Juventus will have to overcome injuries to beat Lecce on Friday night.
On Monday, Juventus got off to the right start in Serie A’s return, defeating Bologna despite not looking 100 percent sharp. Maurizio Sarri continues to experience problems in his midfield, with Miralem Pjanic providing yet another subpar performance. However, a strong defense and individual brilliance from Paulo Dybala and Federico Bernardeschi carried the day.
Heading into Friday’s game against Lecce, Juve have just one healthy fullback in Juan Cuadrado. Alex Sandro suffered an injury in the Coppa Italia final, Mattia De Sciglio went down against Bologna, and Danilo got himself red-carded and suspended against Lecce.
Here’s a look at how the Old Lady could line up on Friday vs. Lecce.
GK Wojciech Szczesny
Wojciech Szczesny is an all-important player for Juventus. He wasn’t tested on Monday against Bologna, as the defense did an excellent job of taking Riccardo Orsolini out of the game. Riccardo Saponara, Filippo Falco, Gianluca Lapadula, and Marco Mancosu, however, could cause more problems on Friday.
LB Blaise Matuidi
Juve have no choice but to start Blaise Matuidi at left back against Lecce with Alex Sandro, Mattia De Sciglio, and Danilo all out. As it is, Juve need a backup left back, as they’ve been using right backs to play on the left whenever Alex Sandro cannot start. Let’s see what Matuidi, who is a left-sided center midfielder, can offer. He should be able to get the job done.
CB Leonardo Bonucci
Leonardo Bonucci is the least of Juve’s concerns at this time. The 33-year-old center back has been solid since Italian football’s return, picking up where he left off before March.
CB Matthijs de Ligt
Recently, Matthijs de Ligt has been the Bianconeri’s best defensive player. He was playing at a high level against Bologna, intercepting passes, blocking shots, and doing everything he could to keep Bologna out of the penalty area.
RB Juan Cuadrado
With Blaise Matuidi starting at left back, Juan Cuadrado will remain as important in starting attacks for the Bianconeri as he was on Monday with Mattia De Sciglio starting. Per WhoScored.com, Cuadrado is the highest-rated starter in the team’s back four. He’s coming off a strong game against Bologna, both in terms of offensive and defensive output.