Socrates

PSG 0 Bayern 2

Dice che vuole restare

Portoghesi terrorizzati da Yildiz

Oltre la fine Juve!

DUSAN VLAHOVIC 1-1

ZITTO PEDRO

Non é la Cremonese

Il loro capitano servirebbe a noi

Champions League line-ups: Juventus vs. Sporting CP Kenan Yildiz returns with Dusan Vlahovic and that surprising Teun Koopmeiners deeper role as Luciano Spalletti makes his Champions League debut on the Juventus bench against Sporting CP. It kicks off at the Allianz Juventus Stadium in Turin at 20.00 GMT. ............ Koopmeiners is there again tonight, but Kenan Yildiz has shaken off a knee issue to start in support of Vlahovic. Weston McKennie is moved into a new role too, as Khephren Thuram’s calf problem is not serious enough to keep him out of the starting XI. Lloyd Kelly, Gleison Bremer and Juan Cabal still injured, but Francisco Conceicao comes in for a more attacking approach. There is no time to lose, as Juve managed only a 4-4 draw with Borussia Dortmund, 2-2 against Villarreal, and lost 1-0 at Real Madrid. ............ Sporting CP have done rather well in the Champions League so far this season, beating Kairat Almaty 4-1 and Roberto De Zerbi’s Olympique Marseille 2-1, around a tight 2-1 defeat away to Napoli. They won their last five competitive matches in a row, unbeaten since that trip to Naples on October 1. ............ Juventus vs. Sporting CP line-ups Juventus: Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Gatti, Koopmeiners; McKennie, Locatelli, Thuram, Cambiaso; Francisco Conceicao, Kenan Yildiz; Vlahovic Juventus bench: Perin, Scaglia, Zhegrova, Adzic, Kostic, Openda, Miretti, Rugani, Joao Mario, David, Rouhi Sporting: Rui Silva; Vagiannidis, Diomande, Goncalo Inacio, Araujo; Joao Simoes, Hjulmand; Quenda, Trincao, Goncalves; Ioannidis Sporting bench: Joao Virginia, Matheus Reis, Morita, Catamo, Kochorashvili, Alisson Santos, Rodrigo Ribeiro, Bruno Ramos, Salvador Blopa, Eduardo Quaresma, Ricardo Mangas, Suarez Ref: Siebert (GER) . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/champions-league-line-ups-juventus-sporting-cp/

Juventus hope Thuram fit despite conflicting reports before Sporting clash Juventus remain hopeful Khephren Thuram will be fit to face Sporting Lisbon tonight, despite Tuttosport raising concerns over a potential recurrence of his calf injury. The French midfielder had missed the recent win over Udinese with a problem in his left calf but returned to start against Cremonese, lasting 79 minutes before being substituted. ............ Thuram experienced renewed discomfort and risked losing his place in the starting XI at the Allianz Stadium. ............ If the Frenchman had been unavailable, Luciano Spalletti was reportedly prepared to drop Weston McKennie into a central midfield role, with winger Francisco Conceição taking his spot on the right. However, Thuram should be available for selection. A final decision will be taken close to kick-off. ............ . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/juventus-hope-thuram-fit-for-sporting-clash/

Ligue 1 club considers taking David back to the competition Since his move to Turin in the summer, Jonathan David has struggled to make a meaningful impact on the Juventus team. The Canadian forward joined the club as a free agent after running down his contract at Lille, where he had been regarded as one of Europe’s most prolific strikers. Juventus were reportedly delighted to secure his signature, believing they had outcompeted several of the continent’s top clubs in the process. ............ David’s difficulties in making an impact have not gone unnoticed. While his talent and experience in French football were considered major assets upon his arrival, he has yet to justify the confidence placed in him by the club. Juventus supporters and management alike had hoped for a swift transition into a central role, but his underwhelming performances have limited his playing time and influence on matches. The club continues to support his development, but his current trajectory has prompted speculation regarding his future. ............ Recent reports suggest that David could be on the move sooner than expected. He has now been linked with a return to Ligue 1, with Paris FC reportedly showing interest in securing his services. The French side is seeking a striker capable of providing goals consistently, and David’s experience in the league makes him an appealing option. Paris FC could make an approach for his signature as early as the January transfer window, with the forward included on their shortlist of potential candidates to address their attacking needs. ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/ligue-1-club-considers-taking-david-back-to-the-competition/

