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Juventus’ predicted XI vs Genoa: Fabio Miretti retains his place in 4-4-2

By James Cormack

TURIN, ITALY - DECEMBER 08: Fabio Miretti of Juventus smiles during the warm up prior to the UEFA Champions League group H match between Juventus and Malmo FF at Juventus Stadium on December 08, 2021 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)
TURIN, ITALY - DECEMBER 08: Fabio Miretti of Juventus smiles during the warm up prior to the UEFA Champions League group H match between Juventus and Malmo FF at Juventus Stadium on December 08, 2021 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images) /
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Fabio Miretti will start against Genoa, Max Allegri confirmed. (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)
Fabio Miretti will start against Genoa, Max Allegri confirmed. (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images) /

Juventus visit the Luigis Ferraris on Friday night to take on a Genoa side that desperately needs a result in their bid for survival.

Unlike their upcoming opponents, the Bianconeri have very little to play for after they secured Champions League football for next season on Matchday 35. Leonardo Bonucci’s brace helped Max Allegri’s side to a 2-1 victory over Venezia before Bologna held AS Roma to a stalemate which extended Juve’s advantage over the Giallorossi to ten points with just three games remaining.

Allegri could welcome back a couple of players off the injury list for Friday’s game, but the Juve boss will almost certainly have one eye on next Wednesday’s Coppa Italia final against Inter Milan when selecting the starting XI for the upcoming Serie A clash.

Juventus’ predicted XI vs Genoa

Here’s our predicted Juventus starting XI for the trip to Genoa on Matchday 36.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Leonardo Bonucci was the match-winner last time out. (Photo by MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP via Getty Images)
Leonardo Bonucci was the match-winner last time out. (Photo by MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP via Getty Images) /

Wojciech Szczesny (GK) – Szczesny should retain his place on Friday with Mattia Perin expected to retain his status as Juve’s cup keeper next Wednesday.

Danilo (RB) – Juan Cuadrado is an alternative for Allegri, but I doubt that he’ll be fit enough to start meaning Danilo will retain his place in the XI.

Matthijs de Ligt (CB) – Allegri could rest De Ligt ahead of the Coppa Italia final, but the Juve boss has used the Dutchman whenever he’s been fit and available this season.

Leonardo Bonucci (LB) – He can’t drop last Sunday’s match-winner, surely?

Alex Sandro (LB) – Luca Pellegrini’s sprained ankle and Mattia De Sciglio’s likely absence means Alex Sandro is a shoo-in to start on Friday.

Midfielders

Federico Bernardeschi is poised to retain his place despite struggling against Venezia. (Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Federico Bernardeschi is poised to retain his place despite struggling against Venezia. (Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images) /

Federico Bernardeschi (RM) – I really hope Matias Soulé gets the nod, but I can’t envisage Allegri starting TWO, that’s right TWO, academy stars on Friday. Thus, Bernardeschi keeps his spot despite recent indifference.

Arthur Melo (CM) – Arthur’s returned to full fitness and he could come in on Friday, replacing Denis Zakaria – who will play against Inter. The Brazilian’s presence will thrust a certain youngster into a more familiar mezzala function.

Fabio Miretti (CM) – Young Miretti fully deserves to keep his place after impressing against Venezia. Allegri has confirmed that he’ll play on Friday.

Adrien Rabiot (LM) – Rabiot has cemented himself as a regular for Allegri in recent weeks and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Frenchman remain in the starting XI until the end of the season.

Forwards

Dusan Vlahovic could do with a productive end to the season. (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)
Dusan Vlahovic could do with a productive end to the season. (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images) /

Paulo Dybala (SS) – Dybala came off the bench last time out, but Alvaro Morata’s woes mean the Argentine should start in this one ahead of next Wednesday’s narrative-laden Coppa Italia final.

Dusan Vlahovic (ST) – Much has been made of Vlahovic’s recent form, but I can assure you that there’s nothing to worry about. The Serbian striker competed against his manager in a shooting drill in the week, and Allegri will be hoping that the extra work pays off in this one. He could do with a productive end to the season.