Juventus vs. Fiorentina: Team News, Predicted Lineups, Live Stream and TV Info
Juventus will host Fiorentina on Sunday night, looking to bounce back from a disappointing outing in Europe by continuing their fine domestic form. Indeed, after some positive recent results in both competitions, the Bianconeri return to Serie A action fresh from a poor display against Sevilla in midweek.
That Champions League defeat cost coach Massimiliano Allegri’s men the opportunity to top Group D, but the side know that victory over La Viola can certainly help close the gap to the early leaders in Italy.
Their opponents have enjoyed a fine start to 2015/16, currently sitting in second place and just a single point behind Roberto Mancini’s Inter, a team they demolished 4-1 at the San Siro back in September.
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Yet the fact they have drawn two of their last three league matches—held by Empoli and Sassuolo—in addition to having played in the Europa League on Thursday, gives Juventus hope of emerging with a result.
However, speaking to reporters at a charity event earlier this week—per the club’s official website—Turin-born midfielder Claudio Marchisio was in no mood to underestimate coach Paulo Sousa’s impressive team:
"The match on Sunday is very important. It’s an opportunity to change things up at the top of the table, as there are a few big clubs playing one another and we need to be able to take advantage of the situation.
Fiorentina are an excellent side and they deserve to be where they are at this moment in time. We’ll need to be on our toes, even if we’re playing at home.
"
Marchisio is certainly right to urge caution, with no side in Serie A able to better the Tuscan team’s tally of 30 goals scored, while their defence ranks as the third best in the division having conceded on just 12 occasions.
With their own attack finally beginning to perform, Juve will need to be at their very best if they are to take all three points here, but they will be fully aware of the importance of doing so.
Date: Sunday, Dec. 13, 2015
Time: 7:45 p.m. GMT/2:45 p.m. ET
Venue: Juventus Stadium, Turin
TV Info: BT Sport 1 (UK) BeInSports 1 (U.S.)
Live Stream: BT Connect (UK)
Form Lines
Last five domestic results:
| Juventus 2-1 Torino | Fiorentina 4-1 Frosinone |
| Empoli 1-3 Juventus | Sampdoria 0-2 Fiorentina |
| Juventus 1-0 Milan | Fiorentina 2-2 Empoli |
| Palermo 0-3 Juventus | Sassuolo 1-1 Fiorentina |
| Lazio 0-2 Juventus | Fiorentina 3-0 Udinese |
Probable Formations
Juventus (3-5-2): Gigi Buffon; Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini; Juan Cuadrado, Stefano Sturaro, Claudio Marchisio, Paul Pogba, Patrice Evra; Mario Mandzukic, Paulo Dybala
Unavailable: Hernanes, Sami Khedira, Martin Caceres, Roberto Pereyra (all injured)
Fiorentina: (3-4-2-1): Ciprian Tatarusanu; Facundo Roncaglia, Gonzalo Rodriguez, Davide Astori; Federico Bernardsechi, Milan Badelj, Matias Vecino, Marcos Alonso; Borja Valero, Josip Ilicic; Nikola Kalinic
Unavailable: Jakub Blaszczykowski (injured)
Player to Watch
Juventus have no shortage of attacking options, but perhaps Juan Cuadrado will be key to their hopes of victory against the Tuscan side. The Colombia international only left Fiorentina in January, spending a brief unhappy spell with Chelsea before moving to the Bianconeri in the summer.
He has dropped in and out of the side over recent weeks, but he has made some telling contributions, including a late match-winning goal against cross-town rivals Torino in late October, while building a good understanding with Claudio Marchisio and Paulo Dybala.
Expected to start on the right against his former club, his pace and direct style could cause problems for the Viola defence, while Cuadrado’s ability should see him create opportunities that other Juve players can take advantage of.
Key Battle
One of those looking to directly benefit from Cuadrado’s impact will be Mario Mandzukic, who is expected to once again lead the line for the Bianconeri. Indeed, despite the club revealing via their official website that Alvaro Morata has signed a new contract, the Croatian has emerged as the No. 1 option recently.
After Mandzukic struggled in the early part of the campaign, he has shone in recent weeks, netting winning goals against Milan and Manchester City before recording an assist in the victory over Lazio last week.
As the tweet below indicates, the 29-year-old will be honoured as Juve’s Player of the Month for November before this clash, and the task of stopping him will likely fall to Fiorentina defender Gonzalo Rodriguez.
His role in the centre of the three-man back line used by La Viola means they will not be in direct competition, but the Argentinian is certainly the leader of that unit. His ability to keep the Bianconeri attack at bay will be essential, and Rodriguez has proven throughout 2015/16 that he is more than capable of doing so.
According to statistics courtesy of WhoScored.com, he has averaged 1.4 tackles, 3.1 interceptions and 3.7 clearances per game this term, while also weighing in with two goals.
Odds (via Odds Shark)
Away win: 7-2
Home win: 4-5
Draw: 5-2
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