In Denmark to defeat the "Champions disease". After yet another show of strength in the league, Juventus plunges back into the big-eared cup, so far much less friendly than Serie A. Because if the black and whites look at everyone in Italy from their 22 points in the standings, this is not the case in Europe, where they occupy a modest third place. Just to be clear, if the group stage ended today, Chelsea and Shakthar would go to the round of XNUMX, and Juve would find themselves in the Europa League. The two draws collected so far have not affected anything (indeed, the one in London is worth almost as much as a victory), but now it's time to take the three points. “This match is decisive for our future in the Champions League – Marchisio said in no uncertain terms. – We drew the first two games, now it's time to win”. The opponent, at least on paper, shouldn't be a major obstacle. Nordsjaelland are big at home (they won the Danish championship and currently occupy third place behind Copenhagen and Aalborg) but small in Europe, where they have so far not picked up a single point.
Furthermore, Kasper Hjulmand's boys (the architect of the title and of the 4-2-3-1, revolutionary formation in Denmark) will play away: yes, because the small plant in Farum (a town located 22 km north of Copenhagen) will not is approved for the Champions League. So everyone in the Danish capital, in the modern Parker Stadium (38 seats), to the delight of the Juventus fans, who will thus be able to visit the city. But the team must not lose concentration, otherwise the away game could turn into a sensational debacle. “We have to respect the opponent, Nordsjaelland played well against both Shakthar and Chelsea, with good ball possession – said Angelo Alessio in the press conference. – But also start hitting the three points, if we want to go on in the Champions League”. Marchisio also shares the same opinion: “There are no easy games, great attention will be needed against a team that plays good football. Playing in Europe is different, because in Italy we know our opponents well, while abroad it's another challenge”. Conte will have to face it without Asamoah, Lichtsteiner and Pepe, not even called up, but compared to the match against Napoli he will find Buffon, Vucinic and De Ceglie again.
POSSIBLE FORMATIONS
Nordsjaelland (4-2-3-1): Hansen; Parkhurst, Okore, Runje, Mtiliga; Adu, Stokholm; Laudrup, Lorentzen, John; Nordstrand. On the bench: Villadsen, Gundelach, Christensen, Christiansen, Petry, Ticinovic, Beckmann. Trainer: Kasper Hjulmand.
Juventus (3-5-2): Buffon; Barzagli, Lucio, Chiellini; Isla, Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio, Caceres; Vucinic, Giovinco. On the bench: Storari, Bonucci, Marrone, Giaccarini, Vidal, Bendtner, Quagliarella. Trainer: Angel Alessio.
Referee: Deniz Aytekin (Ger). Line Assistants: Cleve (Ger) – Lupp (Ger). Port Assistants: Fritz (Ger) – Winkmann (Ger). Fourth official: Henschel (Ger).
