08 March 2023
Juventus return to the European scene on Thursday 9 March in the round of 16 of the Europa League against Freiburg. The Bianconeri come into the first leg on the back of a defeat against Roma, which interrupted a streak of seven consecutive useful results between Serie A, Coppa Italia and Europa League.
Freiburg, meanwhile, also failed to collect the three points last weekend, but it did their Champions League push no harm.
Let's take a more in-depth look at the form of our opponents.
ON THE DOMESTIC FRONT
Freiburg come into the tie with Juve following two consecutive draws, 1-1 with Bayer Leverkusen at home and most recently 0-0 away against Borussia M'Gladbach. The last defeat dates back 4 February 2023, a 5-1 setback against joint-leaders Borussia Dortmund.
On an unbeaten run of four games, Freiburg share fourth place with RB Leipzig, on 42 points after 23 matches. The side from the Black Forest are seven points off the pace for top spot but just two points behind Union Berlin in third place.
However, the chase for European places in the Bundesliga is hotting up, and fifth place Eintracht Frankfurt, reigning Europa League champions, are just three points behind.
The team's top scorer in the Bundesliga is Vincenzo Grifo. The German-born Italy international has netted twelve goals, six from the penalty spot and two direct from free-kicks.
I've been part of the Italy set-up for many years now, so the fans know my name, but it's not about me, it's about the team. I'm happy here at Freiburg and we're doing very well, we're having a great season and that's the important thing. I'm on form and I want to prove it tomorrow. Vincenzo Grifo, Freiburg forward
IN EUROPE
Freiburg are participating in Europe for the fifth time and are enjoying their most successful run. They topped Group G, coincidentally the same group that Juve's play-off opponents Nantes emerged from.
The German side remained unbeaten in the group phase, winning four and drawing two of their six games, scoring 13 and conceding three.
Juventus are favourites. In Italy, in Turin, Juventus are expected to go through but nothing is certain in football. We have come here to get a a good result, to play good football. Tomorrow we will see how the first phase of this tie goes. Christian Streich, Freiburg coach
