Juventus return to Serie A action on Saturday evening seeking a third consecutive league victory — and a firmer grip on a coveted Champions League spot — when they welcome Sassuolo to the Allianz Stadium. The Bianconeri’s recent form has finally shown signs of steady recovery, but with the Serie A top-four race tightening, every point now carries enormous weight.
Match Preview
The race for the final Champions League place
With just nine league fixtures remaining, the battle for fourth promises to go the distance. Only three points separate Juventus, Roma, and newly-promoted Como, all fighting for one last place at Europe’s top table. Behind Napoli and the two Milan clubs, this trio must navigate a tense run-in where a single defeat could tilt the balance.
Luciano Spalletti’s Juventus have claimed back-to-back wins to keep their hopes alive, including last week’s hard-fought 1–0 triumph over Udinese, where Jeremie Boga — ironically a former Sassuolo favourite — struck the decisive first-half goal. That result allowed Juve to remain within striking distance of Como, who edged Roma to stay narrowly in front.
For the Bianconeri, Saturday’s match presents both an opportunity and a test of composure. A third straight victory would not only sustain their European push but also mark a personal milestone for Spalletti, who stands on 299 Serie A victories. One more, and he will become only the fourth manager in Italian football history to reach 300 top-flight wins.
History favours Juventus
Juve’s recent dominance of this particular fixture is clear. In January’s reverse encounter, they stormed to a comprehensive 3–0 win at the Mapei Stadium, continuing a trend that now sees Sassuolo winless in Turin since 2015. Across 11 previous visits to the Allianz Stadium, the Neroverdi have conceded an average of 2.7 goals per game and have yet to record a clean sheet.
Spalletti will be confident that his team can extend that run. His side—now more settled after weeks of rotation—appears sharper both physically and tactically, while individual performances from players like Kenan Yıldız and Weston McKennie have injected fresh creativity into Juv
Sassuolo’s mixed campaign
For Sassuolo, 2025–26 has been a season of extremes. Newly promoted under the guidance of Fabio Grosso, they have often punched above their weight yet remain frustratingly inconsistent. Consecutive defeats to Lazio and Bologna dropped the Neroverdi to 10th, though their mid-table position still reflects a successful return to Serie A.
Inconsistency has become their hallmark—Sassuolo have not registered a draw in their last eleven league outings, alternating between narrow wins and slender defeats. Nonetheless, Grosso’s men will travel to Turin with little pressure, already safe from relegation and free to play with an open, attacking mindset.
Their attacking trio of Domenico Berardi, Andrea Pinamonti, and Armand Laurienté has accounted for 18 league goals, offering potency on the break. But their defensive line, led by former Juve defender Tarik Muharemović, faces one of its sternest challenges yet.
Team News
Juventus head into the weekend with a nearly full squad available, offering Luciano Spalletti welcome depth as the top-four race intensifies. Emil Holm remains the only definite absentee due to a thigh issue, while Kenan Yıldız is expected to continue leading the line after impressing in recent weeks. Both Dušan Vlahović and Arkadiusz Milik have returned to full training following their respective lay-offs but are likely to start on the bench as they regain match rhythm.
Jeremie Boga, who struck the decisive goal against Udinese, should keep his place on the left wing, while Weston McKennie and Manuel Locatelli anchor the midfield once again. Andrea Cambiaso and Malick Thiaw are expected to reprise their full-back roles, with Federico Gatti or Gleison Bremer marshalling the centre of defence.
For Sassuolo, Fabio Grosso will be forced to make changes after a difficult run of results. Domenico Berardi remains sidelined with a muscle injury sustained earlier this month, meaning Armand Laurienté and Andrea Pinamonti will shoulder much of the attacking responsibility. Emil Konradsen Ceïde could be drafted into the front three to add pace on the counter.
In midfield, Daniel Boloca continues to nurse a knock and is unavailable, while Alieu Fadera and Fali Candé remain long-term absentees. Tarik Muharemović and Ruan Tressoldi are expected to form the central defensive pairing ahead of goalkeeper Arijanet Murić.
Probable Starting XI’s
Juventus (4-2-3-1): Perin; Kalulu, Bremer, Kelly, Cambiaso; Locatelli, Thuram; Conceição, McKennie, Boga; Yıldız
Sassuolo (4-3-3): Murić; Walukiewicz, Muharemović, Idzes, García; Koné, Matić, Thorstvedt; Berardi, Pinamonti, Laurienté
Prediction
With momentum on their side, home advantage, and the psychological edge of history, Juventus are strong favourites to keep winning. Sassuolo have the flair to cause moments of danger, but their defensive weakness away from home remains a problem.
The Bianconeri should have enough quality and focus to secure three points, potentially lifting Spalletti into Serie A’s coaching elite with his 300th triumph.
Prediction: Juventus 2-0 Sassuolo
