Juventus consider Spinazzola for Atleti

By Football Italia staff

Juventus are expected to start Leonardo Spinazzola against Atletico Madrid in what would be his Champions League debut.

The Round of 16 kicks off in Turin on Tuesday at 20.00 GMT after the first leg ended 2-0 for the Colchoneros.

Some changes are forced upon Max Allegri, because Alex Sandro is suspended, with Mattia De Sciglio, Andrea Barzagli, Douglas Costa, Sami Khedira and Juan Cuadrado injured.

This leaves him with limited options in wide areas, so it remains to be seen if he’ll start with three at the back or four.

Spinazzola can play as a full-back, but also spent two years with Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini as a wing-back in a five-man midfield.

Allegri confirmed in his Press conference today that it’s possible Spinazzola will start, but that would be his career debut in the Champions League.

Most reports point to a 4-3-3 formation with Federico Bernardeschi joining Mario Mandzukic and Cristiano Ronaldo in attack, leaving Paulo Dybala on the bench as an impact sub.

On the other hand, a three-man defence would most likely have Martin Caceres chosen for his experience and strength in the air rather than Daniele Rugani.

In this scenario, Bernardeschi could still play wide left with Joao Cancelo on the right, but Mandzukic might be dropped for Dybala as partner to Cristiano Ronaldo.

There is also the wild card Moise Kean, as the 19-year-old bagged a brace in last week’s 4-1 victory over Frosinone.

Probable line-ups

Juventus (4-3-3): Szczesny; Cancelo, Bonucci, Chiellini, Spinazzola; Emre Can, Pjanic, Matuidi; Bernardeschi, Mandzukic, Ronaldo

OR

Juventus (3-5-2): Szczesny; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini; Cancelo, Emre Can, Pjanic, Matuidi, Bernardeschi; Dybala, Ronaldo

Watch Serie A live in the UK on Premier Sports for just £9.99 per month including live LaLiga, Eredivisie, Scottish Cup Football and more. Visit: https://www.premiersports.com/subscribenow