The 2014-2015 Serie A season is finally ready to kick off, with Chievo Verona hosting Juventus on Saturday. Normally, this match might be rather predictable: the Flying Donkeys might score a goal, but that would only prompt Juve into scoring a few of their own, and walking away with all three points as they chase yet another title.
Chievo vs. Juventus: Preview and TV Schedule
Valerio Pennicino
But this time around, there are a few question marks. Antonio Conte walked away from Juventus on the second day of preseason training, leaving them without the manager who'd prompted their recent revival. The powers that be appointed Massimiliano Allegri, last seen leaving Milan in 11th last season. We know the bianconeri squad is still immensely talented, but will they be able to handle the tactical shift to Allegri's DAI-DAI-DAI?
Key Player
It’s really Max Allegri who will draw much of the focus, but he’s not technically a “player”, so we’ll go with the Chilean. Vidal has been the subject of endless speculation this summer, although the latest word on the street is that he’s no longer being pursued by Manchester United, and Juventus are still staying they weren’t ever letting him go, anyway. So he’s here, and he’s ready to make a difference. He’ll be running from one end of the pitch to the other, sliding into tackles, taking shots, and generally being the heart of the bianconeri side.
Key Matchup
Alberto Paloschi vs. the Juventus backline
Don't laugh. The 24-year-old managed 13 goals in 29 appearances last season, after scoring just four the season before that. He has a chance to endear himself to the home supporters now by testing Juve's new look backline. Allegri is almost certain to play with a back four, and he's also going to be without both Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli. Most teams would be salivating at the opportunity to take advantage of this adjustment period, but Chievo aren't exactly flush with firepower. It's up to Paloschi to show what he can do.
Chievo Verona injuries and suspensions
Sergio Pellissier (injured)
Juventus injuries and suspensions
Andrea Barzagli, Álvaro Morata, Andrea Pirlo (injured); Giorgio Chiellini (suspended)
Match Date/Time
Saturday, August 30th at 8:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Venue
Stadio Bentegodi, Verona
Watch
TV: Premium Calcio (Italy); beIN Sports en Español (USA); beIN Sports, RAI International (USA and Canada); bt Sport 2 (UK)
Online: Sky Go Italia (Italy); beIN Sport Connect (USA and Canada); bet365 (account required)
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