Juventus begins their latest Champions League campaign with a new head coach, and they're looking to avoid another disappointing group stage performance. Last season the Serie A champions finished third in their UCL group, dropping to the Europa League. Fortunately for the Italians, Group A is one they should be able to get out of without too much of a struggle.
Juventus vs. Malmö, 2014 UEFA Champions League: Team news and game preview
Juventus hope to erase the bad memories of last year’s group stage failure as they open their campaign against Swedish side Malmö.
Valerio Pennicino
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Key Player: Robin Olsen (Malmö)
We know what you’re thinking: who in the heck is Robin Olsen? He’s Malmö‘s goalkeeper and chances are he’s going to be a busy man on Tuesday in Turin. Malmö are likely to try and play a defensive match, sitting back and hoping to absorb pressure while trying to catch Juve on the break. The vast talent gap between the two sides means that Juve should be able to generate plenty of offense and a lot of shots on goal. That means Olsen is likely to be busy. If he stands on his head, anything is possible.
Key Matchup: Juventus vs. pressure and expectations
Three straight poor performances in the Champions League have left Juventus supporters with a bad taste in their mouths. While the club has dominated Serie A, they’ve been unable to translate that success into European glory, including last season’s embarrassing failure to advance to the knockout round. With a league title expected, the real pressure on new head coach Massimiliano Allegri will come from European football, and how long he lasts with the club might be determined by how his team does in the Champions League.
Juventus injuries and suspensions
Out: Andrea Pirlo (thigh), Arturo Vidal (knee), Robeto Pereyra (suspended), Álvaro Morata (knee).
Malmö FF injuries and suspensions
Out: Ricardinho (knee), Simon Thern (calf). In Doubt: Erik Johansson (illness).
Juventus will be missing influential midfielder Andrea Pirlo, who is struggling with a thigh injury. Arturo Vidal and Álvaro Morata are both sidelined as well with a thigh and knee injury, respectively. Roberto Pereyra is serving a one-match ban. Kwadwo Asamoah is expected to take over for Pereyra.
Match Date/Time: Tuesday, 8:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Venue: Juventus Stadium, Turin, Italy
TV: Sky red button (U.K.), TV6 (Sweden)
Online: ESPN3 and Fox Soccer 2Go (U.S.), Sportsnet World Now (Canada), SkyGo (U.K.)
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