Juventus to face Sampdoria in Coppa Italia round of 16

Juventus have been drawn against fellow Serie A outfit Sampdoria in the Coppa Italia round of 16.

The Bianconeri are the defending champions after they beat Atalanta 2-1 in last season’s final at the Mapei Stadium. That was their record 14th Coppa Italia crown and fifth since 2015. Coach Massimiliano Allegri has won this competition four times with Juventus and he’ll be looking to add a fifth in 2022.

Their journey begins with a home tie against top-flight rival Sampdoria in the round of 16. Roberto D’Aversa’s side progressed into the next round after beating Torino 2-1 on Thursday night.

Like Juventus, Sampdoria have endured a difficult start to their Serie A season. Manager D’Aversa has come under tremendous pressure already, but a 3-1 victory in last Friday’s Derby della Lanterna should keep him in the job until the winter break, at least.

Samp’s recent victory over Genoa thrust them up to 14th in the table and eight points clear of their bitter rivals, who currently occupy 18th.

Juventus’ bracket revealed

Following the round of 16 draw, we were able to map out Juventus’ potential route to the final. Both Milan clubs are on the other side of the draw, but the Bianconeri will likely have to face either Napoli or Atalanta at the two-legged semi-final stage.

Should they bypass Sampdoria in January, Allegri’s side will take on either Sassuolo or Cagliari in the quarter-finals.

The Coppa Italia is a great chance for Allegri’s Juventus

Last season’s Coppa Italia glory was the undisputed high of Andrea Pirlo’s short reign and the competition is a great chance for Allegri to thrive. The boss’ ideals are built for cup competitions and with Juve’s Scudetto hopes all but dashed and Champions League glory a million miles away, Italy’s premier cup competition could end up being Allegri’s primary focus in 2022.

Juventus will also take on Inter Milan in the Supercoppa Italiana next January.

Here’s the full Coppa Italia round of 16 draw:

Juventus vs Sampdoria

Sassuolo vs Cagliari

Napoli vs Fiorentina

Atalanta vs Venezia

Milan vs Genoa

Lazio vs Udinese

Roma vs Lecce

Inter vs Empoli