Juventus will embark on a hectic September schedule once their players return from the first international break of the 2021/22 campaign.
The Bianconeri have made a slow start to the season amid Massimiliano Allegri’s return to the club, drawing 2-2 with Udinese on Matchday 1 before falling to a shock 1-0 defeat at home to Empoli a week later.
Allegri’s side, however, will be able to rectify August’s misdemeanours with a busy few weeks in September as they play seven times in 22 days.
Two huge Serie A fixtures
First up, a huge trip to Naples beckons. Luciano Spalletti’s Napoli haven’t exactly convinced the masses in their opening two encounters but head into Matchday 3 hoping to retain their 100% record to start the season.
Juventus are set to be without their South American contingent for Saturday’s clash, meaning Juan Cuadrado, Paulo Dybala, Danilo, Alex Sandro and Rodrigo Bentancur are all likely to miss out. Thus, Weston McKennie might be called upon despite his recent exploits while away with the national team.
Nevertheless, the South American core should return for the Bianconeri’s Champions League opener away to Malmo on Tuesday evening. Juve’s month concludes with a home tie against current European champions Chelsea on Matchday 2 in Group H.
In between those continental ventures, meanwhile, are three more domestic encounters. After Napoli, Juventus host yet another massive fixture as AC Milan head to Turin. The Bianconeri will be well aware of the 3-0 trouncing they succumbed to at the Rossoneri’s hands last time out.
Then, Allegri’s side will visit Spezia in the week before hosting Sampdoria on the final Sunday of the month.
In short, a pivotal month lies ahead despite the incredibly early stage at which it arrives. In what’s poised to be a mightily competitive Serie A and Champions League group this season, Juventus can ill-afford to slip drastically off the pace with a poor run in September.
Juventus’ full September schedule
Saturday 11: Napoli (A) – Serie A
Tuesday 14: Malmo (A) – Champions League
Sunday 19: AC Milan (H) – Serie A
Wednesday 22: Spezia (A) – Serie A
Sunday 26: Sampdoria (H) – Serie A
Wednesday 29: Chelsea (H) – Champions League