Another round, another run. After the advances from Inter and Napoli it's the turn of Juventus and Atalanta, ready for their seasonal debut in the Champions League on the fields of Madrid and Zagreb (21pm). The spotlights are inevitably focused above all on the black and whites and not only because of the prestigious opponent, Simeone's Athletic who has always been difficult and insidious. The fact is that the Lady starts with very important ambitions and it is clear that this match, beyond the (relative) weight in the standings, can give rather interesting indications.
“We know there are many expectations but honestly we don't feel them because we are Juventus and we go on the pitch to win all competitions – glossed over Sarri. – We also know that there are opponents equipped and at the moment Italian football is not up to other stages. We have to face these matches with determination, but also lightly because we have to have fun. The phobia is not logical”.
Adding more spice to the European evening is the draw in Florence, which showed several cracks in the current Juventus. To save, in fact, there is only the fact of not having lost, not the best for those who, in the summer, have chosen the path of "winning while having fun".
To complicate things then the injuries even if, in this sense, the damage seems to be less serious than expected: Pjanic has already trained with his teammates and will be present at the Wanda Metropolitano. “We have players out who perhaps give us something more from a dribbling point of view, but we have to wait for them to be ready because they have a particular story in recent months – explained Sarri. – Ramsey last played in March and Rabiot hasn't played for six months. They are players to recover, I'm seeing them grow well in training. We have both epee and foil in midfield, we can shoot anything."
In short, the cartridges will be used, but not now. Even in Madrid, in fact, with the exception of the unavailable Douglas Costa, we will see again the 4-3-3 in Florence with Szczesny in goal, Danilo, Bonucci, De Ligt and Alex Sandro in defense, Khedira, Pjanic and Matuidi in midfield, Bernardeschi, Higuain and Ronaldo in attack.
“Juve have precise characteristics, they are a strong team, with a very high level: we can see it from the players who have remained outside the Champions League list – admitted Simeone. – I have reviewed all the matches played against them but this one will be different, Sarri's game is not the same as Allegri's…". Cholo, back from the defeat in San Sebastian which cost them first place in La Liga (now in charge of Sevilla), will try to beat Juve again with the usual 4-4-2 which will see Oblak in goal, Trippier, Savic, Gimenez and Renan Lodi in the backline, Vitolo, Koke, Saul and Lemar in the midfield to support the offensive duo made up of Diego Costa and Joao Felix.
A lot of curiosity also for Atalanta's debut, this absolute yes: never in its history, in fact, had the Goddess come to play in the Champions League. He will do it on the field of Dinamo Zagreb, an opponent with more emblems but certainly within reach, especially after the good victory in Genoa which, if there were still any need, showed everyone the team's potential.
“We have positive sensations, we are happy with the finish line and to be able to fight for it – commented Gasperini. – Then there are the matches, this is the first, there is the curiosity about this impact. We know that the level of the Champions League is higher, but at the same time there is trust and curiosity to see what we are capable of doing".
The Nerazzurri coach, making his second Champions League appearance of his career (the first, unfortunately for him, was a 0-1 Inter-Trabzonspor), will try to conquer Zagreb with the usual 3-4-2-1, so Gollini in goal, Toloi , Djimsiti and Palomino in defense, Hateboer, Freuler, De Roon and Castagne in midfield, Gomez and Ilicic in the frontline, Zapata in attack. Bjelica will respond with a 4-2-3-1 with Livakovic in goal, Stojanovic, Dilaver, Peric and Leovac in the back, Ademi and Moro in the midfield, Hajrovic, Dani Olmo and Gojak behind the lone striker Petkovic.
