Best Odds: 3/4
Bookmaker:
Seeking what is a much-needed boost on Wednesday evening, a struggling Juventus will welcome Lecce to Turin.
Juventus
Starting with the hosts, while Juventus might have seen their 15-point deduction temporarily overturned last month, the Italian heavyweights are in the midst of an extended rut. Although Massimiliano Allegri’s might have eventually punched their Europa League semi-final ticket on April 20th as they claimed a nail-bitting 2-1 aggregate victory against Sporting Lisbon, the Old Lady have remarkably claimed just a single victory from any of their last eight straight appearances across all competitions a run that stems all the way back to April 1st. Last seen putting in another downbeat display as they had to settle for a 1-1 draw away at Bologna, Juventus have also shown some continued issues in the final third. Crashing out of the Coppa Italia last week following a 1-0 loss away at Inter Milan, Allegri’s side have failed to record more than a single strike in their previous 10 outings. Facing what is a real scrap in their bid to punch a Champions League ticket this season, Juve will know they must find some stability over the final few weeks.
Team News
Missing last weekend’s 1-1 draw away at Bologna due to a reported ankle injury, Angel Di Maria could make his return on Wednesday night. However, Juventus will once again be without the injured duo of Kayo Jorge and Moise Kean.
Forced to settle for a spot on the bench away at Bologna after returning from a brief knock, Dusan Vlahovic should be handed a full recall in Turin. The Serbian international could come in and replace Arkadiusz Milik in leading the line.
Lecce
As for the visitors, while Lecce might still find themselves at the heart of a Serie A relegation scrap, Marco Baroni’s side will be boosted by a potentially season-defining victory last time out. Putting in a rugged display on home soil as they eventually secured a 1-0 win against Udinese, the Wolves will be desperate to pull off a seismic upset on Wednesday night. However, mustering just a single victory from any of their last nine top-flight appearances a run that stems back to a 2-1 win against Atalanta on February 19th Lecce will know that they face a real challenge here. Losing each of their last four Serie A appearances away from the Stadio Via del mare by an aggregate score of 6-0, Lecce should also be worried by a downbeat record against the midweek hosts. Along with a 1-0 loss when they welcomed Juventus to town for their reverse meeting on October 29th, Baroni’s side are rightfully tipped as an underdog pick here.
Team News
Still dealing with a long-term injury issue, Lecce will make the trip to Turin on Wednesday evening without Marin Pongracic. Aside from the 25-year-old Baroni’s side have been handed a clean bill of health here.
However, in what could be a major blow for the Wolves in midweek, leading goalscorer and attacking talisman Gabriel Strefezza will serve a one-match suspension. Ex-Barcelona star Samuel Umtiti will once again start at the heart of Baroni’s defence.
Key Factors to Consider
