Juventus-Benfica: win to give yourself a peaceful last round

Juventus is awaiting a complicated challenge with Benfica. At the moment, the Bianconeri are 17th in the standings with nine points won. Clearly, the challenge with the team now coached by Mourinho (28th) is crucial. In case of success, the Old Lady would win the pass to the play-offs with one round of advance (the Bianconeri club&#8217s minimum goal). In fact, the’last game would be important only to understand the final positioning (and the’opponent in the play-offs).

Fabrizio Ponciroli

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Spalletti seems to have already decided the lineup he will field against Benfica. In fact, there are many reconfirmations compared to recent outings, including the unlucky match against Cagliari. Di Gregorio returns in goal. Four-man defense with Kalulu, Bremer, Kelly and Cambiaso. Alongside Locatelli, there will be Thuram who returns from the first minute. The point man will again be David with behind him, McKennie, Miretti and, of course, Yildiz. The Turk is called upon to play a super game to secure a place in the play-offs.

The Turkish side is called upon to play a super game to secure a place in the play-offs.

Of course, great anticipation for the Spalletti-Mourinho confrontation: “When you play against teams like that you face a piece of soccer history, an identity. Portuguese teams get you into their rhythm, if you’re not careful you get into it and when you realize it, it’s late. I expect our players to be ready. With Jose there was a first period where we said something to each other, more him than me, then we esteemed and appreciated each other. It will be a pleasure to meet him again, in games where Mourinho is there the volume of soccer is turned up. For me to be on the other bench is a source of pride”, the words of the Bianconeri coach on the eve.

Maximum focus on the challenge with Benfica but not only. Juventus continues to work on the market to reinforce the attack and one of the main names remains that of Jean-Philippe Mateta. Even in the last hours there have been new contacts between the Juventus club and Crystal Palace, but the negotiation is not yet close to closing.

The English club, in fact, continues to ask for 35 million euros and wants to include a formula with an automatic redemption obligation. This demand is still considered high by the bianconeri, although compared to last summer there has already been a reduction, since then Palace asked for as much as 45 million.