Fabio Capello discusses Koopmeiners’ new role against Cremonese One of the biggest failures of Juventus’ last two managers has been their inability to get the best out of Teun Koopmeiners, who joined the Bianconeri in the summer of 2024. He arrived as a European champion and had been one of the standout players at Atalanta, known for his tactical intelligence and composure on the ball. Juventus viewed him as one of their most promising signings, yet he has struggled to find consistency and make the impact that was expected of him. ............ Luciano Spalletti has attempted to find the most suitable position for Koopmeiners, experimenting with his deployment on the left in a recent match against Cremonese. The intention is to identify a role that allows him to utilise his technical skills and vision effectively while contributing to the team’s overall shape. It remains uncertain whether this position will be permanent, but Spalletti’s flexibility demonstrates the ongoing effort to extract the best from a player with undeniable qualities. Finding a system that complements his natural attributes is essential for him to regain form and confidence. ............ Fabio Capello has also offered his view on Koopmeiners’ role, particularly the suggestion of using him as a defender. He said: “The idea of Koopmeiners as a centre back? It seems like an idea, not so much as a defender because he’s not Costacurta, so to speak, but he knows how to position himself well, but when he has the ball and moves forward, he can do something more and can be a surprise for opponents too. Someone who knows what to do with the ball at his feet, not like many defenders. In that role, he’s so-so…” ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/fabio-capello-discusses-koopmeiners-new-role-against-cremonese/

Champions League: Juventus vs. Sporting CP – probable line-ups Kenan Yildiz is expected to partner with Dusan Vlahovic in the Juventus attack for a Champions League game against Sporting CP. It kicks off at 21:00 CET (20:00 GMT) at the Allianz Stadium in Turin. The Bianconeri haven’t yet won a game in the Champions League this season, but new coach Luciano Spalletti makes his debut in Europe’s elite competition with the Old Lady in his first home game. ............ Italian media claim that Teun Koopmeiners will once again start in a three-man defence. Daniele Rugani is favourite over Federico Gatti at the back. Juventus have collected two points in three Champions League matches so far this season. ............ Juventus vs. Sporting CP – probable line-ups Juventus (3-5-2): Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Rugani, Koopmeiners; Cambiaso, Locatelli, Thuram, Kostic; McKennie, Yildiz; Vlahovic. Sporting CP (4-2-3-1): Rui Silva; Vagiannidis, Diomande, Goncalo Inacio, Arauji; Joao Simoes, Hjulmand; Geny Catamo, Trincao, Goncalves; Ioannidis. . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/juventus-v-sporting-probable-line-ups-watch-tv/

Champions League Preview: Juventus vs Sporting CP – Team News, Line-ups & Prediction It’s been a busy week for the Turin giants as they parted ways with underperforming boss Igor Tudor following a dreadful eight-game winless run in all competitions. Interim boss Massimo Brambilla inspired Juventus to a morale-boosting 3-1 home win over Serie A strugglers Udinese last week. Then, Spalletti enjoyed a dream touchline debut as Juventus saw off newcomers Cremonese 2-1 on the road, building a head of steam ahead of Sporting’s visit. Failure is not an option for the former Scudetto winner, as the record-time Italian champions sit outside the playoff spots before the kick-off. Indeed, the Bianconeri have only won two points in the opening three league-phase rounds (D2, L1), most recently slumping to a narrow 1-0 defeat at Real Madrid. In stark contrast, Sporting have fared reasonably well, sandwiching a 2-1 away loss to Juventus’ bitter rivals Napoli with a pair of home victories. ............ Match Preview Juventus This clash has all the makings of a ‘make or break’ contest for Juventus. With only two points to their name, Spalletti’s men desperately need a win here to reignite their pursuit of knockout qualification. With that in mind, this upcoming encounter against Sporting seems perfectly timed. For perspective, Juventus have gone unbeaten in all four historic meetings with the Portuguese powerhouse (W2, D2). It’s also worth noting that both wins arrived in Turin, albeit by narrow single-goal margins, highlighting just how closely contested these encounters have been. Maintaining their flawless home record against Sporting feels imperative, as Juventus bid to arrest a woeful four-game winless run in the Champions League (D2, L2). Ominously, that’s their worst streak at Europe’s top table since 2013. On the bright side, they’ve been formidable at the Allianz Stadium this term. Despite recent managerial shifts, Allianz remains a fortress, with Juventus avoiding defeat in their last ten home outings across all competitions (W7, D3), including a nerve-wracking 4-4 draw against Borussia Dortmund in their most recent Champions League game in Turin. Sporting CP ............ Team News Long-term absentees Juan Cabal, Gleison Bremer, and Arkadiusz Milik remain on the sidelines. Yet, Juventus can find comfort in Kenan Yildiz’s return from injury after missing out on the Cremonese game. Moreover, Lloyd Kelly could also be at Spalletti’s disposal after overcoming a minor muscle issue. ............ Juventus vs Sporting CP Potential Starting Lineups Juventus (3-5-2): Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Rugani, Gatti; Cambiaso, Thuram, Locatelli, Koopmeiners, Kostic; Openda, Vlahovic. Sporting CP (4-2-3-1): Silva; Vagiannidis, Diomande, Inacio, Araujo; Hjulmand, Morita; Quenda, Trincao, Goncalves; Suarez. Juventus vs Sporting CP Prediction With Spalletti on the bench, Juventus could turn into a different beast, and this clash might mark a turning point in their dreadful Champions League campaign. Given Sporting’s embarrassing record in Italy and a well-documented travel sickness, we back the Bianconeri to get off the mark in Europe. Prediction: Juventus to Win . Read more -> https://cultofcalcio.com/champions-league-preview-juventus-vs-sporting-cp-team-news-line-ups-prediction/

