Juventus and Milan face critical tests ahead of European fixtures
The Serie A matchday wraps up with clubs already shifting focus to their upcoming cup commitments. Juventus, following a draw against Cagliari, is gearing up for a Europa League clash against Celta Vigo. The Bianconeri are looking to build on their impressive European opener, where they thrashed NEC 5-0 with contributions from five different scorers. However, coach Luciano Spalletti faces a daunting injury list, with key players like Yildiz, Locatelli, Boga, Ekhator, and Thuram unavailable for the trip to Spain. The only returnee is goalkeeper Neto, who missed the league match due to suspension, while Zhegrova is ineligible as he is not on the UEFA squad list. This situation opens the door for potential changes in the lineup, particularly in defense, where Gatti and Kelly are vying for starting spots. Woltemade, who scored against NEC, is still seeking his first Serie A goal and may get another chance in Europe as Juventus aims to maintain a strong presence in the competition.
Meanwhile, Gerry Cardinale, the owner of AC Milan, attended the recent match against Sassuolo, which ended in a 1-1 draw. This was his sixth league match in person, but the result did not meet his expectations. Milan must show improvement quickly, as they prepare to face Salzburg in the Europa League after a disappointing defeat to Benfica. Cardinale has expressed concerns about the team's attacking strategy, particularly regarding Gonçalo Ramos's limited involvement in build-up play, as well as defensive weaknesses and issues with set pieces. After a period of intensive work during the break, Milan needs to deliver a more cohesive performance.
The future of Petar Sucic at Inter has become a topic of discussion following comments from Zvonimir Boban, the president of Dinamo Zagreb. Boban praised Sucic as one of the best midfielders in his position and questioned whether remaining at Inter is the best choice for the player if his situation does not improve. Despite interest from Newcastle and Everton, Inter has previously rejected offers for Sucic, who is reportedly content with his experience at the club but desires more playing time. His future will largely depend on his involvement in the coming months, as he aims to secure a regular starting position.
Napoli, fresh off a victory against Frosinone, is preparing for a Champions League match against Villarreal. Coach Allegri is expected to stick with the 3-4-2-1 formation but may implement three changes to the starting lineup, with Scott McTominay, Billy Gilmour, and Matteo Politano all in contention after impactful performances off the bench. McTominay could either partner Lobotka in central midfield or take on an attacking role, while Gilmour might join Lobotka to allow De Bruyne more freedom in attack. Politano's role could vary between a right-sided midfielder or a more advanced position.
Consequences of Malen's red card
In a separate incident, Donyell Malen received the first red card of his career during a match against Como for a dangerous challenge. Although he protested the decision, the referee upheld the dismissal, which was deemed correct due to the nature of the challenge. Malen will serve a one-match suspension, missing the upcoming clash with Genoa but will be available for the crucial match against Napoli. His absence will be felt, but he remains eligible for the European fixture against Real Madrid.
What the Scoreboard Won't Tell You
Lazio fans have shown strong support ahead of their trip to face Juventus, with all tickets in the lower tier of the away section sold out. However, the organized supporter groups have yet to confirm their attendance, leaving uncertainty about their presence at the Allianz Stadium. Ticket sales indicate a significant turnout, but the decision from the organized groups is still pending.
Fiorentina's midfield remains a concern, as the club grapples with the need for both technical quality and defensive stability. With injuries complicating their plans, the club's summer focus on players like Fagioli, Oulai, and Atta has not yielded the desired results. Despite attempts to strengthen the midfield through potential signings, the issue persists, and the club must find a way to enhance their midfield solidity moving forward.
