Juventus manager Thiago Motta is shaking things up for the upcoming Champions League match against PSV Eindhoven. After two goalless draws in Serie A, Motta is looking to inject some energy into the team and the atmosphere at the Allianz Stadium.
One of the most notable changes could be the exclusion of young star Kenan Yildiz from the starting lineup. Motta’s initial ideas seem to favor using wingers on their natural sides to provide better service to striker Dusan Vlahovic and avoid congestion in the central areas. Teun Koopmeiners is likely to retain his place in midfield.
The decision to potentially bench Yildiz may be influenced by his performance against Empoli. Given Motta’s emphasis on merit, condition, and form, this move could be seen as a way to give the young player a breather and prevent rushing his development.
Timothy Weah is expected to start on the right wing, with Nico Gonzalez potentially moving to the left flank. Motta has shown a particular affinity for Weah and believes his pace and direct style could be crucial against PSV.
Defensively, Motta is likely to stick with the back four that has kept clean sheets in recent matches. Pierre Kalulu is expected to start at right-back, with Federico Gatti and Bremer in central defense, and Andrea Cambiaso on the left. Michele Di Gregorio is set to return in goal.
In midfield, Manuel Locatelli is a certain starter, while Khephren Thuram is favored over Douglas Luiz to partner him. This would be another setback for Luiz, but Motta insists the Brazilian needs more time to adapt.
The potential lineup reflects Motta’s desire for a clearer tactical identity and improved off-the-ball movement, aspects he felt were lacking in recent matches.
Probable Juventus lineup (4-2-3-1): Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Gatti, Bremer, Cambiaso; Thuram, Locatelli; Weah, Koopmeiners, Nico Gonzalez; Vlahovic.
Probable PSV lineup (4-3-3): Benitez, Ledezma, Flamingo, Boscagli, Dams, Til, Schouten, Veerman, Bakayoko, De Jong, Tillman.