Massimo Pavan insists Juventus needs a good night against Sporting Juventus are set to face Sporting Club in the Champions League tonight in what promises to be a crucial fixture for both sides. Each team will be eager to secure victory and strengthen its position in the competition. Juventus, under new manager Luciano Spalletti, approach the match with renewed energy and optimism following a recent upturn in form. ............ Sporting Club, the reigning champions of Portugal’s top division, represent a formidable opponent. Their technical ability, tactical organisation and experience in European competitions make them a dangerous side. Juventus, aware of this, will need to display discipline, control and creativity to overcome the challenge. The match provides Spalletti with another opportunity to assess how well his players are adapting to his methods and tactical expectations. As an experienced coach with a deep understanding of European football, Spalletti knows the magnitude of the task ahead. His focus will be on maintaining Juventus’s recent momentum while identifying the individuals responding most effectively to his approach. The game is also a chance for the Bianconeri to demonstrate that their recent revival is more than temporary and that they remain capable of competing with the continent’s elite. ............ Commenting on the significance of the upcoming clash, Massimo Pavan stated: “The Bianconeri are immediately faced with an important, if not decisive, match. The missteps in previous matches make a victory a must. However, judging by Sporting Lisbon’s performance against Napoli, it won’t be easy at all.” ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/massimo-pavan-insists-juventus-needs-a-good-night-against-sporting/

Buffon: ‘Spalletti the best choice for Juventus – Allegri had more trust because of his record’ Gianluigi Buffon believes Juventus have made “the best possible choice” by appointing Luciano Spalletti but admits he regrets not seeing him take charge from the start of the season. ............ “They started well, but maybe not fully convinced by the project,” Buffon said. “Looking at how and when Tudor was sacked, it suggests there wasn’t complete belief from the beginning. Now they’ve made the best possible fix: Spalletti can guarantee the results the fans and club expect. The only pity is that I’d have liked to see him from the start, with pre-season and player choices, Juve could’ve been competitive until the end.” ............ Buffon also touched on Igor Tudor’s dismissal: “It seemed there were problems with empathy between him and the directors. You could sense it from his last interviews.” On Juventus’ broader situation, he added: “After ten years of success, it’s natural to go through difficulties. They need the right people in management, on the bench and on the pitch. We experienced something similar between 2009 and 2011.” On Allegri, who the former Italy international argued received more backing from the Juventus leadership than any of his successors, Buffon noted: “He had more trust because of his past.” ............ . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/buffon-spalletti-juventus-allegri-decision/

