Juventus vs. SPAL: Predictions, what to watch in Coppa Italia

Juventus will face SPAL in the Coppa Italia quarterfinals after getting past Genoa in extra time a couple of weeks ago. The Bianconeri are also fresh off a Serie A victory over Bologna, as well as a Supercoppa Italiana victory over Napoli.

Meanwhile, SPAL knocked out Sassuolo in the Round of 16 and are currently fifth in Serie B. They will be huge underdogs in this cup tie, though they proved that they can be dangerous by shutting down Sassuolo.

Juventus Players To Watch

Radu Dragusin is the first player to watch in Wednesday night’s Coppa Italia fixture after impressing in the win over Genoa. He is another talented young center back to watch closely in Turin, and while minutes are hard to come by, he is a player whom Juve must do what they can to keep. Alarm bells should go off in the minds of Juventini when a team like RB Leipzig is interested.

Dejan Kulusevski is another player to watch closely for Juventus, because Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to get a full game of rest. Juve tried to rest Ronaldo against Genoa, but that didn’t last since the team struggled so much and needed him to help create the winning goal. Kulusevski was amazing in the first half against Genoa, but he was horrible in the second 45. He needs to prove he can be great over the course of a full 90 minutes.

Stat To Know

SPAL may have tied Cremonese on Sunday, but they are still undefeated in 2021 with that one draw and three wins.

SPAL Star Player

Alberto Paloschi has six goals and two assists in all competitions this season for SPAL, per FBRef.com, and he is averaging 0.55 goals per 90 minutes and 0.73 goals and assists per 90. Juve’s center backs must keep him quiet to avoid an upset.

Juventus vs. SPAL Prediction

SPAL have not lost to Juventus by more than two goals since 2017, and they are in a good run of form. They will play the Bianconeri tough on Wednesday, but Juventus are the much stronger side and should make it through. Chalk this one up as a 2-1 win for Juve.