Coach Luciano Spalletti faces a major challenge, especially given the numerous personnel problems, but the Bianconeri boss believes his team have the quality and character needed to win.
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SPALLETTI PROMISES AN ATTACKING JUVENTUS: "WE WANT TO DICTATE THE GAME"
Spalletti made it clear that Juventus will not sit back and wait for their chance against Milan, but will try to impose their rhythm and take control of the match.
"Juventus – Milan is a match that has to be played at 100 percent. We will try to dictate the game and show how much we want to win," said the Old Lady's coach.
According to him, every decision and every yard of ground won could prove decisive:
"We will have to be good at creating space. Every metre won will be worth more than any amount of possession. The decisions we make will make the difference."
SEVEN PLAYERS OUT AHEAD OF THE BIG DERBY
Juventus go into the derby seriously depleted. Spalletti confirmed he will be without seven injured players, whose problems and recovery timelines vary.
"We have seven injured players, but they are different situations. Despite the difficulties, we are ready to play a match worthy of Juventus," said Spalletti.
Juan Cabal, Andrea Cambiaso, Pape Matar Sarr, Weston McKennie, Kefren Thuram, Kenan Yildiz and Jeff Ekhator are all sidelined.
The absences of Yildiz and McKennie will be felt in particular, as the Juventus coach himself admitted:
"We do not have a particularly big squad, and there are players who are not easy to replace, such as Kenan Yildiz and Weston McKennie."
CAMBIASO, McKENNIE AND SARR NOT YET READY
Spalletti revealed that none of the three players who were in doubt have recovered in time for the match against Milan.
"Nobody is ready yet. We hope to be able to get some of them back over the next week."
Juventus will therefore have to find new solutions, especially in midfield and out wide.
SPALLETTI BELIEVES IN THE TEAM: "WE HAVE EVERYTHING WE NEED"
Despite the large number of absentees, the Bianconeri coach believes his team are ready to take another step forward.
"To be a strong team, you have to prove it on the pitch. This team looks ready for the match to me. Throughout the week the players have shown commitment and a desire to improve. We have everything we need to become a great team."
Juventus have made a successful start to the season, and a derby win would be further confirmation that the team are on the right track.
"In the first two matches we showed that we are a united, compact and honest team. This match could give our confidence a big boost."
SPALLETTI ON THE MERCATO: "WE DID NOT DO EVERYTHING WE WANTED"
The Juventus coach also looked back on the summer transfer window that has just closed. He admitted the club did not complete all the deals it had planned, but believes the squad has nonetheless been improved.
"We did not manage to achieve everything we wanted during the transfer window, but we strengthened the team and now have a few more options."
WOLTEMADE LIKELY TO START ON THE BENCH
Nick Woltemade will most likely not start against Milan, but the German forward could get his chance as the match goes on.
"I do not think he will start the match, but I think he can come off the bench. He does well in a two-man attack, he links up with his teammates and creates space."
Spalletti believes Woltemade could build a quality partnership with Randal Kolo Muani.
"He can work very well with Kolo Muani. He has quality in the air, links the play well and shows the character needed to fit into the team. Now we have to give him a chance."
MILAN A THREAT WITH THEIR PACE AND DIRECT PLAY
Spalletti warned that Milan play direct, vertical football, with very quick transitions from defence to attack.
"Milan have clear ideas and recognisable patterns of play. They are a direct and vertical team that breaks very quickly on the counter. They force you to respond at their speed, otherwise you can miss the key moments."
The Juventus coach believes the visitors' aggression could be turned to the Bianconeri's advantage.
"If we read the game well and anticipate their moves, we can turn their aggression to our advantage."
SOME PLAYERS HAVE A CHANCE OF RETURNING TO THE UEFA LIST
One of the topics at the press conference was the players left off Juventus' squad list for European competition.
"I spoke to them, it was the least I could do. It is the hardest moment for any coach. I am sorry, but for some of them there may be a possibility of being put back on the list later."
MARIANI TO REFEREE THE DERBY BETWEEN JUVENTUS AND MILAN
Maurizio Mariani has been appointed as the referee for the match. His assistants will be Daniele Bindoni and Stefano Alassio, while Matteo Marcenaro has been named fourth official.
Michael Fabbri will be in the VAR room, with Giacomo Camplone as his assistant.
Juventus have a very positive record in matches refereed by Mariani. The Italian official has taken charge of 24 Old Lady matches so far, in which the Bianconeri have recorded:
- 16 wins
- five draws
- three defeats
JUVENTUS – MILAN: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
The Serie A matchday 3 fixture between Juventus and Milan takes place on Sunday at 20:45 at the Allianz Stadium in Turin.
Live television coverage is available on Arena Premium 2, while the temperature at kick-off is expected to be around 28 degrees.
In front of their own fans, the Bianconeri will look to continue their winning start to the season and take an important step in the battle with the best teams in Italian football.
Juventus – Milan
Competition: Serie A, matchday 3
Stadium: Allianz Stadium
Kick-off: 20:45
TV: Arena Premium 2
Source: Juventus official website
