Igor Tudor’s Juventus arrived in the United States with a suitcase full of doubts and questions, but the Bianconeri’s first outings, regardless of the caliber of their opponents, have convinced everyone. The Old Lady swept aside both Al-Ain of the United Arab Emirates, who were overwhelmed 5-0, and Wydad Casablanca of Morocco (4-1). Two big wins against clearly inferior teams allowed the Croatian coach (confirmed until 2027 before the Club World Cup) to secure a place in the round of 16 with one game to spare.
Tudor, compared to what we saw in the last few Serie A games, seems to have found the right formula. But above all, he seems to have given an identity to a team that was in tatters under Motta. It is no coincidence that the players who had been somewhat overshadowed in the league are now shining. We are obviously talking about Yildiz, the star of the show with three goals, but also Francisco Conceiçao, who scored twice against Al-Ain and was one of the best players against Wydad. The litmus test, in any case, will be the super clash with Manchester City, who have also already qualified thanks to two wins against the less competitive teams in the group (2-0 against Al-Ain and 6-0 against the Casablanca club).
First place is crucial
First place is at stake, which is very important to avoid a tough round of 16. The second-placed team in Group G will face the winner of Group H, which will most likely be Real Madrid.
But that’s not the only reason to take it seriously: there are also prizes at stake (each victory is worth around €1.8 million) and logistical issues, given that the winner will remain in Florida and will not have to fly before the quarter-finals. Juventus are currently ahead of City on goal difference, the first tiebreaker, with both teams level on (+8 for both). This means that a draw would guarantee the Bianconeri finish ahead of Pep Guardiola’s powerhouse. The Catalan coach took advantage of the first two games to see several new signings in action: Reijnders has already taken control of midfield, but Cherki and Ait-Nouri also performed well. Tudor, on the other hand, will field almost the same eleven that took to the field against Wydad: Kolo Muani is the clear favorite ahead of Vlahovic up front, with Yildiz and Conceiçao behind the Frenchman. Kalulu, Savona, and Kelly will make up the defensive trio.
Odds comparison
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The prediction
This is a very important test for Juventus, who have performed well so far in their American adventure. However, the Bianconeri will be much more cautious against Manchester City, with Tudor’s team looking to hurt Guardiola’s men with offensive pressing and counterattacks. The feeling is that, despite not being favorites, the Old Lady will not be beaten by the Cityzens in a game that will see at least three goals in total.
Probable line-ups for Juventus-Manchester City
JUVENTUS (3-4-2-1): Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Savona, Kelly; Alberto Costa, Thuram, McKennie, Cambiaso; Conceição, Yildiz; Kolo Muani.
MANCHESTER CITY (4-1-4-1): Ederson; Khusanov, Akanji, Aké, Gvardiol; Reijnders; Savinho, Bernardo Silva, Foden, Doku; Haaland.