Borussia Dortmund is set to clash with Juventus in a pre-season friendly on Sunday at the iconic Signal Iduna Park. This match holds special significance, as former Dortmund defender Mats Hummels, who recently announced his retirement, will take to the pitch for a farewell appearance.
As both squads prepare to finalize their pre-season training before the resumption of domestic leagues later this month, the game presents an opportunity for players to showcase their skills. Borussia Dortmund’s coach Niko Kovač will be missing key players including Nico Schlotterbeck, Julien Duranville, and captain Emre Can, thereby paving the way for other squad members to make an impact.
Managing director Carsten Cramer has confirmed Hummels’ participation, which comes after he initially contemplated a return for the Club World Cup. One player to watch is Jobe Bellingham, who has recently proven his worth, scoring in his first start against Mamelodi Sundowns. He will be eager to build on his early achievements alongside teammates Serhou Guirassy and Karim Adeyemi, both of whom have been in fine form.
On the Juventus side, coach Igor Tudor will have to cope without Juan Cabal and Nicolò Savona, though Arkadiusz Milik is expected to be fit again after recovering from an injury. The squad includes familiar names from the Bundesliga, such as Weston McKennie, alongside new signings like Jonathan David and Teun Koopmeiners, who add depth to their attacking lineup.
Despite Juventus having a challenging pre-season, with only a draw against Reggiana to show from their recent matches, they remain a formidable opponent. Their last competitive meeting with Dortmund dates back to the 2014/15 Champions League, where they won convincingly 3-0, thanks to a stellar performance by Carlos Tevez.
Fans can watch the exciting encounter live on DAZN, with kickoff scheduled for 4:30 PM BST. This match not only marks a moment of reflection for Hummels but also provides both teams with the chance to gauge their readiness before the competitive season begins.
Overall, this pre-season friendly carries the essence of camaraderie and competition, setting the stage for an exhilarating football display while also enabling players to leave their mark ahead of the official season.