Juventus midfielder earns comparison with Calafiori as Spalletti sends message Teun Koopmeiners is expected to start his second consecutive game in central defence, and his contribution to the build-up has made him earn a comparison with Italy international Riccardo Calafiori. New Juventus coach Spalletti surprisingly started Koopmeiners as a left centre-back in a three-man defence in a 2-1 win over Cremonese on Saturday and is expected to offer more of the same this evening when the Old Lady hosts Sporting CP in the Champions League. ............ Koopmeiners’ heatmap from the game against Cremonese shows that the Dutch midfielder touched the ball more often in central midfield and on the left flank than he did inside the Bianconeri’s box. The Dutchman’s contribution to the build-up is to compare his position and duties to those of Calafiori, who played in the same role with the Italy national team under Spalletti. ............ ‘Koop playing as a defender like Calafiori is an invitation to play with the heads held high, with the desire to dominate proceedings’. ‘The Dutchman has dropped deep, but is practically an added midfielder in the build-up.’ ............ . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/koopmeiners-calafiori-juventus-spalletti/

Di Gregorio gives insight into the change of mood in the Juve dressing room Michele di Gregorio has offered insight into the improving atmosphere within the Juventus dressing room following their recent run of back-to-back victories. The Bianconeri are gradually recovering from an extended period of poor form, which included an eight-game winless streak and ultimately resulted in the dismissal of Igor Tudor. Under new manager Luciano Spalletti, optimism appears to be returning, with the team beginning to show signs of renewed determination and unity. ............ Di Gregorio spoke about the positive change in mood among the players and the importance of maintaining focus as they look to build upon recent results. He said: “The dressing room feels better after two wins. Winning makes you feel better, but we know we can’t let our focus drop or we risk going back to square one. We’re focused on tomorrow, and I think we need to continue on this path. We’ve done well, we’ve scored points.” His comments underline the growing sense of belief within the squad, balanced by an understanding that consistency will be crucial if Juventus are to continue climbing the table. The improvement in morale is clear, yet Di Gregorio’s words also reflect a recognition that complacency could quickly undo their progress. ............ Spalletti’s presence appears to have revitalised the players, encouraging greater cohesion and tactical discipline. The team’s back-to-back wins have helped to restore confidence, and the focus now is on sustaining that level of performance across all competitions. Juventus fans will be hopeful that this resurgence signals the start of a more stable and successful period under their new manager. ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/di-gregorio-gives-insight-into-the-change-of-mood-in-the-juve-dressing-room/

David could leave Juventus in January with Tottenham and Chelsea interested Reports in Italy claim that Canada international Jonathan David could leave Juventus in January, even if Luciano Spalletti will try to revive the ex-Lille star before the winter transfer window begins. ............ The Italian newspapers claim that the 25-year-old will consider his options in the winter transfer window if he doesn’t get more playing time in the coming months. David made a substitute appearance in Luciano Spalletti’s debut against Cremonese on Saturday and is expected to go on the bench again this evening in a Champions League match against Sporting CP. ............ Spalletti will try to revive the Canadian, but Tottenham and Chelsea are following the ex-Lille forward. The London-based clubs are also interested in his Juventus teammate Dusan Vlahovic. ............ . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/david-juventus-exit-january-tottenham-chelsea/

