Champions League 2025-2026: Juventus-Sporting, the likely lineups
After winning at the “first” with Cremonese, Spalletti is preparing for his debut, on the bench of Juventus, in the Champions League. The Bianconeri (today, kickoff whistle at 9 p.m.) host Sporting Clube de Portugal for a decisive challenge for the Old Lady’s European path.
At the moment, Juventus has won only two points in the Champions League and is only 25th in the standings. The Portuguese side is much better off with six points already collected. There have been two previous fixtures, both in the 2017/18 season: 1-1 in Lisbon, 2-1 for Juventus in Turin.
Spalletti should represent Koopmeiners in the defensive three along with Gatti and Kalulu. Also confirmed is Kostic after his excellent performance with Cremonese. Forward Yildiz returns available and will act behind Vlahovic along with McKennie. Rui Borges, Sporting’s coach, seems determined to go for the 4-2-3-1 with Geny Catamo, Trincao and Goncalves behind the Greek forward Ioannidis.
Probable lineups
Juventus (3-4-2-1): Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Gatti, Koopmeiners; Cambiaso, Locatelli, Thuram, Kostic; McKennie, Yildiz; Vlahovic. All: Spalletti.
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Sporting (4-2-3-1): Rui Silva; Vagiannidis, Diomande, Goncalo Inacio, Arauji; Joao Simoes, Hjulmand; Geny Catamo, Trincao, Goncalves; Ioannidis. All: Rui Borges
