Juventus vs. Chievo: Issues and Decisions That Will Shape Serie a Game

Last week’s win over Hellas Verona saw Juventus reach the halfway point of the Serie A season with a five-point lead over their nearest rivals. Having also secured a berth in the Coppa Italia quarter-final with a victory over the same opponent—plus progress to the last 16 of the Champions League—the Bianconeri can reflect on a good start to 2014-15.

A quirk in the schedule sees Verona’s other team, Chievo, travel to Turin this weekend, with Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri’s men hoping to add three more points to their tally. Buoyed by their first triumph in 14 years away to Napoli, the confidence of the reigning champions is currently extremely high.

In contrast, their opponents sit in 17th place with the threat of relegation looming large behind them, bringing manager Rolando Maran’s job under heavy scrutiny. The coach was only appointed in October, and he has won just three of his 12 games in charge, continually struggling to earn the results they so desperately need.

Over the following pages is a look at the key issues and decisions that will shape the encounter at the Juventus Stadium, looking closely at how each could affect the final result of Sunday’s match.

Can Chievo Find a Way Score Against Juventus?

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Chievo’s biggest concern this season has been a serious lack of goals, with their attack the worst in Serie A as they have found the net just 14 times in their first 19 matches. Leading scorer Alberto Paloschi has found the back of the net just four times. The former Milan striker is showing form poor in comparison with 2013-14, and Maran needs him to improve quickly.

Sunday sees them pitted against the best defence in the league, with Juventus having conceded just nine times thus far. Despite injuries forcing constant changes to the lineup, the Bianconeri back line has been consistently superb in protecting goalkeeper Gigi Buffon.

However, despite the captain recording 11 clean sheets, last week’s win over Hellas was his first shutout since the 0-0 draw with Atletico Madrid in early December.

Will We See Another Gem from Paul Pogba?

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With his name the subject of constant speculation, Juventus moved to dismiss suggestions Paul Pogba was set to leave the club.

“Our intention is to buy important players and not sell them,” director Beppe Marotta told Sky Sport Italia (h/t Football Italia), and the player’s form certainly makes him vital for the Bianconeri.

Pogba has scored in each of his last three outings, with his volley against Napoli sparking the team to that historic win, as discussed in depth here. Playing a key role between attack and defence, the ability of the 21-year-old is incredible to witness and should prove too much for Chievo on Sunday.

Can Chievo Maintain Their Own Impressive Defensive Record?

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While their attack has been seriously blunt, only five teams in Serie A have conceded fewer goals than the Veronese side. Leading scorer Carlos Tevez has scored 13 times already, just once fewer than Chievo’s entire total; the Argentinian is enjoying a stellar first half to the campaign.

He was on target twice in last week’s win over Hellas, and this weekend’s opponents will be concerned after seeing the Bianconeri net 10 times in those two meetings with their neighbours. Maran will hope his defence can hold the champions at bay, but in their current form, that seems an unlikely prospect.

Can Other Youngsters Shine for the Bianconeri?

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The rise of Pogba has seen Juventus earn a reputation for believing in young players, and the playing time afforded to Alvaro Morata and Kingsley Coman reinforces that opinion. The pair have the complete faith of Allegri, with the club allowing Sebastian Giovinco’s contract to expire thanks to their performances.

However, both need to improve their productivity, with the Spaniard scoring just four league goals, and his French team-mate yet to net in Serie A. He did notch his first professional strike in the Coppa Italia win over Hellas, and he will hope to add more against Chievo.

Allegri has rotated the side heavily in recent weeks, meaning both can expect playing time on Sunday, but it will be up to them to capitalise on that opportunity.