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Juventus predicted line-up vs Udinese: 4-3-3 to kick-off Allegri’s return

By James Cormack

ALLIANZ STADIUM, TORINO, ITALY - 2021/08/14: Massimiliano Allegri, head coach of Juventus Fc gestures during the pre-season friendly match between Juventus Fc and Atalanta Bc. Juventus Fc wins 3-1 over Atalanta Bc. (Photo by Marco Canoniero/LightRocket via Getty Images)
ALLIANZ STADIUM, TORINO, ITALY - 2021/08/14: Massimiliano Allegri, head coach of Juventus Fc gestures during the pre-season friendly match between Juventus Fc and Atalanta Bc. Juventus Fc wins 3-1 over Atalanta Bc. (Photo by Marco Canoniero/LightRocket via Getty Images) /
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Massimiliano Allegri will select his first competitive Juventus XI at the weekend following his return as the Bianconeri return to Serie A action following a three-month absence.

Their last domestic clash saw Andrea Pirlo’s Juve snatch a fourth-place finish at the expense of Napoli after they cruised to a 4-1 victory over Bologna. This time around, they’ll be looking to regain what Juventini believe is rightfully theirs: the Scudetto.

Their campaign kicks-off in Udine against a Rodrigo De Paul-less Udinese and Juventus, following a fairly impressive pre-season, will be expected to waltz to three points. However, what XI will Allegri select for the encounter? Here’s our prediction.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Giorgio Chiellini could partner Matthijs de Ligt at centre-back. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Giorgio Chiellini could partner Matthijs de Ligt at centre-back. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Soccrates/Getty Images) /

Wojciech Szczesny (GK) – The Polish international remains the number one despite a difficult 2020/21 and has genuine competition for his place this time around with Mattia Perrin finally returning to the club after several successful loan spells. Expect a bounce-back campaign from Tek.

Danilo (RB) – This was a toss-up between Danilo and Juan Cuadrado, who was fantastic last season, but it’s the former who gets the nod after starring in Thursday’s friendly triumph over the Under-23’s. Danilo is a player Allegri will adore and Juventus’ new number six is desperate to return the Scudetto to Turin.

Matthijs de Ligt (CB) – The Dutchman will be a shoo-in throughout 2021/22 should he stay fit. He’s Juventus’ best centre-half and working under Allegri should see de Ligt reach another level.

Giorgio Chiellini (CB) – Leonardo Bonucci is also in contention, but I think Chiellini will get the nod to create a right-footed/left-footed dynamic at centre-back in a game in which Juventus are expected to monopolise possession. Chiellini signed a contract extension with the club in the summer and proved at Euro 2020 that he can still compete, and excel, at the very highest level. He’ll relish the battle with Udinese target man Stefano Okaka.

Alex Sandro (LB) – While Alex Sandro certainly has competition for his place, with both Luca Pellegrini and Mattia De Sciglio lurking, neither did enough throughout pre-season to usurp the steady Brazilian. Sandro’s an important leader in the Bianconeri dressing room and a reliable figure on the field, it’d be a surprise to see him dropped for the season-opener.

Midfielders

Aaron Ramsey could start as Massimiliano Allegri’s regista. (Photo by Marco Canoniero/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Aaron Ramsey could start as Massimiliano Allegri’s regista. (Photo by Marco Canoniero/LightRocket via Getty Images) /

Aaron Ramsey (DM) – This is a role that’ll be fulfilled by exciting new addition Manuel Locatelli for the majority of the season. But, for now, it’ll likely be Aaron Ramsey’s job. The Welshman performed the unfamiliar regista function admirably throughout pre-season and although there are certainly questions over his long-term suitability, Ramsey proved he can do a job as Locatelli settles.

Rodrigo Bentancur (CM) – The Uruguayan may well be one of the first names on the team sheet after an excellent summer. First, he impressed while away with the national team at the Copa America before starring in his pre-season appearances with Juve. Allegri’s returning him to a more suitable box-to-box function for 2021/22; a change that should see Bentancur rediscover his very best form. His make or break season starts on Sunday.

Federico Bernardeschi (CM) – One of Allegri’s radical pre-season experiments was deploying the out of sorts Federico Bernardeschi as a mezzala in his 4-3-3. While the Italian struggled in the Joan Gamper Trophy, he looked more at ease against Atalanta where his superb strike rounded off a fine overall performance. Various reports have suggested that Allegri will favour Bernardeschi over Weston McKennie on Sunday.

Forwards

These two are poised to form a scintillating relationship. (Photo by Daniele Badolato – Juventus FC/Getty Images)
These two are poised to form a scintillating relationship. (Photo by Daniele Badolato – Juventus FC/Getty Images) /

Federico Chiesa (RW) – Oh, Federico. I cannot wait for you to return to my TV screen on Sunday evening. After tearing up Europe’s finest for the Azzurri and emerging as Juventus’ best player during a tumultuous second half of last season, this is surely the campaign where Chiesa establishes himself among the very best not only Calcio, but the continent has to offer.

Paulo Dybala (CF) – Allegri’s protagonist. The new vice-captain enjoyed a productive pre-season after returning from injury, scoring twice and providing an assist in 90 minutes of action. Dybala, despite his contract situation still being unresolved, is a sure bet to start on Sunday, where he’ll likely perform a free-roaming false nine function. Could this be the beginning of a stellar Dybala season?

Cristiano Ronaldo (LW) – Ronaldo will stay at Juventus this summer and the Portuguese great will be chomping at the bit to get his Capocannoniere defence underway with a goal or two on Sunday. While there has been plenty of talk in the media over his future, I think we can expect a quieter Ronaldo on the field in 2021/22. He won’t be the focal point of the Bianconeri attack and some might argue that, in fact, he’s the ‘weak link’ in this front three. Still, that’s a pretty great ‘weak link’ to have.

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