Juventus, after the international break, is awaiting the big match against Milan. Thiago Motta has a big emergency as seven players will be missing. The Italian-Brazilian coach will confirm the classic 4-2-3-1: Di Gregorio will be in goal. In defense given the many absences, Savona, Gatti, Kalulu and Cambiaso will be confirmed from right to left, while only Danilo and Rouhi will be on the bench. In midfield we will start with Manuel Locatelli and Khéphren Thuram. Both have now earned their place as starters. In the attacking midfield on the right there will be Francisco Conceicao, in the middle space there will be Teun Koopmeiners, while on the left it will be Kenan Yildiz’s turn.
In attack given the heavy absence of Dusan Vlahovic, Thiago Motta will rely on Timothy Weah. The American seems to be the one with the greatest qualities to be able to act as a false 9, in fact, the Italian-Brazilian coach has already tried him in this role several times. While on the bench the only offensive solution to be brought to the ongoing match will be Mbangula.
The words of Thiago Motta in the conference on the eve of Milan-Juventus:
“How did I see the team? Those who remained did very well. We did individualized training and a match with the Under 17s. Those who returned are very well and we are determined to play a great match.”
Is there anyone who can be similar to Vlahovic?
“All my players have different characteristics, beyond central attackers or midfielders. This is interesting because it gives us alternatives, different solutions, it will be the same tomorrow. Dusan will not be part of the group, like Gleison, Nico, Arek, Douglas , Cabal and Adzic. All the others available to start or come in during the race and help the team.”
How is Vlahovic? What do you think of the Serbian’s statements?
“I don’t know yet if he can return to Aston Villa, he certainly won’t be there tomorrow. We hope to have him as soon as possible. I have faith in my players, they know what we have to do. I think they will do it, both in the defensive and offensive phases. We are everyone agrees, it is an obligation and not an option.”
Will direct clashes be decisive?
“I have no doubt that we will continue and give something more, always. I have no doubt that we will do it as we have done so far. Tomorrow is a beautiful game to play, everyone wants to be on the pitch. The players who can be there will give their all, I’m sorry for those who aren’t there now due to injury. They’re trying to recover as best they can to get back to the group and we all want to play our game.”
Are you worried about all these absences? About Nico and Douglas?
“They are taking the time it takes to stay with the team. The medical staff and the players are giving their all to be available again. I am focused on tomorrow’s match.”
Could tomorrow be a test of maturity?
“It’s a match where we all have to give something more. I’m very sorry for Juan. We’ll get everyone else back first. Juan and Gleison will be out for a long time and we always have to give something more.”
Why aren’t Fagioli and McKennie playing anymore?
“Because the others are doing much better, they are better and that’s why they play. The others on the bench are also important. You play for 95 minutes. When they came on they helped the team. 90 or 15 minutes, everyone has to be decisive Loca and Khéphren are fine, Fagio and Wes have to help or if they start they have to make the team work the right way.”
How will your way of attacking change?
“Injuries are part of the game. Now it’s Dusan’s turn too. We will play our game by attacking together and defending together. We have to try to take the game to our side and not where it suits Milan, who are very well and who have a coach very prepared. We will try to put into practice what suits us. Let’s move forward and do things in the right way.”
Can you imagine any surprises in the championship? Who is the Sinner of your Juve?
“Very balanced and this is good for us and the public. We must all try to continue like this. We must try to achieve as many positive results as possible. Sinner? I don’t like making comparisons. Sinner is Sinner. Sinner is a tennis and tennis phenomenon sport. Lots of guys doing well, it doesn’t do anyone any good to make comparisons. We have lots of strong players, ambitions, work culture, responsibility. And we hope that Sinner continues to have an exceptional career.”
What do you think of Milan?
“It’s a very strong team in transition. We have to pay close attention to this, be it Leao, Morata, Loftus-Cheek, Pulisic. On a collective level we have to understand the game situations, when to regroup and not leave spaces or depth. As always. Not we do an individual defense, then it happens during the match, but you must always have the help of your teammate and the team in dealing with the individual.”
Can you tell us about Weah’s growth?
“I like everything he does at the moment. I really like that he scores goals. It’s very important for them. He’s a very interesting player, because he offers so many alternatives. He’s generous and responsible. He understands what the team needs, the deliveries, what we give during the match. We are happy that he is with us and he must continue like this both from the start and during the match.”
Did you expect this performance from Kalulu?
“The most important thing is that he always wanted to come. From day one he made himself available to the group. He is capable of covering many positions in defense, because he is available and generous. He is intelligent, available, generous, also a leader He speaks little, but he speaks in the right way, with the right tone when he does it, trying to build, help, we are very happy to have him in the group. He must continue to work in the same way the team. He is one of those in the team who manages to play a lot maintain the level during all the matches, and it is not easy, physically and mentally. Especially mentally, and this is why he plays in a top-level team like Juventus.”
Tmw question – Given the emergency both in attack and defense, will there be any NG or under 20 players who will train permanently with you?
“Let’s see, we are analyzing, we are looking for the possibility of having players who can be with the first team, always on the basis of merit. Not bringing the right player, but bringing him because we need him. Bringing a boy from the youth sector who deserves to be in the first team, I think it’s good for him, but also for Juventus which is what we want. It’s the merit, it wouldn’t be right or even interesting to bring a right guy to bring him because in this moment we need. Bringing a boy because he works very well, he deserves to come to the first team and who also serves as an example to others who may come and who may have the opportunity to follow this team here. It’s the first thing we look at and ask for and it’s always the same, the player’s attitude.”
Did you know Vlahovic’s thoughts? Did you talk to each other?
“We talked, we agree. And that’s the important thing. We all run, we all attack together and we all defend together. We’re going in the same direction. I have faith in all my players, including Dusan.”
Was he close to Milan? Will the match be played on the flanks?
“Never been close to Milan. The wings are very important, but we are also strong. We know their strength, but even in the heart of the game that dominance there is important. They have players who do it very well. Fofana, Reijnders, Loftus. Strong point that gives balance to the team. To be able to take the match where it suits us.”