Juventus Predicted Starting XI against Lecce: Blaise Matuidi at left back
LW Cristiano Ronaldo
Although Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first goal since Italian football returned by converting a penalty against Bologna to make up for his miss vs. Milan, the Portuguese star has been quite disappointing lately. Ronaldo looked dangerous against Bologna and was far more threatening than in either of the Coppa Italia fixtures against Napoli and Milan, but he also squandered easy chances, including one set on a platter by Federico Bernardeschi. If Juventus are to win the title, Ronaldo needs to play like the best player in Serie A.
CF Paulo Dybala
In the middle of the attacking trident to enable Cristiano Ronaldo to play his best football on the left, Paulo Dybala has been the true star man for Juve’s attack over the past three games. Dybala’s creativity, dribbling skills, work rate, and technical quality have a way of stealing the show. He had the highlight of the night against Bologna, scoring a tremendous curler to make the game 2-0 in the first half. Lecce know that they cannot afford to give this 26-year-old superstar an inch of space against them.
RW Federico Bernardeschi
Federico Benardeschi looks so much more comfortable on the wing than playing in a No. 10 role, and he produced what was easily his best game of the 2019-2020 season at Bologna. His backheel assist for Dybala’s goal was cleverly done, and he created so many chances for his teammates, leading the way with four key passes. Bernardeschi’s technical quality and intelligence in the attacking third were apparent, and he should have had more than the one assist. Look for him to continue to start vs. Lecce, with Douglas Costa being an all-important “super sub” in the five-sub period.