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Juventus’ predicted XI vs Torino: 4-3-3 for the Derby della Mole

By James Cormack

TURIN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 06: Denis Zakaria (L) of Juventus celebrates with Dusan Vlahovic (R) after scoring the his team's second goal during the Serie A match between Juventus and Hellas Verona FC at Allianz Stadium on February 06, 2022 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Cottini/Getty Images)
TURIN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 06: Denis Zakaria (L) of Juventus celebrates with Dusan Vlahovic (R) after scoring the his team's second goal during the Serie A match between Juventus and Hellas Verona FC at Allianz Stadium on February 06, 2022 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Cottini/Getty Images) /
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Massimiliano Allegri will be without Sunday night’s saviour Danilo on Friday night as Juventus welcome crosstown rivals Torino for the second Derby della Mole of the 2021/22 season.

Manuel Locatelli was the hero in the reverse fixture as his late strike from distance perpetuated Juve’s modern-day dominance in the derby. Torino haven’t beaten their local rivals since 2015 and they head into Friday night’s bout having fallen to consecutive defeats against sides below them in the Serie A table.

Nevertheless, Ivan Juric has returned Torino to the admirable levels they reached under Gian Piero Ventura and Sinisa Mihajlovic. The Toro will be no pushover, that’s for sure.

Juventus’ predicted XI vs Torino

It’s a fairly quick turnover for Juventus following Sunday night’s trip to Bergamo and it’ll be interesting to see how much Allegri will rotate for the derby. Here’s our predicted Juventus XI for Friday’s Derby della Mole.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Matthijs de Ligt starred last weekend against Atalanta. (Photo by Chris Ricco/Getty Images)
Matthijs de Ligt starred last weekend against Atalanta. (Photo by Chris Ricco/Getty Images) /

Wojciech Szczesny (GK) – While the Polish international may be suffering from PTSD after once again succumbing to the wrath of Ruslan Malinovskyi’s left boot, Szczesny should be okay for Friday night’s derby.

Juan Cuadrado (RB) – Danilo’s suspension rules him out for the derby but another reliable veteran is expected to deputise in the Brazilian’s absence. Cuadrado will be expected to surge up and down the right flank throughout.

Leonardo Bonucci (CB) – After struggling on his return against Sassuolo, Bonucci settled down last Sunday to produce a more composed defensive display. Thus, it’d be a surprise to see Daniele Rugani come in for the veteran with Giorgio Chiellini still absent.

Matthijs de Ligt (CB) – De Ligt’s masterclass helped Juve to a point against Atalanta and there’s no chance he isn’t in the starting XI on Friday. The Dutchman relishes the big occasion and he’s beginning to cement himself as one of Europe’s very best in his position.

Mattia De Sciglio (LB) – Another sturdy De Scilgio performance manifested last weekend and he should be Allegri’s first-choice left-back moving forward. In other news, what’s happened to Luca Pellegrini?

Midfielders

Denis Zakaria is expected to make Friday night’s starting XI. (Photo by Marco Canoniero/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Denis Zakaria is expected to make Friday night’s starting XI. (Photo by Marco Canoniero/LightRocket via Getty Images) /

Arthur Melo (CM) – Arthur’s error-ridden display against Sassuolo in the Coppa Italia cost him his place in last Sunday’s draw with Atalanta. However, the Brazilian is certainly growing in importance for Allegri and the Brazilian’s technical proficiency will come in handy in the face of relentless Toro pressure.

Manuel Locatelli (CM) – Teun Koopmeiners made life difficult for regista Locatelli last time out and, hopefully, the Italian’s struggles may convince Allegri to deploy him higher upfield once more. The Italian’s dynamism and bursting runs from midfield will be key to disrupting Torino’s man-marking in the middle of the park.

Denis Zakaria (CM) – Zakaria didn’t see the field in Bergamo after starting against Hellas Verona and Sassuolo. However, he’s expected to return to the starting XI on Friday. The early signs suggest he might not yet be the guy to unlock Locatelli and he’ll likely continue in a box-to-box role.

Forwards

Moise Kean could make a rare start on Friday night. (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)
Moise Kean could make a rare start on Friday night. (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images) /

Paulo Dybala (RW) – Dybala offered moments of wonderful ingenuity in Bergamo and his creativity is imperative to ensuring Juve’s front three functions efficiently. The Argentine should make the team on Friday night and captain the side.

Dusan Vlahovic (ST) – Vlahovic’s battle with Merih Demrial in Bergamo was hotly contested and another tough duel is in store for the Serb against Torino’s Gleison Bremer. This will be the 22-year-old’s first Derby della Mole in Bianconeri colours.

Moise Kean (LW) – Alvaro Morata has been one of Juve’s brightest sparks over the past three games, but I think Kean could get an opportunity on Friday. The young Italian was trending upwards ahead of Sunday’s game but he only earned late minutes off the bench. Nevertheless, he could play Morata’s new role which should suit him.