Juventus injury problems continue to pile up as they host a Pescara side that plays better than results might suggest.
A week off for the international break and the Delfini must focus on the unenviable task of travelling to top of the table Juve. They were comprehensively beaten in their last game, a 4-0 home defeat against an Empoli side who previously had found scoring a near-impossible feat.
There is hope for Massimo Oddo’s men. With games coming thick and fast for the Bianconeri, their usual arsenal of world class players is thin of late, particularly at the back. Max Allegri’s side go into this game with significant absentees among their usual Fort Knox back three.
While in recent weeks it has been ‘no Paulo Dybala, no problem’ for the side comfortably top of the table, the likelihood is Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli will miss the game at the Juventus Stadium. Without two of their preferred back three they have looked shaky at times, throwing away a lead against Lyon in the Champions League before narrowly winning away at Chievo.
Oddo branded Pescara’s shocking performance against Empoli ‘unacceptable,’ suggesting they deserved their jeers. If many of the pessimistic sections of the media have written off an upset in Turin, Pescara have another two trips after this one, away at high flyers Roma and Atalanta.
The promoted side will be looking for shock upsets rather than sympathy. Indeed, performances can inspire confidence and a positive display against the champions may break out some coupon-busters from the Biancazzurri. Although, by the time their next game at the Stadio Adriatico rolls around against Cagliari at the start of December, there may be no place like home.
Keep an eye on: Miralem Pjanic (Juventus) – A lot of emphasis has been placed on the crucial goals of Gonzalo Higuain in firing Juve top of the table, yet in the formation they have implemented, the midfield is crucial. With Claudio Marchisio unlikely to start through fitness concerns, the Bosnian is again expected to be decisive. If you needed it, his free kick to narrowly win at Bentegodi before the international break was a quick reminder of what he is capable of.
Form guide: Juventus (W W W L W) Pescara (L L L L D)
Last season: Not played
Stat fact: Pescara emerged from Turin with just one point from six previous Serie A attempts, a 1-1 draw in February 1989. Juventus have won their last four meetings with the Delfini, home and away in all competition, since a shock 5-1 defeat at the Adriatico in May 1993.
Top Tip: Juventus to win, with both teams to score.
Juventus (probable): Buffon; Dani Alves, Bonucci, Benatia; Cuadrado, Sturaro, Hernanes, Pjanic, Alex Sandro; Higuain, Mandzukic
Suspended: None
Pescara (probable): Bizzarri; Zampano, Campagnaro, Fornasier, Crescenzi; Memushaj, Aquilani, Brugman; Benali, Caprari; Manaj
