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Juventus’ predicted XI vs Spezia: 4-4-2 retained with Chiesa & Kean to start

By James Cormack

TURIN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 19: Sandro Tonali of AC Milan and Federico Chiesa of Juventus look on as Moise Kean of Juventus tussles with Fikayo Tomori and Pierre Kalulu of AC Milan during the Serie A match between Juventus and AC Milan at on September 19, 2021 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)
TURIN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 19: Sandro Tonali of AC Milan and Federico Chiesa of Juventus look on as Moise Kean of Juventus tussles with Fikayo Tomori and Pierre Kalulu of AC Milan during the Serie A match between Juventus and AC Milan at on September 19, 2021 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images) /
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The first midweek round of fixtures arrives on Matchday 5 in Serie A with Juventus attempting to claim their maiden victory of the campaign when they visit Spezia.

The fitness of a faltering Bianconeri will be put to the test when they make the trip south to the Alberto Picco. Their schedule’s been a busy one since the players returned from the international break, and coach Massimiliano Allegri may rotate in several areas from Sunday’s 1-1 draw with AC Milan.

Nevertheless, it’s good news on the injury front with Federico Chiesa back and raring to go, Alvaro Morata avoiding any sort of injury against the Rossoneri and Arthur Melo and Kaio Jorge edging closer to their respective returns following lengthy spells out.

It’s a must-win game for Juventus, and here’s the starting XI Allegri’s likely to deploy.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Matthijs de Ligt’s future has been thrust into doubt, but he’ll return to the XI on Wednesday. (Photo by David Lidstrom/Getty Images)
Matthijs de Ligt’s future has been thrust into doubt, but he’ll return to the XI on Wednesday. (Photo by David Lidstrom/Getty Images) /

Wojciech Szczesny (GK) – There was no scapegoating the Pole in the aftermath of the Milan draw after he denied Pierre Kalulu a dramatic late winner with a tremendous save. He’ll retain his spot between the sticks. It’s been 18 Serie A games without a clean sheet – a run that stretches back to March 9 – and should Spezia find the back of the net on Wednesday, Juve will be just two games away from equalling their worst ever defensive run.

Danilo (RB) – Mattia De Sciglio could be brought in but Danilo doesn’t strike me as a player in need of a rest. The Brazilian was as steady as ever against the Rossoneri.

Matthijs de Ligt (CB) – The Dutchman’s situation is a little concerning in the wake of Mino Raiola’s comments and was an unused substitute for Sunday’s draw. Nevertheless, Allegri confirmed de Ligt will return to the starting XI for Spezia.

Leonardo Bonucci (CB) – With Giorgio Chiellini suffering from a fever and ruled out for Wednesday’s bout, Bonucci’s a sure bet to partner de Ligt unless Allegri fancies risking it all and deploying Daniele Rugani for a must-win game. The veteran Italian’s enjoyed a fine start to the season.

Alex Sandro (LB) – The Brazilian’s resurgence continued against the Rossoneri following his productive outing in Sweden. Allegri could rotate here and bring Luca Pellegrini back into the XI, but we think he’ll allow Alex Sandro to build on his fine form.

Midfielders

He’s back. (Photo by Marco Canoniero/LightRocket via Getty Images)
He’s back. (Photo by Marco Canoniero/LightRocket via Getty Images) /

Juan Cuadrado (RM) – The Colombian wasn’t at his best on Sunday and is certainly a contender to drop to the bench for this midweek bout. However, we think Allegri retains him in the XI due to his importance to the side.

Manuel Locatelli (CM) – Locatelli’s played a lot of football over the past week and Allegri said the summer signing “must find the mental and physical balance to play many consecutive games” in his press conference ahead of Wednesday’s game. The boss is fully aware of Locatelli’s importance and while Arthur Melo remains out, Juventus don’t possess a bona fide replacement.

Weston McKennie (CM) – However, a change is likely to be made to the midfield pivot. Rodrigo Bentancur was key in Juve’s first-half brilliance on Sunday but faded considerably after the break. It was a surprise we didn’t see one of Aaron Ramsey or Weston McKennie earn minutes as Juve’s engine room fatigued. Nevertheless, McKennie’s the more likely of the two to come in and partner Locatelli for balance. The American isn’t too dissimilar from Bentancur.

Federico Chiesa (LM) – Chiesa’s return was an anti-climatic one on Sunday as he struggled to have an influence. However, Allegri confirmed he’ll start Wednesday’s clash where he’ll be desperate to ignite his 2021/22 season. He’s played just 100 Serie A minutes thus far. It’ll be interesting to see how dynamic Juve are with a pair of outlets occupying the flanks.

Forwards

Moise Kean has been limited to cameo appearances since returning in the summer. (Photo by Andrea Staccioli/Insidefoto/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Moise Kean has been limited to cameo appearances since returning in the summer. (Photo by Andrea Staccioli/Insidefoto/LightRocket via Getty Images) /

Paulo Dybala (CF) – La Joya’s form is certainly a bright spot amid Juventus’ troubled start. After bursting to life in the second period against Malmo, Dybala was majestic from the outset against Milan and there’s little doubting that his withdrawal inhibited Juve’s chances of snatching a late winner. The Argentine’s currently fulfilling the club’s desire of him leading Allegri’s second project and they need another influential showing from him at Spezia.

Moise Kean (ST) – Alvaro Morata is available for Wednesday when it initially appeared that he’d miss out, but he’s set to enjoy a rest nonetheless. A huge opportunity could be granted to Moise Kean, who’s yet to score in his few cameo appearances since his summer return. The young Italian will be expected to fulfil a similar function to the Spaniard when he leads the Juventus line.