Juventus vs. Parma: 5 key players to watch on Matchday 31

Juventus will face Parma at the Allianz Stadium this Wednesday night amidst no shortage of drama regarding Andrea Agnelli’s decision to help create the European Super League. Therefore, Parma will have extra motivation to upset Juve, beyond the fact that they must scratch and claw for every point in the relegation fight.

Both Parma and Juve lost this weekend. The Bianconeri were without Cristiano Ronaldo and whimpered to defeat against Atalanta, falling to fourth behind the Nerazzurri in the Serie A table. Meanwhile, Parma collapsed to Cagliari in a key battle for survival in the top flight.

Let’s take a look at five key players to watch on Wednesday night when Juve welcome Parma. All choices are based on Sky Sport Italia’s expected lineups.

Juventus CM Arthur Melo

Arthur Melo should be ready to return to the starting XI for the Bianconeri this week. The Brazilian has been missed in midfield, because he is the only man truly capable of picking the ball up from deep and controlling the match. Although Arthur has his weaknesses when it comes to creating in the final third, he is surely an upgrade on Rodrigo Bentancur in the XI.

Parma CM Jasmin Kurtic

Midfielder Jasmin Kurtic has scored four times this season for Parma and is one of the team’s most experienced players. He is not the most consistent player on the team and is suspect defensively, but he offers a lot of width and attacking threat. Whoever plays at right back for Juventus, presumably Danilo, must be prepared for Kurtic’s runs into the box.

Juventus GK Gianluigi Buffon

Gianluigi Buffon is expected to start in goal for Juventus, and he’ll have to be keenly aware on set pieces and counterattacking chances. Juve have frequently given up clean sheets with a lapse of concentration, and it is very easy for opponents to play past their non-existent press and suspect midfield. Buffon gives Juve a sense of calm and is having a great season, but he will be tested a couple of times, perhaps by Andreas Cornelius’ head.

Parma LB Giuseppe Pezzella

Parma left back Giuseppe Pezzella is one of Serie A’s most underrated players. Just 23, Pezzella is having a strong 2020-2021 campaign for an otherwise subpar Parma side. He is the team’s leader in assists with four and averages 1.5 dribbles completed per game, according to WhoScored.com. Those are excellent attacking numbers for a left back, and he should combine well with Kurtic.

Juventus FW Paulo Dybala

Paulo Dybala made his first start since January this past weekend at Atalanta, but he didn’t seem to be ready to play so many minutes. Atalanta kept the Argentine quiet, but it wouldn’t be surprising if Dybala broke out with another goal vs. Parma. The 27-year-old is one of the best players in the league and has five goal contributions despite only playing 758 minutes. If he were playing more regularly, he’d have at least 15 goal contributions. Dybala could hold the keys to a comfortable Juventus victory this Wednesday.