Juventus vs. Sampdoria: Issues and Decisions That Will Shape Serie A Game

It has been a hugely significant week for Juventus, the Turin giants qualifying for the knockout rounds of the Champions League thanks to Tuesday’s draw with Atletico Madrid. The result sees the Bianconeri improve upon last year’s dismal showing in the competition, where Antonio Conte failed to guide them beyond the Group Stage.

Massimiliano Allegri and his players should take a huge amount of confidence from that achievement, although they clearly realise they have much sterner tasks ahead. The coach immediately demanded more from his squad, noting that “of course we need to improve,” when discussing the performance with Sky Italia (h/t Football Italia).

La Madama will have no time to rest on her laurels, with Sampdoria visiting Juventus Stadium on Sunday. The game sees Sinisa Mihajlovic’s side take on the reigning Italian champions with an impressive run of results behind them.

The Genovese club sit in fourth place in Serie A having lost just once this term, and have already taken points from games against Napoli and Roma. They also won the local derby with third-placed Genoa, a huge result and one which is indicative of their fine form throughout the first 14 games of 2014-15.

Over the following pages is a look at the key decisions and issues that will shape this encounter, with Juventus hoping to maintain their advantage at the summit of the table.

Manolo Gabbiadini to Leave on a High?

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Manolo Gabbiadini has been in superb form this season, his attacking prowess a major reason for Sampdoria’s surprising climb up the table. With five goals and two assists in 11 games, the young striker has caught the interest of Serie A’s biggest clubs.

Co-owned by Juventus, who clearly have no room for him, the Bianconeri seem set to cash in on his impressive performances as Napoli appear close to signing the 23-year-old. According to this report from Gianluca Di Marzio, only a minor image rights issue has prevented the deal from already being complete.

With a move imminent, Gabbiadini will perhaps look to leave on a high, looking for a big performance against the club preparing to sell him.

Midfield Battle to Decide Result

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Perhaps the major factor in this matchup will be in midfield, where Juve’s headline-grabbing trio will face off against a less-heralded but highly-impressive Sampdoria unit. While the likes of Paul Pogba, Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal need little introduction, Sunday’s opponents deserve recognition for their current form.

Pedro Obiang, Roberto Soriano and Angelo Palombo do an excellent job shielding the defence and are all comfortable in possession. They will need to be at their best against that star-studded Bianconeri group, who can also call upon Claudio Marchisio and Roberto Pereyra, giving them a variety of options.

Juve to Once Again Face Defensive Issues

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After a raft of injuries and suspensions prompted Allegri to revert to a three-man defence last week, the coach faces some more difficult decisions on Sunday. Giorgio Chiellini will miss the game after picking up his fourth yellow card of the campaign against Fiorentina, meaning yet another reshuffle in the back line.

With Martin Caceres, Kwadwo Asamoah and Romulo all absent through injury, it is likely Leonardo Bonucci will be partnered by Angelo Ogbonna in central defence. Patrice Evra and Simone Padoin will be in contention for the left-back slot, with Stephan Lichtsteiner almost certain to start on the opposite flank.

Can Juve’s Important Players Step Up?

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While qualification for the next stage of the Champions League is vital to Juventus, it is notable that a number of the squad’s major players are not yet at their best. Indeed, this analysis of their European performances shows that the likes of Giorgio Chiellini, Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal are among the least effective members of the team.

Sampdoria’s quality should not be underestimated, and as such, Allegri will need his stars to improve upon those displays on Sunday.