Juventus’ predicted XI vs Spezia: Daniele Rugani returns in 4-4-2

Juventus are back in Serie A action on Sunday evening as they take on a Spezia side who have slid back into relegation contention.

Three straight defeats for Thiago Motta’s side leaves them in a precarious position just above 18th-placed Venezia and they’ll have their work cut out if they’re to avoid four losses on the bounce this weekend.

While their football has often been uninspiring, Juventus are unbeaten in Serie A since late November and Massimiliano Allegri has turned the Old Lady into one of Europe’s stoutest defensive units. The vintage identity has been restored, the only question is: how far can it take them in 2022?

Juventus’ predicted XI vs Spezia

Talk of a Scudetto challenge is overly optimistic, but they’re in a great position to snatch a top-four spot at Atalanta’s expense. This is a contest they simply must win, and here’s the starting XI Allegri could pick for the game.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Wojciech Szczesny (GK) – Mattia Perin gave yet another good account of himself in the week but there are no signs of the Italian usurping Szczesny for a starting berth in the Serie A fixtures. Although, errors have started to creep back into the Polish international’s game as of late.

Danilo (RB) – The Brazilian is poised to skipper the side for a second game running on Sunday.

Daniele Rugani (CB) – He’s back! God, I never thought I’d be so excited for the return of Daniele Rugani. The Italian’s comeback is a timely one, too, with Leonardo Bonucci picking up a calf injury in last Saturday’s victory over Empoli.

Matthijs de Ligt (CB) – Duh.

Luca Pellegrini (LB) – Pellegrini was one of Juve’s better performers in the week and deserves to retain his place in the XI with Mattia De Sciglio out of form and Alex Sandro still sidelined.

Midfielders

Juan Cuadrado (RM) – Cuadrado was once again the difference-maker against Fiorentina as his cross deflected off a helpless Lorenzo Venuti and into the net for Juve’s late winner. The Colombian has been hugely influential in his last two appearances and should start on Sunday.

Manuel Locatelli (CM) – It’s been a quiet few weeks for Locatelli but there’s no doubting that he’ll retain his starting berth at the weekend with Allegri’s midfield options limited. The Italian’s craft and odd penetrative surge could be key to breaking down the visitors on Sunday.

Arthur Melo (CM) – The highly-anticipated Arthur x Locatelli dynamic didn’t work their magic against Fiorentina as La Viola, led by the brilliant Lucas Torreira, dominated the midfield battle. It was a particularly difficult outing for Arthur against the tenacious Uruguayan. He should have considerably more time and space on Sunday against a Spezia side that’ll likely sit deep and attempt to counter-attack.

Adrien Rabiot (LM) – I’ve put Rabiot down as the left midfielder because I suspect Allegri will return to his 4-4-2 structure out of possession. With the ball, the Frenchman will drift inside and almost operate as part of a midfield three with Cuadrado bombing on.

Forwards

Alvaro Morata (ST) – Morata made a difference off the bench in Florence after replacing Moise Kean just before the hour. He injected some life into a suffocated Bianconeri. I’m sure he’ll return to the starting XI with Kean struggling in the week.

Dusan Vlahovic (ST) – It was a chastening experience for Vlahovic on his Franchi homecoming but I thought he handled himself brilliantly. On Sunday, a more serene and welcoming environment will greet the new Bianconeri hero as Juventus play their first home fixture in over two weeks.