90min

The Juventus Lineup That Should Start Against Genoa

By Callum Altimas

Juventus v Lecce - Italian Serie A
Juventus v Lecce - Italian Serie A / Soccrates Images/Getty Images
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The Serie A title race is closer than it has been for many, many years, with Lazio making a real push at dethroning Juventus and ending their near decade of dominance.

The Old Lady are currently four points clear of Lazio, but the gap could be closed to just one point by the time Maurizo Sarri's men face relegation-threatened Genoa, with the Eagles taking on Torino in an earlier kickoff.

With Juventus facing a real challenge for the first time in a number of years, Sarri's side have to be at the top of their game to keep the distance between themselves and Simone Inzaghi's men.

Here's how Juventus starting lineup should look against Genoa on Tuesday.

1. Goalkeeper and Defenders

de Ligt and Bonucci have forged a formidable partnership at the heart of Juventus' defence
de Ligt and Bonucci have forged a formidable partnership at the heart of Juventus' defence / Silvia Lore/Getty Images

Wojciech Szczęsny (GK) - Having started in all but six of Juventus' league games this season, Szczęsny is almost a certainty to be on the teamsheet once again for the Serie A leaders.

Juan Cuadrado (RB) - The decision to convert Cuadrado into a full time right-back has proved to be an inspired decision from Sarri and the Colombian has made the position his own.

Leonardo Bonucci (CB) - Now 33, Bonucci is still an ever-present fixture in the heart of Juventus' defence. Having featured in all but one league game this season, the vice-captain Bonucci is a shoo-in to start.

Matthijs de Ligt (CB) - Having slowly found his feet at Juventus, following early season struggles, de Ligt has become a key figure at the back for the Old Lady. The 20-year old has shown the significant potential he possesses and now looks like one of the best centre backs in Italy.

Blaise Matuidi (LB) - With first choice left-back Alex Sandro still out with a ligament injury, Matuidi should continue to fill in. The Frenchman did a serviceable job in Juventus' last match against Lecce and deserves another start.

2. Midfielders

Despite Pjanic's upcoming Juventus departure, the midfielder still has a job to do for the Old Lady
Despite Pjanic's upcoming Juventus departure, the midfielder still has a job to do for the Old Lady / Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images

Rodrigo Bentancur (CM) - One of the brightest young prospects at Juventus, 23-year-old Bentancur has firmly established himself as a first team regular this season. His grit and hard work have made him integral in the middle of Sarri's midfield.

Miralem Pjanic (CM) - Although Pjanic is now confirmed as leaving Juventus ahead of next season, the midfielder still has a role to play at the club in the next few weeks. Barça-bound Pjanic has featured more than any other midfielder for the Serie A leaders this season.

Adrien Rabiot (CM) - Having endured a bit of an up and down debut season in Italy, Rabiot has started the last two games, while his link-up play creativity have been quietly impressive. He'll need to impress in the run-in to make sure he's around next season.

3. Forwards

Having initially struggled to play with Ronaldo, Dybala has thrived this season alongside the former Real Madrid star
Having initially struggled to play with Ronaldo, Dybala has thrived this season alongside the former Real Madrid star / TF-Images/Getty Images

Federico Bernardeschi (RW) - An excellent dribbler, Bernardeschi is a dangerous option for Juventus on the right flank and the winger's blistering speed causes problems for opposition defenders. After dropping in and out of the team throughout the season, the former Fiorentina star has been entrusted a place in the starting lineup in both of Juventus' first two Serie A games back and you can expect that to continue.

Paulo Dybala (ST) - Having struggled to adapt to playing with Cristiano Ronaldo during the Portuguese star's first year at Juventus, Dybala has excelled this season and has become the key player in Sarri's side. With nine assists in the league this season, Dybala's ability to create opportunities as well as scoring them is what makes him so important to the club.

Cristiano Ronaldo (LW) - At the age of 35, Ronaldo is still going strong, though his star may just slightly be on the wane. With his 23 league goals only bested by Lazio star Ciro Immobile's 28, Ronaldo remains a superstar and should be an absolute certainty for Juventus' starting lineup.