Ravezzani promises bombshells in Calciopoli documentary: “Inside job at Juventus” TeleLombardia director Fabio Ravezzani previews a documentary that sheds the light on some of the aspects of the Calciopoli scandal that demoted Juventus to Serie B in 2006. The Bianconeri were accused of establishing illegal bonds with the referees at the time, and were relegated to the second division following a brief summer trial. They were also stripped of their two previous Serie A titles, while the club’s general director, Luciano Moggi, was banned for life. ............ While Juventus suffered an absolute catastrophe, other clubs like Milan and Lazio were only slapped with a point deduction, despite being brought to trial. Moreover, Inter emerged as the ultimate beneficiary, as they were awarded a title they now won on the pitch, while the absence of Juventus allowed them to kickstart a winning dynasty. ............ Ravezzani has released a new documentary that unveiled interesting new evidence, proving that Juventus were the victim of an internal conspiracy, with some people at the club taking advantage of Umberto Agnelli’s death to cause havoc. “There are sensational wiretaps that no one has ever heard from people involved who had previously refused to discuss the details,” said the journalist in his interview. “This includes former minister Melandri, prosecutor Narducci, referees, players, presidents, and Meani himself, who was Juventus’s greatest adversary at the time on the Moggi front. “Plus, leading Italian and international journalists are reconstructing the story with new insights and perspectives,” added Ravezzani. ............ “Certainly, in light of these ten episodes, a completely different sporting truth emerges than what has been told so far. Juventus was the victim of a sensational inside job. “Despite violations not unlike those of other clubs, Umberto Agnelli’s death (in 2004) allowed for a settling of scores that cost the club relegation due to a lack of will to defend itself, unlike what happened to other clubs. “The criminal investigation was shortsighted because it was primarily interested in targeting and prosecuting the most important club, and this often happens in investigations. “The compromising wiretaps were forwarded to the sports judiciary only within Juventus. But there was still room for a defence that could have even avoided relegation.” ............ “There’s no doubt that at the end of our investigation, any objective person would conclude that the sporting decisions were the result of enormous pressure from the most powerful economic and political groups that influenced the judges. “Juventus wasn’t properly defended at the time and ended up paying for everyone. Not so much because of John Elkann, who was too young, but because of the decisions of the old hands who manipulated the transitional regime. “Certainly, on a sporting level, knowledge of all the new wiretaps we found would have provided a different picture of the whole situation. “It wasn’t just Juventus, which was unscrupulously tampering with the refereeing profession, but all the major clubs were calling, requesting referees they liked, or reporting those they didn’t like. While we can acknowledge that Swiss phone cards remain a dark issue, the enormous disparity in convictions between clubs remains a colossal injustice.” Ravezzani added that the documentary is available on www.chili.com. ............ The documentary is titled ‘Calciopoli ultimo atto: le nuove verità nascoste’. . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/ravezzani-calciopoli-inside-job-juventus/

Champions League Preview: Juventus vs. Sporting CP As Luciano Spalletti heads into his second game as Juventus manager, he can still count on one hand how many training sessions he has had with his new club. The simple fact of when he took over for Igor Tudor and how unrelenting the schedule can be for a club playing domestically and in Europe means that new managers are simply thrown right into without much time to actually train the squad that they have taken over. ............ It comes at a time in which Juventus need points in Europe in the worst possible way. The Bianconeri enter Matchday 4 of the UCL league phase on the outside looking in of the play-off round qualification places. That is not a mistake — if the league phase had ended after three games, Juve wouldn’t even have the chance to try and get into the Champions League Round of 16, with their current standing of 25th place meaning they’re the first club out on the cutting room floor. So as Portuguese side Sporting make their way to Turin, the need for three points in Europe is feeling especially important — especially with everything that has happened ever since Juve’s last Champions League fixture two weeks ago in Spain. ............ Spalletti can still count how many training sessions he’s had with his new team, yet he’s about to take control of hs second game come Tuesday night. And as much as the debut against Cremonese was important, this one might be even more of the case or else Juve’s situation in the Champions League will be looking even the more dire than it already is after losing to Real Madrid. Juventus are in 25th place — right outside of the play-off spots that take up ninth through 24th. Sporting, in a much more favorable spot, sit 14 places above Juve after claiming a win over Marseille two weeks ago. ............ In his career, Spalletti doesn’t have what some would call a “good” record in the Champions League. He’s managed 67 games in Europe’s premier club competition, but has only won 29 of them and lost 23, gaining an average of 1.52 points per match. That’s … not great. Spalletti’s most recent season in the Champions League coincided with his title-winning season with Napoli. They advanced to the UCL quarterfinals, only to fall to Serie A rival AC Milan. In that season, Napoli was one of the more impressive squads in Europe, with Spalletti winning seven of the 10 games Napoli played. It was also the furthest a Spalletti-coached team had advanced in the Champions League since his Roma squad made the quarterfinals in the 2027-08 campaign. ............ That means it has to start against Sporting and at least get to a point where Juventus has more points in Europe compared to games played this season. They’re sitting on two points in three games so far, with zero wins to their name. That’s worse than what Thiago Motta did to start the European campaign last season — and we know how that run in the Champions League ended up going. Spalletti was pleased with his team’s effort against Cremonese, one of Serie A’s biggest early-season surprises. But he was also quick to say after Saturday night’s win just how much there is to still improve — which is a given or else he probably wouldn’t be in this position and hired by Juventus in the first place. He pretty much reaffirmed those thoughts during Monday’s pre-match conference. ............ And if things go the way they did over the weekend, then Juve could actually get their first European win of the season — which, considering it’s now November, probably needs to happen soon no matter who is manager. TEAM NEWS The good news from the final training session before Sporting arrives in Italy: Kenan Yildiz is back with the rest of the group and Spalletti confirmed at his pre-match press conference that Juve’s No. 10 is available to play on Tuesday night. The other new injury that was forced to miss the trip to Cremona over the weekend, defender Lloyd Kelly, was not part of Monday’s training session and is a major doubt to face Sporting. ............ With Kelly likely to be unavailable, Tuen Koopmeiners is expected to play in the back three once again just as he did in the win over Cremonese. (That is not something I expected to type a week ago, people. Seriously, had no idea at all.) Spalletti admitted just how important the wins over Udinese and Cremonese were from a mental standpoint, saying: The two wins that these boys earned on their own in recent days allow us to face a great team like Sporting CP with a different spirit.” Spalletti said Dusan Vlahovic currently has “a bit of an advantage” over the other strikers on the roster “because he knows what’s expected here at Juventus when you step onto the pitch wearing this jersey.” Juventus and Sporting last played each other during the knockout round of the Europa League in 2023. JUVENTUS PLAYER TO WATCH It’s been a while since we’ve talked about a certain Dutchman in relatively positive terms. But coming out of Juventus’ win over Cremonese at the weekend, I feel like we can maybe do that again even with the incredibly small sample size. Could Luciano Spalletti have maybe figured something out when it comes to Teun Koopmeiners? ............ Spalletti discovered something in playing Koopmeiners as a very deep-lying playmaker that is in the back three. The thinking behind it was that as Khephren Thuram went on his forward runs, Koopmeiners would be able to fill that space and utilize his strengths to his advantage rather than being shoehorned into positions further up the field like Thiago Motta and Igor Tudor did in his first 16 months at Juventus. For one game, at least, it worked. And with Kelly out injured, we’re likely to see it again. ............ Playing Koopmeiners deeper in midfield — or, in this case, in defense — is something Spalletti specifically pointed out during his introductory press conference last week. Maybe we should have keyed in on it a little bit more as a hint to what he was thinking for the weekend, but nobody was really thinking it outside of him recognizing the Dutchman’s talents. Now, we’re all waiting to see what he can do in the backline once again. Oh, it’s funny how things change so quickly sometimes, right? Koopmeiners potentially being important as a defender is certainly nobody had on their bingo card for this season, let alone with Spalletti calling the shots and doing it right out of the gate as manager. Continue to make it look like a smart decision, Teun. Pleasant surprises are always welcome around here. MATCH INFO When: Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. Where: Juventus Stadium, Turin, Italy. Official kickoff time: 9 p.m. local time in Italy and across Europe, 8 p.m. in the United Kingdom, p.m. Eastern time, 2 p.m. Central time, 1 p.m. Pacific time. ............ . Read more -> https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/previews-reviews/33407/juventus-sporting-cp-2025-champions-league-league-phase-matchday-4-preview-team-news-schedule-how-to-watch

