15 September 2018
SETTING SEASON TARGETS
“This is where the seasons starts in earnest. Our first objectives are to qualify from our Champions League group and lead the way in the league in order to be fighting on all fronts come March.
“We have great squad depth and there’ll be opportunities for everyone to play their part across the campaign.”
SASSUOLO STRENGTHS
“Roberto De Zerbi is a young and talented manager. His teams play good football and this Sassuolo side are brimming with enthusiasm, have good players and the manager knows how to get the best out of them.”
SQUAD SELECTION
“Whoever played twice for their national teams during the past week will not start against Sassuolo, with the only exception being that of Blaise Matuidi.
“Mario Mandzukic and Cristiano Ronaldo will start up front. Cristiano has been training well and I think that tomorrow could be his day.
“In the midfield, Emre Can is set to make his first start for Juventus. I'll probably rest Miralem Pjanic, while I'll decide on Sami Khedira’s inolvement later. Both Emre Can and Rodrigo Bentancur are able to fill in for Pjanic this season, albeit they have different characteristics.
“In defence, both Medhi Benatia and Daniele Rugani are in good shape and available for selection. Giorgio Chiellini will likely be rested tomorrow. If Alex Sandro is rested too, then either Mattia De Sciglio or Joao Cancelo will feature.
“Wojciech Szczesny starts in goal tomorrow, but Mattia Perin is ready and will be making his official Bianconeri debut soon.”
HAPPY WITH PAULO
“There can be no questioning Paulo Dybala’s qualities. I liked his performance against Parma. As with all the other players, he needs to keep working towards reaching peak condition.
“He has featured little so far this season due to technical reasons related to the formation. Now we are going to be playing three times a week and Paulo needs to reclaim a role in the starting XI and show why by working hard on the pitch.”
