Champions League 2025-2026: Juventus-Pafos, the likely lineups

After the narrow defeat against Napoli, Juventus seeks immediate redemption in the Champions League where it hosts Pafos in the match valid for the sixth day of the single group stage. Kickoff at 9 p.m. at the Allianz Stadium in Turin. The Bianconeri, fresh from an away win over Bodo Glimt in the last round of the top competition, are obliged to win to stay in the play-off zone but will have to watch out for the Cypriots, paired with the Old Lady in the standings with six points, capable of defeating Villarreal in front of their fans and drawing away with Monaco.

Luca Giorgetti

Luciano Spalletti launches Zhegrova from the first minute in the three-quarter, paired with Yildiz, while the offensive reference will be David, favored over Openda. In midfield, a chance for Miretti, who will pair with Locatelli, with McKennie and Cambiaso occupying the flanks. In defense, Bremer and Rugani are recovered but will sit on the bench: the Kalulu-Kelly-Koopmeiners trio is confirmed. Between the posts will be Di Gregorio. On the opposite front Carcedo relies on Anderson Silva in attack, with Correia, Dragomir and Orsic in support in the three-quarter. Sunjic and Pepe will form the midfield hinge, while the defense will be headed by David Luiz.

“Pafos is tough, it is full of Portuguese and Brazilians – Spalletti said in the press conference -It is a team that only looked bad against Bayern. Then it took very few goals despite having top opponents. They are a team that is tough and willing to put it on a physical level. And they are organized on set pieces”. In Naples we saw a Juve without a spike: “It was not to goad them but to want to win the game. I went to play that way because I was convinced it was the right system, then I did not get the result I wanted. Of course I have responsibilities. I did not put the team in a position to do the best and I damaged the team”.

“We know Juve is a very strong team, we know the club and the great history we will be playing against – stressed Carcedo -. We are looking forward to it. We want to get a few more points. We want to do our best to win”. The Cypriots’ coach would not settle for a draw: “The important thing is to get the three points but then we will see how it goes. I have a good feeling. The last time I came here we won a trophy, I am enthusiastic and the players are ready. We are aware of the difficulties and the experience of their coach. We will play our game and try to put them in difficulty. Let”.

Probable lineups

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Juventus (3-4-2-1): Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Kelly, Koopmeiners; McKennie, Locatelli, Miretti, Cambiaso; Zhegrova, Yildiz; David. All. Spalletti

Pafos (4-2-3-1): Michail; Bruno, Luckassen, David Luiz, Goldar; Sunjic, Pepe; Correia, Dragomir, Orsic; Anderson Silva. All. Carcedo

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