Massimiliano Allegri will be forced to ring the changes when his Juventus side travel to Napoli on Saturday evening.
The Bianconeri are going in search of their first Serie A victory of the season after drawing to Udinese and falling to a shock defeat to Empoli in their opening two fixtures. However, they’ll likely have to get past Luciano Spalletti’s Napoli without their South American contingent, who only finished their international duties for September on Thursday.
Thus, Allegri has his hands tied when it comes to team selection for Saturday’s fixture. Reports have suggested the returning Italian boss switches to a 3-4-3 after deploying two variations of a 4-4-2 to start the season.
The alteration to a back three makes a lot of sense considering Juve’s shortage at full-back, and here’s how they could line up for the tough Napoli encounter.
Goalkeeper & Defenders
Wojciech Szczesny (GK) – Whether he should or shouldn’t have done better with Harry Kane’s swirling effort in Poland’s 1-1 draw with England doesn’t change the fact that Wojciech Szczesny remains on thin ice in Turin. Nevertheless, a hamstrung Bianconeri will be relying heavily on their number one against the attacking riches of Spalletti’s Partenopei. I
Matthijs de Ligt (CB) – Barring that horrible sequence that concluded his tournament, Matthijs de Ligt performed well as part of a back three for his country at the Euros in the summer. However, while he played in the centre of the Dutch three-man defence, he might not get that luxury on Saturday. Either he or dogged man-marker Giorgio Chiellini will be tasked with sticking to the dangerous Victor Osimhen.
Leonardo Bonucci (CB) – The former skipper thrived in a back three during the club’s recent heyday, where his ball-playing capacity came to the fore. With the usage of this system creating a natural overload against Napoli’s first pressing line, expect the visitors to lean on Bonucci in the build-up. While the veteran’s overall capabilities in possession are slightly overrated, his passing range is undeniable and it should help beat Napoli’s press.
Giorgio Chiellini (CB) – I’m sure Allegri will be slightly uneasy fielding both Bonucci and Chiellini from the outset considering their lack of depth at centre-back. However, unless you want to see Osimhen run Daniele Rugani ragged, their deployment is a necessity. Nevertheless, Chiellini will certainly have his work cut out if he’s tasked with man-marking the athletic Nigerian.
Wing-Backs & Midfielders
Mattia De Sciglio (RWB) – In the likely absences of both Danilo and Juan Cuadrado, Mattia De Sciglio is a sure bet to start down the right flank. The dependable Italian is well-liked by Allegri and the boss needs De Sciglio to do a solid for him here. He’s certainly not a wing-back, but Allegri’s options are limited.
Manuel Locatelli (CM) – Finally, a first Juventus start for Manuel Locatelli. We’ve only caught glimpses of what the elegant Italian can offer the Bianconeri, but he’s line to earn 90 minutes on Saturday. The Italian’s progressive capacity will be crucial in helping Juve get up the pitch and aiding their ability to turn defence into attack. However, we’re expecting Locatelli’s defensive resolve to endure a litmus test in this one.
Adrien Rabiot (CM) – Weston McKennie’s antics over the break mean Adrien Rabiot should partner Locatelli in the midfield pivot with Rodrigo Bentancur surely absent. The Frenchman is certainly a divisive figure and it’s understandable as to why. However, he enjoyed a fine end to 2020/21 and another fresh start awaits him in Piedmont following Allegri’s return. The potential pivot is good enough technically to ensure Juventus get a hold of proceedings.
Federico Bernardeschi (LWB) – Hopes of a Federico Bernardeschi renaissance in 2021/22 were accentuated by his performances for the Azzurri over the recent break. However, it looks like the 27-year-old could be forced to perform an unnatural wing-back function on Saturday. It’s a role I distinctly remember him struggling in against Hellas Verona last season. The dynamic Luca Pellegrini is an alternate option.
Forwards
Dejan Kulusevski (RW) – This is a huge game for Dejan Kulusevski. After once again impressing for the national team, the dynamic Swede will replace Chiesa for Saturday’s clash. His ball-carrying capacity means he’ll be Juve’s primary threat in transition and he’ll also function as his side’s creator-in-chief in Dybala’s absence. There’s plenty of responsibility on this young man’s shoulders, but there’s no doubting he’s got the talent to satiate the desires of Juventini.
Alvaro Morata (ST) – The Spaniard’s a sure bet to start after being inexplicably dropped for the defeat against Empoli. Bereft of a focal point, Juventus were solely reliant on the relentless genius of Chiesa to fashion any openings in the first half. The Bianconeri markedly improved in the second period following his introduction. Nevertheless, it’s Morata’s off the ball movement that could play a crucial factor in this one. His proclivity to drop between the lines may open space for outlet Moise Kean to exploit in behind. Expect a typically selfless Morata display in Naples.
Moise Kean (LW) – After bagging a brace for the Azzurri in their 5-0 triumph over Lithuania, Kean could make his second debut for the club off the left flank. However, with Kulusevski likely to operate from between the lines, Kean will instead function as a pseudo-striker alongside Morata. Bernardeschi will be expected to hold the width down the left, allowing the young Italian to drift infield and make penetrative runs in behind the Napoli defence. Like Kulusevski, Kean’s pivotal to Juve’s chances on Saturday.