorio; Savona, Gatti, Veiga, Weah; Locatelli, McKennie; N.Gonzalez, Koopmeiners, Yildiz; Kolo Muani.
Empoli (3-5-2): Vasquez; Goglichidze, Ismajli, Marianucci; Gyasi, Henderson, Maleh, Cacace; Esposito, Anjorin; Colombo.
