Juventus fans have reason for cautious optimism this weekend as the club prepares to face Bologna in Serie A. Despite a persistent injury crisis, the Bianconeri are set to welcome back two important players to their squad.
Young full-back Nicolo Savona and top scorer Dusan Vlahovic are expected to return following their respective layoffs. Vlahovic’s comeback is particularly significant, given his impressive record against Bologna, having netted six league goals against them. However, the Serbian striker will be eager to end his goal drought at the Allianz Stadium, where he hasn’t scored from open play in Serie A since February – a span of 12 games.
While these returns provide a boost, Juventus still faces significant absences. Arkadiusz Milik is sidelined with a knee injury, while a South American quartet comprising Juan Cabal, Bremer, Nico Gonzalez, and Douglas Luiz remain unavailable due to various ailments. There’s a glimmer of hope for Weston McKennie, who might return after missing the Lecce match with a muscular issue.
On the opposing side, Bologna’s attack will be spearheaded by the impressive Santiago Castro. The young forward has been in scintillating form, contributing five goals and five assists across all competitions this season. This tally puts him in elite company, matching the goal involvement records of Ademola Lookman, Christian Pulisic, and Romelu Lukaku – with Castro being the youngest of the group by six years.
Bologna manager Vincenzo Italiano is expected to field his strongest lineup after rotating the squad for their midweek cup tie. Key players Lukasz Skorupski, Dan Ndoye, and Sam Beukema are all set to return to the starting XI.
However, Bologna also has their share of injury concerns. Long-term absentees Nicolo Cambiaghi and Oussama El Azzouzi remain sidelined, along with Swiss midfielder Michel Aebischer. There are also doubts surrounding the fitness of Thijs Dallinga and Riccardo Orsolini, with the latter having suffered a thigh strain earlier in the week.
Juventus (4-2-3-1): Di Gregorio; Danilo, Kalulu, Gatti, Cambiaso; Locatelli, Thuram; Conceicao, Koopmeiners, Yildiz; Vlahovic
Bologna (4-2-3-1): Skorupski; Posch, Beukema, Lucumi, Miranda; Freuler, Moro; Ndoye, Odgaard, Dominguez; Castro
