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Juventus’ predicted XI vs AC Milan: Federico Chiesa to start?

By James Cormack

Juventus' Italian head coach Massimiliano Allegri (C) gives instructions to Juventus' Italian forward Federico Chiesa (R) during the Italian Serie A football match Juventus vs Emboli at Allianz Stadium in Turin, on August 28, 2021. (Photo by Isabella BONOTTO / AFP) (Photo by ISABELLA BONOTTO/AFP via Getty Images)
Juventus' Italian head coach Massimiliano Allegri (C) gives instructions to Juventus' Italian forward Federico Chiesa (R) during the Italian Serie A football match Juventus vs Emboli at Allianz Stadium in Turin, on August 28, 2021. (Photo by Isabella BONOTTO / AFP) (Photo by ISABELLA BONOTTO/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Massimiliano Allegri has a dilemma to dissect with his team selection for Juventus’ big Serie A clash against AC Milan on Sunday.

After the Bianconeri picked up their first victory of the season on Matchday 1 of the Champions League against Malmo, the Juventus boss could opt to retain the same starting XI. However, in the returning Federico Chiesa, Allegri has a tantalising possibility.

In what’s a huge game for the hosts following their woeful domestic start, it’s a decision Allegri can ill-afford to botch. While some may be concerned over the long-term risks of Chiesa’s inclusion from the outset on Sunday, surely the temptation of the electric superstar will prove too much for Allegri. Or will it?

Here’s the starting XI we think the boss will pick for the weekend’s clash.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

An enterprising Alex Sandro was rewarded with a goal against Malmo. (Photo by David Lidstrom/Getty Images)
An enterprising Alex Sandro was rewarded with a goal against Malmo. (Photo by David Lidstrom/Getty Images) /

Wojciech Szczesny (GK) – Finally, some respite for Tek! Following another costly error against Napoli, the Polish international earned a clean sheet in Sweden. He had little to do, although he saved smartly late on to preserve Juve’s shut-out. More of that, please.

Danilo (RB) – With Mattia De Sciglio a doubt, Danilo’s a shoo-in for Sunday. The Brazilian will have his hands full, though, with Rafael Leao, Ante Rebic and Theo Hernandez all likely to drift into his zone throughout the 90 minutes.

Matthijs de Ligt (CB) – The Dutchman should retain his place in the XI after being dropped to the bench against Napoli. De Ligt was superb against Malmo despite picking up an annoying booking.

Leonardo Bonucci (CB) – Bonucci’s impressive outing in the week should see him retain his place in the XI with Giorgio Chiellini waiting in the wings. The Italian’s leadership and organisation will be pivotal on Sunday if Juve are to effectively execute some Catenaccio against the Rossoneri.

Alex Sandro (LB) – Perhaps the Brazilian is only manifesting his 2017 self for midweek bouts. Nevertheless, Sandro’s productive outing in Sweden was a timely one after Luca Pellegrini impressed in Naples. His aggression and enthusiasm will have to be retained if Juve are to continue having success in this system.

Midfielders

We’re expecting Adrien Rabiot to retain his place as a flexible wide midfielder. (Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images)
We’re expecting Adrien Rabiot to retain his place as a flexible wide midfielder. (Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images) /

Juan Cuadrado (RM) – The Colombian’s importance to Juventus is ever-increasing. Deployed higher upfield to start the season, Cuadrado’s now the primary outlet in Chiesa’s absence. He held the width superbly against Malmo, and he’ll fancy his chances one-v-one against the defensively suspect Theo Hernandez. The veteran will also be tasked with tracking Hernandez’s surges into the final third.

Rodrigo Bentancur (CM) – Weston McKennie and Aaron Ramsey are both possibilities, but Allegri’s likely to stick with the Uruguayan. While his sloppiness in possession can be frustrating, Bentancur’s industry and drive without the ball will be crucial against a technically sound Milan pivot.

Manuel Locatelli (CM) – I mean, he might be the first name on the team sheet at this point. Locatelli has starred in his first two Juventus starts, and I’m sure he’ll be desperate to shine against his former club on Sunday.

Adrien Rabiot (LM) – Boooooooo!!!! We think the pragmatist will opt for the conservative option. However, Chiesa could make a huge impact off the bench. Nevertheless, Rabiot performed well in this role against Malmo and, as long as Alex Sandro is effective in a high and wide position, he’ll continue to have success. The Frenchman will be important in ensuring Juve aren’t overloaded in central areas.

Forwards

Alvaro Morata was again on the scoresheet in the week. (Photo by David Lidstrom/Getty Images)
Alvaro Morata was again on the scoresheet in the week. (Photo by David Lidstrom/Getty Images) /

Paulo Dybala (CF) – Tuesday’s Man of the Match holds the creative key for the Bianconeri. The Argentine delivered a few gorgeous sequences in the second-half against Malmo before his late withdrawal. La Joya will drift all over the Allianz Stadium turf in a bid to receive possession and unleash Juve’s outlets. There’s no doubting that Stefano Pioli will make a concerted effort to slow Dybala down.

Alvaro Morata (ST) – The Spaniard’s enjoyed a bright start to the season and enters Sunday’s bout on a two-game scoring streak. While he’s looked composed in front of goal over the past week, it’s Morata’s channel-running and persistence out of possession that are most important to Juventus and Allegri. Moise Kean offers an exciting alternative off the bench.