Juventus make the trip to the New Balance Arena on Thursday to take on Atalanta in the Coppa Italia quarter-final.
Both sides regard the domestic cup as a genuine opportunity to lift a trophy this season, with their current Serie A standings leaving them distant in the Scudetto race.
Juventus team news
The visitors will again be without leading striker Dusan Vlahović, who has been ruled out of the tie in Bergamo. Arkadiusz Milik also remains sidelined, further reducing Luciano Spalletti’s options through the middle, although the Pole is edging closer to a return to action.
There are also major doubts over creator Kenan Yildiz after he sustained an adductor problem in the win over Parma; Spalletti’s post-match comments suggested it will be difficult to get him fit in time, with a place among the substitutes probably the best they can hope for.
Even so, Spalletti can still rely on the excellent recent form of midfield duo Weston McKennie and Khephren Thuram, while centre-back Gleison Bremer is in outstanding shape after scoring twice in Juventus’ 4-1 victory away to Parma.
New arrival Jeremie Boga, whose signing was finalised shortly before that game at the Ennio Tardini, provides valuable depth in the wide attacking roles and will help Juventus manage Yildiz’s minutes more carefully.
With so much on the line, Spalletti is expected to keep changes to a minimum, and Jonathan David should once again spearhead the attack in Vlahović’s absence.
Juventus predicted lineup
Possible Juventus starting XI: Perin; Kalulu, Bremer, Gatti, Cabal; Locatelli, Koopmeiners; Thuram, McKennie, Miretti; David.
When will the match kick off?
The match will kick off at 8pm BST on Thursday, 5th February.
How to watch Atalanta vs Juventus?
In the UK, the Coppa Italia quarter-final will be broadcast live on Premier Sports 1.
Read Also – On this day: Alan Shearer breaks Newcastle goal record
See More – Scout says Woltemade ‘isn’t the DNA of a Newcastle number nine’