Juventus is set to face Sporting CP in the first leg of their Europa League quarterfinals on Thursday, April 13, 2023, at Allianz Stadium in Turin, Italy. The Bianconeri aims to keep their hopes of winning silverware this season alive through this competition.
The Challenge of Sporting CP
Sporting CP poses a challenge for a Juventus side that has been struggling lately. The Portuguese team is a technical squad with a young coach who recently tasted success by winning their domestic league for the first time in 19 years. They are coming off the back of arguably the biggest two-legged result of the Europa League when they eliminated Premier League leaders, Arsenal, in the round of 16.
Juventus’ Starting Lineup and Focus
Juventus coach Max Allegri has decided to throw his two best wingers on in support of Arek Milik. The struggling Dusan Vlahovic starts on the bench despite Allegri’s declaration that he’s capable of playing a full 90 after picking up an ankle knock against Lazio.
To win this match, Juventus must play as a unit, be balanced, and understand that it’s not just one game, but a combination of 180 minutes that will decide the fate of both teams.
Team Issues and Concerns
Recently, there have been several team issues that may affect Juventus’ performance in this crucial fixture. Juan Cuadrado is suspended for three games following his actions in the Coppa Italia match against Sassuolo. There was also a bust-up between Allegri and midfielder Leandro Paredes before their last game against Lazio.
However, despite these distractions and setbacks, Juventus’ captain Danilo insists that qualification for the next stage “is not decided tomorrow.” Danilo has just signed a contract extension with the club and may be flanked by Gleison Bremer and Federico Gatti in the lineup.
Pogba’s Return to the Squad
One positive for Juventus is that Paul Pogba may return to the squad due to his recent recovery from injury. Pogba’s creativity and energy could provide additional attacking options for Juventus, which they desperately need.
Juventus’ Future Prospects
The Europa League is not just important for this season; it also has broader implications for Juventus’ future. Winning the Europa League is the only path available for Juventus to qualify for the Champions League next season. European qualification is crucial for the Bianconeri to retain their top players amidst financial uncertainty at the club.
If they fail to win this competition, it will be difficult for them to hold onto their top talent and coaching staff. The prospects of the club’s best players and managers hang by a thin thread, and defeat to Sporting could prove a defining moment in their future.
Allegri at Risk
Moreover, Massimiliano Allegri, Juventus coach, is at risk of ending his second season without picking up any trophy due to the team’s inconsistent form in domestic competitions. His future with the club is uncertain as well.
Moreover, there are doubts over the future of players like Dusan Vlahovic and Adrien Rabiot, who may look to move away if they don’t see a clear path to success with Juventus. Financial issues at the heart of the club could also lead to economic implosion if they don’t receive a much-needed boost from successful campaigns like this one.
Where to Watch?
The match between Juventus and Sporting CP can be seen on various television channels and online streaming platforms worldwide. Fans can catch up on live updates and key moments through social media platforms as well.
In conclusion, this match against Sporting CP is crucial for Juventus, not only for this season but also for their future prospects. Their success in the Europa League can impact their ability to retain top talent and remain financially stable. For the Bianconeri, winning this competition could come with broader implications beyond silverware.
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