Juventus vs Sporting CP: Preview and Prediction Two European heavyweights with contrasting momentum meet in Turin as Juventus host Sporting CP in the UEFA Champions League group stage. Both sides enter the contest with clear objectives, Juventus are desperate for their first win of the European campaign under new leadership, while Sporting CP will aim to solidify their place in the knockout qualification zone. Juventus’s Champions League campaign so far has been a turbulent one. The Bianconeri drew high-scoring thrillers against Borussia Dortmund (4-4) and Villarreal (2-2) before falling to Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, a defeat that extended their winless run across all competitions to eight matches. That poor stretch cost Igor Tudor his job, with Luciano Spalletti now appointed to steady the ship. Spalletti’s first test in Serie A was encouraging: a 2-1 victory over Cremonese that featured goals from Filip Kostic and Andrea Cambiaso, giving Juventus a much-needed morale boost on the club’s 128th anniversary weekend. Still, their European form remains worrying, Juve have won just two of their last 11 Champions League matches and must take three points here to avoid an early exit. Historically, Juventus have fared well against Sporting CP. They remain unbeaten in four meetings, winning both home games in Turin, most recently in the 2023 Europa League quarter-final, where they progressed at Sporting’s expense. ............ With Juventus seeking redemption and Sporting chasing consistency, this encounter at the Allianz Stadium promises tactical discipline, intensity, and plenty of storylines as both teams look to define their European trajectory. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day. Team News & Tactics Juventus Juventus head coach Luciano Spalletti is still dealing with a few selection concerns as he prepares for his first Champions League match in charge of the Bianconeri. The defensive duo of Gleison Bremer and Juan Cabal remain sidelined due to lingering injuries, Bremer continues his recovery from a thigh issue, while Cabal is still rehabilitating from an ankle problem. Encouragingly, Kenan Yildiz and Lloyd Kelly could return after missing the weekend clash against Cremonese. Yildiz, who has been recovering from a minor knee problem, is close to full fitness, while Kelly’s muscular issue has improved sufficiently for him to make the matchday squad. Spalletti has no suspensions to contend with, offering him some welcome flexibility in team selection. Although Spalletti is known for favouring a 4-3-3 formation, he opted to retain the 3-5-2 setup introduced by his predecessor Igor Tudor in the Serie A fixture against Cremonese, and that shape is expected to continue against Sporting CP. The back three of Pierre Kalulu, Daniele Rugani, and Federico Gatti will be stationed ahead of goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio, providing defensive solidity and the ability to build from the back. In midfield, Khephren Thuram, Manuel Locatelli, and Teun Koopmeiners are likely to control the central areas, supported by Andrea Cambiaso and Filip Kostic as dynamic wing-backs responsible for both width and defensive cover. Up front, Lois Openda should partner Dusan Vlahovic, who has contributed to 11 goals in his 19 Champions League appearances to date and remains Juve’s key attacking threat. Spalletti will expect his side to maintain compact defensive organisation while relying on quick transitions down the flanks and direct forward play through Vlahovic’s hold-up ability. The tactical emphasis will likely be on controlling possession through Locatelli and stretching Sporting’s back line with overlapping runs from Kostic and Cambiaso. Probable Lineup (3-5-2): Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Rugani, Gatti; Cambiaso, Thuram, Locatelli, Koopmeiners, Kostic; Openda, Vlahovic Sporting CP ............ Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Silva; Vagiannidis, Diomande, Inacio, Araujo; Hjulmand, Morita; Quenda, Trincao, Goncalves; Suarez Key Stats Juventus are unbeaten in four meetings with Sporting CP across all European competitions, winning both of their previous encounters in Turin. The Bianconeri have also kept clean sheets in three of those four matches. Sporting CP have never won a competitive fixture in Italy, losing 14 of their 19 visits and drawing the remaining five. They have also lost each of their last three Champions League away games by the same 2-1 scoreline. Juventus have managed to win only two of their last 11 Champions League fixtures, highlighting their recent continental struggles. During that run, they have conceded at least two goals in seven matches. Sporting’s talisman Pedro Goncalves has been directly involved in nine goals from 16 matches this season across all competitions (five goals and four assists), making him the most productive player in the club’s current squad. Juventus have conceded eight goals in their past five matches across all competitions, while Sporting CP have kept three clean sheets in their last five games. Player to Watch Dusan Vlahovic All eyes will be on Dusan Vlahovic, whose sharpness and finishing could be decisive for Juventus as they look to ignite their stuttering Champions League campaign. The Serbian striker has had a turbulent start to the season but remains the team’s most potent weapon in the final third. Vlahovic’s physicality, intelligent movement, and lethal left foot make him a nightmare for defenders, particularly when supplied with quality service from the wings. He has already registered 11 goal involvements in 19 Champions League appearances, underlining his knack for performing on big European nights. ............ Prediction Juventus 2-1 Sporting CP Both teams enter this encounter with contrasting momentum but equally pressing motivations. Juventus, under new boss Luciano Spalletti, are still rediscovering their structure and rhythm after a turbulent start, while Sporting CP arrive full of confidence following a string of domestic victories and an encouraging Champions League campaign. Spalletti’s side will rely heavily on their compact defensive shape and moments of quality from Dusan Vlahovic and Filip Kostic to unlock Sporting’s back line. Meanwhile, the visitors’ creativity through Pedro Goncalves and Francisco Trincao, coupled with their speed in transitions, could cause real problems if Juventus overcommit. However, Juventus’s experience and home advantage at the Allianz Stadium may prove decisive. The Bianconeri are typically difficult to beat in Turin, and Luciano Spalletti’s tactical discipline should help them contain Sporting’s attacking fluidity. . Read more -> https://thehardtackle.com/round-up/2025/11/04/juventus-vs-sporting-cp-preview-and-prediction/