UEFA Champions League : Juventus vs Pafos Match Preview & Lineups
With Dušan Vlahović ruled out until next year, Juventus must once again reshuffle their frontline. Either Loïs Openda or Canada international Jonathan David could spearhead the attack, although Kenan Yıldız was deployed as a false nine in Naples. Aside from his goal at the Maradona, seven of Yıldız’s eight Serie A goal involvements this season have come on home soil at the Allianz Stadium.
As well as being without their top scorer, Spalletti is also missing centre-backs Federico Gatti, Daniele Rugani and Bremer, leaving Teun Koopmeiners to continue in an unfamiliar role at the heart of the defence.
Pafos, meanwhile, are boosted by the return of João Correia following the Cape Verde defender’s completion of a two-match UEFA suspension last month. However, two former Watford players may be absent: Ken Sema remains sidelined through injury, while Domingos Quina is considered doubtful.
Adding valuable top-level experience, Croatian winger Mislav Oršić is expected to feature from the outset, along with veteran defender David Luiz, who has amassed 58 Champions League appearances so far in his career.
