The UEFA Champions League returns with a bang as Italian giants Juventus host Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven in a highly anticipated Group A clash at the Allianz Stadium in Turin. This match marks Juventus’ return to Europe’s elite competition after a one-year absence, while PSV look to build on their impressive domestic form on the continental stage.
Juventus, two-time Champions League winners (1985 and 1996), are making their 24th appearance in the competition – an Italian record. The Bianconeri’s rich European history includes seven final appearances in the Champions League era, more than any other club. However, their last triumph dates back to 1996, and they’ll be eager to reassert themselves among Europe’s elite after missing out on continental football entirely last season due to a UEFA ban.
Under new manager Thiago Motta, Juventus started their Serie A campaign with two emphatic 3-0 victories. However, their form has dipped slightly with consecutive 0-0 draws against Roma and Empoli. Despite this, the Old Lady have achieved an impressive feat of four consecutive clean sheets to start their domestic season, a testament to their defensive solidity.
PSV Eindhoven, champions of Europe in 1988, enter the competition in scintillating form. The Dutch giants clinched last season’s Eredivisie title in record-breaking fashion, amassing 91 points and losing just once in 34 matches. This season, they’ve maintained that momentum, winning all five of their league games with a remarkable goal difference of +17.
In last year’s Champions League, PSV reached the round of 16 before bowing out to eventual finalists Borussia Dortmund. However, their away form in the competition has been a concern, with just one victory in their last 17 Champions League road trips.
Thiago Motta has brought a fresh approach to Juventus, moving away from the conservative style of his predecessor Max Allegri. The Italian tactician favors a possession-based game with high pressing and quick transitions. His 4-2-3-1 formation allows for fluid movement in attack while maintaining defensive stability.
Key to Juventus’ success will be the performance of striker Dusan Vlahovic. Despite a slow start to the season, the Serbian remains a potent threat and will be crucial in breaking down PSV’s defense. The midfield battle will be intriguing, with new signing Teun Koopmeiners likely to play a pivotal role in dictating the tempo for the Bianconeri.
PSV, under the guidance of Peter Bosz, have been playing an attractive, attacking brand of football. Their 4-2-3-1 formation provides a solid base for their creative players to flourish. The Dutch side’s high-scoring form in the Eredivisie suggests they won’t be shy about taking the game to Juventus, even in Turin.
Luuk de Jong’s return from injury is a significant boost for PSV. The experienced striker’s ability to hold up play and bring others into the game will be crucial, especially if PSV find themselves under pressure away from home.
The duel between Juventus’ center-back pairing of Federico Gatti and Bremer against PSV’s Luuk de Jong will be crucial. De Jong’s aerial prowess and link-up play will test the Juventus defence, which has been impenetrable in Serie A so far.
In midfield, the battle between Juventus’ Manuel Locatelli and PSV’s Joey Veerman could determine which team controls the tempo of the match. Both players are adept at dictating play from deep and launching attacks.
Team News
Juventus have been boosted by the return of Timothy Weah and Khephren Thuram from injury, though Francisco Conceicao remains doubtful. Thiago Motta has shown a willingness to trust young talents like Nicolo Savona and Samuel Mbangula, but may opt for experience in this crucial European fixture.
PSV will be without the injured Hirving Lozano, while doubts remain over the fitness of Noa Lang, Rick Karsdorp, Sergino Dest, and Armando Obispo. However, the return of Luuk de Jong is a significant boost for the Dutch side.
Expected Starting XI
Juventus (4-3-3): Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Gatti, Bremer, Cabal; Locatelli, Fagioli; Cambiaso, Koopmeiners, Yildiz; Vlahovic
PSV (4-2-3-1): Benitez; Ledezma, Flamingo, Boscagli, Dams; Til, Schouten, Veerman; Bakayoko, De Jong, Tillman
