90min

The Juventus lineup that should start against Napoli

By Matt O'Connor-Simpson

Cristiano Ronaldo and co are looking to bounce back after a disappointing draw against Torino
Cristiano Ronaldo and co are looking to bounce back after a disappointing draw against Torino / Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images
facebooktwitterreddit

After slipping to a disappointing 2-2 draw with Torino last time out, Juventus will be looking to bounce back against Napoli on Wednesday.

Defeat against Gennaro Gattuso's side would all-but extinguish any slim hopes that the Old Lady harbour of retaining the Scudetto. They currently trail Serie A leaders Inter by 12 points and cannot afford any more slip ups.

Here is the 11 players that is likely to be tasked with getting the job done in Turin...

1. Goalkeeper & defenders

Antonio Sanabria, Matthijs de Ligt
De Ligt has been ever present for Juventus / Giorgio Perottino/Getty Images

Wojciech Szczesny (GK) - This has been a poor season for Juventus so far, but Szczesny should escape with his reputation as one of the best goalkeepers in the world intact...even if he did drop a clanger against Torino.

Danilo (RB) - After playing in midfield last time out, Danilo should return to more familiar ground at right-back. Saying that, Juan Cuadrado will push him all the way for a starting spot.

Matthijs de Ligt (CB) - Leonardo Bonucci and Merih Demiral tested positive for coronavirus during the international break and remain unavailable. Even if they were fit and firing, De Ligt would likely still get the nod.

Giorgio Chiellini (CB) - In light of those aforementioned absences, Chiellini will continue alongside De Ligt in the heart of the back four.

Alex Sandro (LB) - The Brazilian's production has been average thanks to an injury-hit season. However, with so few competitors he will still keep his spot.

2. Midfielders

Weston McKennie
McKennie was disciplined for breaking coronavirus curfew / Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images

Weston McKennie (RM) - After being put on the naughty step for breaching coronavirus regulations, McKennie is set to return to the fray. Dejan Kulusevski's error in the buildup to Torino's second goal is likely to have sped up his reintegration.

Rodrigo Bentancur (CM) - The youngest of Juventus' midfield options but often the most reliable. He should retain his place.

Aaron Ramsey (CM) - The energy of Ramsey could be needed against Napoli. After replacing Danilo in midfield last time out he should start from the off on Wednesday.

Federico Chiesa (LM) - Chiesa scored a terrific goal in the Turin derby and has rarely let his side down when called upon this season. That should be enough to keep competition from his namesake Federico Bernardeschi at bay.

3. Forwards

Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo scored last time out / Giorgio Perottino/Getty Images

Cristiano Ronaldo (ST) - Without CR7's late intervention, Juventus would have lost to their city rivals for the first time since 2015. His side will be hoping for a similarly decisive impact on Wednesday.

Alvaro Morata (ST) - The workhorse of the team. Paulo Dybala may be back in contention following his coronavirus breach but Morata should retain the starting spot.

Home/Juve