A match not to underestimate — and certainly one not to get wrong. Juventus are set to return to action tonight at the Allianz Stadium for another crucial Champions League fixture. After their league defeat to Napoli, the Bianconeri will be keen to bounce back in front of their home crowd, under the floodlights and to the familiar tune of European nights.
The objective is clear: win, and stay firmly in the hunt for a Playoff spot. Their opponents, Pafos, have been one of the surprise packages of the competition so far, collecting six points and showing resilience far beyond expectations. However, for a club with Juventus’ ambitions, this is a game that must yield three points.
Luciano Spalletti is expected to field a strong XI with no further tactical experiments — experience and structure will take priority. The coach confirmed in his press conference that Edon Zhegrova is set to make his first start, adding creativity to the attack. Juventus need to secure a result that will restore confidence heading into the final two games of the single-group stage.
Kick-off is scheduled for 21:00 local time, on a cold December evening in Turin. Spanish referee Gil Manzano will officiate the match at the Allianz Stadium.
Probable Juventus Line-up (3-4-2-1)
Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Kelly, Koopmeiners; McKennie, Locatelli, Miretti, Cambiaso; Zhegrova, Yildiz; Openda.
Probable Pafos Line-up (4-3-3)
Michail; Goldar, David Luiz, Luckassen, Bruno; Pepe, Sunjic; Orsic, Dragomir, Jaja; Anderson Silva.
