As the Serie A season enters its crucial phase, Juventus prepare to host Hellas Verona at the Allianz Stadium on Monday night. The match presents an opportunity for the Bianconeri to maintain their grip on a top-four position and potentially close the gap on the league leaders, while Verona fights to distance themselves from the relegation zone.
Thiago Motta’s side enter this fixture with mixed emotions. Despite a strong run of four consecutive Serie A victories in February, Juventus suffered a shocking elimination from the Coppa Italia at the hands of Empoli. This defeat, coupled with their earlier exit from the Champions League, has left the Turin giants with only the league to focus on for the remainder of the season.
The Old Lady’s recent form in Serie A has been impressive, with their last outing resulting in a 1-0 victory over Cagliari, courtesy of a Dusan Vlahovic strike. However, the midweek cup disappointment has cast a shadow over the team’s progress and intensified scrutiny on Motta’s leadership.
Paolo Zanetti’s Hellas Verona arrive in Turin buoyed by a crucial 1-0 win over Fiorentina in their previous league encounter. The victory, secured by Antoine Bernede’s stoppage-time goal, provided a vital boost to their survival hopes. Currently sitting 14th in the table, Verona has shown resilience on the road this season, winning three of their last six away fixtures.
However, history is not on Verona’s side for this clash. The Gialloblu have never won a top-flight match at Juventus, with their last goal at the Allianz Stadium dating back to October 2020.
The match may well be decided by how Juventus’ makeshift defense copes with Verona’s attacking threats. Despite their injury woes, Juventus has conceded the fewest goals from open play in Serie A this season. Conversely, Verona has struggled defensively, conceding the most goals in the league.
Team News
Juventus continue to grapple with defensive injuries, with Bremer and Juan Cabal still sidelined, but there’s positive news as Pierre Kalulu has resumed training with the team. This situation may see Federico Gatti partnering Lloyd Kelly in central defence. The midfield also faces challenges with Douglas Luiz out due to a flexor injury.
In attack, Motta faces a selection dilemma between Vlahovic and Randal Kolo Muani, with the former boasting an impressive scoring record against Verona.
For the visitors, injuries to key players including top scorer Casper Tengstedt will test their depth. Domagoj Bradaric’s return from suspension provides a boost to the left flank, while Tomas Suslov is expected to support Amin Sarr in attack.
Expected XI’s
Juventus: Di Gregorio; Weah, Gatti, Kelly, Cambiaso; Thuram, Locatelli; Conceicao, McKennie, Yildiz; Kolo Muani
Verona: Montipo; Dawidowicz, Coppola, Valentini; Tchatchoua, Niasse, Bernede, Duda, Bradaric; Suslov; Sarr
Prediction:
Given Juventus’ strong home record against Verona and their recent league form, the Bianconeri are favored to secure a victory. However, Verona’s recent away performances suggest they could pose a challenge to a Juventus side potentially still reeling from their cup exit.
The Old Lady’s superior quality and depth, combined with their need to bounce back from recent disappointments, should see them through. A 2-0 win for Juventus seems a likely outcome, but Verona’s fighting spirit could make for an intriguing contest.
Prediction: Juventus 2-0 Verona
