Coppa Italia: New-Look Old Lady Face Struggling Sassuolo for Semis Spot

Juventus vs Sassuolo

Juventus’ winter makeover made an immediate impact in Serie A as their two new signings, Dusan Vlahovic and Denis Zakaria, both scored in a 2-0 victory over Verona.

The new-look Old Lady will now set their sights on reaching the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia as they face struggling Sassuolo.

The Neroverdi have had a rough start to the year, and the Coppa Italia 2022 odds will be against them as they head to the Allianz Stadium. But they did beat the Bianconeri in their trip to Turin in the league, and they will look to deliver another shocking result in the cup.

Talking Points

Juventus new boys make good first impression

New Juventus signings Dusan Vlahovic and Denis Zakaria made a perfect start to life in Turin as they both scored on their debut to beat Verona 2-0.

Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri started with a 4-3-3 formation, with Vlahovic flanked by Alvaro Morata and Paulo Dybala. That formation proved to be quite effective as Vlahovic had five shots, while both Morata and Dybala each supplied an assist.

Vlahovic is in fantastic form at the moment. He has now scored 21 goals in all competitions, including three in his last three appearances dating back to his time in Fiorentina.

Vlahovic made several Coppa Italia 2022 highlights for the Viola with three goals in three appearances, and he will be keen to keep up that terrific record if he gets the chance to play in midweek.

Allegri likely to make alterations ahead of Atalanta clash

Allegri is likely to make some changes to his starting XI with Atalanta coming up on the weekend. Centre-back Daniele Rugani, who scored in the last round against Sampdoria, looks set to make another start in the cup after Giorgio Chiellini suffered a calf injury in the win over Verona.

Leonardo Bonucci has also returned to training after suffering a muscle injury and could be set to make his first appearance of 2022.

Meanwhile, midfielder Manuel Locatelli could return after serving his one-match suspension against Verona. Weston McKennie and Juan Cuadrado are also contenders to replace Zakaria and Arthur in midfield.

After a rough start for Allegri, he is once again making the Allianz Stadium a fortress for Juventus. Since losing to Atalanta in November, Juve have won six of their last seven games at home, while conceding just two goals.

Sassuolo still struggling

Sassuolo have had a difficult start to 2022. They have won just one of their first five Serie A matches this year, with two draws and two defeats. They suffered a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Sampdoria last time out, the second time in three games they’ve conceded four goals.

The Neroverdi are currently in 12th in Serie A and have already conceded 42 goals in 24 games, the sixth-worst defensive record in the league.

After his recent hot streak, striker Gianluca Scamacca (9 goals this season) has not scored in his last three outings. But the Neroverdi still have two other talented forwards in Domenico Berardi (10 goals, 9 assists) and 21-year-old Giacomo Raspadori (7 goals, 4 assists), who can trouble opposing defences.

Sassuolo’s loss to Sampdoria was their first away from home in their last six matches. It was also the first time they’d been held goalless in 12 Serie A away games.

History

Juventus have a terrific record against Sassuolo. They have a commanding 12-2 advantage in terms of Serie A wins, and they have drawn three times.

However, the Neroverdi did beat Juve at the Allianz Stadium in their first meeting this season back in October. Maxime Lopez scored in the 95th minute to give his side the win.

Matches between Juventus and Sassuolo usually deliver a good number of goals. There have been at least three goals scored in 10 of their last 11 meetings and four or more goals in seven of them.

Betting Tip 

	Juventus vs Sassuolo	Juventus Asian Handicap -1.25 @ 2.21
	February 11, 4:00 (GMT+8)

SBOTOP odds have Juventus as 1.51 favourites to beat Sassuolo and move on to the semi-finals. The Neroverdi are priced at 5.40 to pull off another upset at the Allianz, while a draw is at 4.40.

This fixture has a history of high-scoring affairs, and if Vlahovic plays against this struggling Sassuolo defence, this cup tie could very well have a good number of goals.

But even if Vlahovic doesn’t play, I still expect Juve to have too much for Sassuolo and should win at home by a comfortable margin.

 

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