The Allianz Stadium in Turin is set to host a crucial Coppa Italia Round of 16 match as defending champions Juventus face off against Cagliari on Tuesday evening. This encounter provides both teams with a welcome distraction from their challenging Serie A campaigns and an opportunity to progress in Italy’s premier cup competition.
Juventus, the reigning Coppa Italia champions, enter the tournament at this stage due to their European commitments. The Bianconeri find themselves in an unusual position, struggling to maintain their dominance in Serie A. Their recent form has been disappointing, with four consecutive league draws, including a surprising 2-2 result against bottom-placed Venezia. This poor run has left them nine points adrift of league leaders Atalanta and facing their worst start at home since 1988.
Despite their domestic struggles, Juventus have shown promise in the Champions League, recently securing a 2-0 victory over Manchester City. This win has boosted their chances of progressing in Europe’s elite competition. However, with their league campaign faltering, the Coppa Italia presents a realistic opportunity for silverware this season.
Cagliari, on the other hand, enter this match as underdogs but with the determination to cause an upset. The Sardinian side has already navigated two rounds of the Coppa Italia, eliminating Carrarese and Cremonese to reach this stage. Their league form, however, mirrors Juventus’ struggles, as they find themselves just above the relegation zone.
Team News
Juventus head coach Thiago Motta, returning from a touchline ban, is expected to make several changes to his lineup. Recently recovered players Douglas Luiz and Nico Gonzalez might feature in the starting eleven, while Manuel Locatelli, Mattia Perin, and Francisco Conceicao are also in contention for starting roles.
The Old Lady faces some injury concerns, with Arkadiusz Milik joining long-term absentees Juan Cabal and Bremer on the sidelines. The availability of full-backs Andrea Cambiaso and Jonas Rouhi remains uncertain. Top scorer Dusan Vlahovic, with 11 goals in 19 games, might be rested due to the lack of alternative striking options.
Cagliari coach Davide Nicola has the luxury of a nearly full squad to choose from, with only winger Zito Luvumbo a doubt after an ankle injury in their recent loss to Atalanta. Nicola is likely to rotate his squad, keeping in mind the upcoming crucial league match against fellow strugglers Venezia.
Expected Starting XIs
Juventus: Perin; Danilo, Kalulu, Gatti, Rouhi; Luiz, Locatelli, Fagioli; Conceicao, Weah, Mbangula
Cagliari: Scuffet; Wieteska, Palomino, Obert; Azzi, Deiola, Marin, Felici; Viola; Lapadula, Pavoletti
Match Prediction
The stakes are high for both teams as they vie for a place in the quarter-finals. Juventus will be looking to use this match as a springboard to restore confidence after their recent league struggles. Historically, they have performed well against Cagliari at home, winning their last five encounters at the Allianz Stadium without conceding a goal.
The Bianconeri should react to their disappointing weekend result, winning 2-0 comfortably.
Prediction: Juventus 2-0 Cagliari
