Juventus Lean on Jonathan David and Lois Openda for Crucial Coppa Italia Battle Against Udinese
Juventus is gearing up to meet Udinese in an essential Round of 16 Coppa Italia matchup. The match will take place tonight at the Allianz Stadium in Turin, commencing at 21:00 CET (20:00 GMT).
Juventus’s Injury Challenges
The team is facing a significant challenge with the injury of Dusan Vlahovic. Reports indicate that Vlahovic has sustained a severe muscle injury and may require surgery, which could sideline him for at least three months.
In light of this setback, head coach Luciano Spalletti is expected to rely on attacking players Jonathan David and Lois Openda to lead the front line. Their partnership will be crucial for Juventus as they aim for a successful run in the tournament.
Projected Lineups
Juventus is projected to adopt a 3-4-1-2 formation, featuring:
- Goalkeeper: Di Gregorio
- Defenders: Kalulu, Gatti, Kelly
- Midfielders: Joao Mario, Teun Koopmeiners, Fabio Miretti, Kostic
- Attacking Midfielder: Vasilije Adzic
- Forwards: Jonathan David, Lois Openda
In midfield, Koopmeiners and Miretti are likely to be favored, while young talents Khephren Thuram and Kenan Yildiz might be rested ahead of their Serie A match against Napoli next weekend.
Udinese’s Squad Adjustments
On the visiting side, Udinese travels to Turin without key players Thomas Kristensen and Hassane Kamara. They also anticipate modifications to their lineup, with attackers Keinan Davis and Nicolò Zaniolo expected to start on the bench. Udinese will likely utilize a 3-5-2 formation, which includes:
- Goalkeeper: Sava
- Defenders: Goglichidze, Solet, Palma
- Midfielders: Ehizibue, Miller, Piotrowski, Ekkelenkamp, Modesto
- Forwards: Bravo, Buksa
Where to Watch
Fans interested in following the Juventus vs. Udinese clash can watch it live on Premier Sports 2 in the UK and Ireland, or on Paramount+ in the USA. For live updates, Football Italia will provide a dedicated LIVEBLOG.
This encounter is pivotal for both squads in the Coppa Italia, serving as not only a test of their current form but also an opportunity for Juventus to assess their depth and resilience amid challenging circumstances.
