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Juventus’ predicted XI vs Fiorentina: Unchanged from Zenit win

By James Cormack

ALLIANZ STADIUM, TURIN, ITALY - 2021/11/02: Paulo Dybala (C) of Juventus FC celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Champions League football match between Juventus FC and FC Zenit Saint Petersburg. Juventus FC won 4-2 over FC Zenit Saint Petersburg. (Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images)
ALLIANZ STADIUM, TURIN, ITALY - 2021/11/02: Paulo Dybala (C) of Juventus FC celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Champions League football match between Juventus FC and FC Zenit Saint Petersburg. Juventus FC won 4-2 over FC Zenit Saint Petersburg. (Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images) /
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Massimiliano Allegri’s selection for Saturday’s Serie A clash against Fiorentina following his side’s scintillating display against Zenit in the week.

Allegri confirmed in the build-up to Saturday’s bout that Juventus will be without Mattia De Sciglio and Moise Kean, but Aaron Ramsey is back in contention after a short time out.

Despite the Bianconeri’s healthy availability, I wouldn’t expect too many changes from the team that beat Zenit on Tuesday, if any at all.

So, here’s the team Allegri could pick for Fiorentina’s visit.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

An emerging leader. (Photo by Marco Canoniero/LightRocket via Getty Images)
An emerging leader. (Photo by Marco Canoniero/LightRocket via Getty Images) /

Wojciech Szczesny (GK) – Despite conceding twice in the week, Szczesny was once again impressive as his redemption arc continues. He’ll continue between the sticks on Saturday.

Danilo (RB) – The reliable Brazilian’s emerging into one of the leaders of this Juventus side. Allegri counts on him, and he’ll be a fixture in the XI for the rest of the season. When was his last bad game?

Leonardo Bonucci (CB) – Giorgio Chiellini will be vying for a recall but I wouldn’t expect him to see him return until after the international break following his woeful display against Hellas Verona. Bonucci scored an unfortunate own goal in the week but is poised to retain his place in Allegri’s team. The Italian’s passing range will be crucial in bypassing Fiorentina pressure.

Matthijs de Ligt (CB) – Sassuolo showing aside, De Ligt’s enjoyed a fine start to the 2021/22 season. The Dutchman impressed once more on Tuesday and will likely be assigned to Dusan Vlahovic on Saturday. That’ll be a battle to keep a close eye on.

Alex Sandro (LB) – We like the Champions League Alex Sandro. Can we see that iteration of the Brazilian more often in Serie A, please?

Midfielders

Weston McKennie is in a great run of form. (Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Weston McKennie is in a great run of form. (Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images) /

Federico Chiesa (RM) – Chiesa was electric in the second half on Tuesday as the Italian benefitted from being a part of a more cohesive collective. The Italian drifted all over the park in the week, but he’ll start on the right on Saturday.

Manuel Locatelli (CM) – Locatelli had been run into the ground before he earned a timely rest last weekend. Allegri’s decision paid off as he returned to the team for the Zenit clash where he looked totally refreshed. The Italian was at ease in a deeper role, and Juventini will be hoping for another controlling performance this time around against a high-pressing, intense Viola.

Weston McKennie (CM) – The American’s currently in fine form. After scoring in back-to-back Serie A games, McKennie was superb in the week. While Rodrigo Bentancur, Arthur Melo and Aaron Ramsey are all available, it’d be a surprise to see Allegri ditch McKennie for Fiorentina.

Federico Bernardeschi (LM) – Bernardeschi showed Adrien Rabiot how to effectively perform from the hybrid role on Tuesday. It was his most complete display in a long time and I don’t see him dropping to the bench for this one. As Allegri said, Rabiot has to give Juventus more.

Forwards

Alvaro Morata ended his goal drought in the victory over Zenit. (Photo by ISABELLA BONOTTO/AFP via Getty Images)
Alvaro Morata ended his goal drought in the victory over Zenit. (Photo by ISABELLA BONOTTO/AFP via Getty Images) /

Paulo Dybala (CF) – He starts. Simple.

Alvaro Morata (ST) – “When he scores he is a player who then goes on a run.” That’s how Allegri described Morata ahead of Saturday’s clash, so it’d be quite illogical after saying that to drop the Spaniard to the bench. Morata will start.