Juventus FC prepares to face Sassuolo in an important Serie A match at the Mapei Stadium in Reggio Emilia, kicking off at 19:45 GMT (20:45 CET). The squad is rallying around Jonathan David after his disappointing penalty miss during the recent 1-1 draw against Lecce. Despite the setback, Coach Luciano Spalletti remains committed to building David’s confidence by granting him another start alongside youngsters Kenan Yildiz and Fabio Miretti.
Juventus’ recent performance saw them slip to a draw against Lecce, preventing them from gaining a crucial victory that could propel them further up the Serie A standings. The parity in the match allowed them to level with Roma in joint fourth place. David’s missed Panenka penalty looms large, but the support from his teammates could be key to revitalizing his form.
In addition to the concern over David’s penalty, Juventus is also facing injury challenges. Key players such as Dusan Vlahovic, Jonas Rouhi, and Federico Gatti are sidelined, necessitating a tactical reshuffle. Teun Koopmeiners returns to the defensive line, aiming to shore up a defense that has seen better days.
On the other side, Sassuolo has significantly impressed this season, occupying a comfortable mid-table position under the guidance of Coach Fabio Grosso after their Serie B title win. They’ve delivered notable upsets, defeating teams like Lazio and Fiorentina, and holding Milan and Bologna to draws. Sassuolo will be without several players, including their star Domenico Berardi, while Ismael Koné is set to return after being rested for their local derby against Parma.
The anticipated encounter will feature veteran Nemanja Matic in midfield, complemented by the emerging talent of Tarik Muharemovic in defense. Sassuolo aims to continue their strong performance, looking to exploit any weaknesses as they host the Bianconeri.
As both teams look to solidify their positions in the league, the match is sure to be a compelling showdown that could impact the race for European spots, showcasing the resilience and potential of youth players on both sides.