No stopping or standing. The postponement between Sampdoria and Juventus, the last of this first round, will pit two teams relaunched by their recent successes and eager to continue the race towards their respective goals.
It goes without saying that it is the black and whites who play the most, as well as starting clearly favourites, but the blucerchiati seem to have finally found a balance and have no intention of stepping aside without a fight.
“For us it is the most important moment of the season – thought Allegri. – We have two away games (the other is in Udine next Sunday, ed) which will say a lot about our season, winning would allow us to stay close to the front and then make the most of the home games. We will find an environment full of enthusiasm, Sampdoria won the derby very well and this will complicate things for us”.
In short, maximum respect, also by virtue of the rather heavy absences affecting Juve. In addition to the injured Mandzukic and Barzagli the disqualified Marchisio will also be missing, which is why Allegri, for the first time since the cycle of victories began, is thinking of changing the game system.
The 3-5-2 protagonist of 8 consecutive successes could give way to an unprecedented 4-4-2, ready to transform into 4-2-3-1 during the offensive phase. The coach will only decide today, in the meantime both hypotheses remain alive: if it is a 3-man defense it will be up to Rugani to support Bonucci and Chiellini, otherwise space for Lichtsteiner or Caceres.
The other variant is represented by Hernanes, which Allegri will only use in a 5-man line with Pogba and Khedira in protection; vice versa, the Brazilian will start from the bench and Sturaro will support Khedira, with Pogba on the left and Cuadrado on the right. Many doubts, just like in attack: the starting duo should see Dybala and Morata from the start but Zaza's conditions, much better than those of the Spaniard, authorize last-minute surprises.
Montella's choices are much less enigmatic, comforted by the derby won and therefore willing to confirm the team already seen on Wednesday. “They are going through the best moment of the season but we won't start beaten – explained the little plane in the press conference. – A challenge like this stimulates us a lot, and in any case football always reserves surprises”. The Sampdoria 4-3-2-1 will see Viviano in goal, Cassani, Moisander, Zukanovic and Regini in defence, Barreto, Fernando and Soriano in midfield, Carbonero and Cassano in the trocar behind lone striker Eder.
