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Juventus projected lineup vs Chievo: Who will start in Ronaldo’s debut?

By John Vaccaro

TURIN, ITALY - AUGUST 15: Juventus player Cristiano Ronaldo during a Juventus training session at JTC on August 15, 2018 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Daniele Badolato - Juventus FC/Juventus FC via Getty Images)
TURIN, ITALY - AUGUST 15: Juventus player Cristiano Ronaldo during a Juventus training session at JTC on August 15, 2018 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Daniele Badolato - Juventus FC/Juventus FC via Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – AUGUST 01: Juventus player Alex Sandro in action during 2018 MLS All-Star Game: Juventus v MLS All-Stars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Daniele Badolato – Juventus FC/Juventus FC via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – AUGUST 01: Juventus player Alex Sandro in action during 2018 MLS All-Star Game: Juventus v MLS All-Stars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Daniele Badolato – Juventus FC/Juventus FC via Getty Images) /

Left Back: Alex Sandro

There was never any question about who would be starting at left back for Juve’s season opener. Ever since Patrice Evra left a year and a half ago, Alex Sandro has had this position locked down.

He has made 53 appearances in the league over the last two years and has been an integral part of Serie A’s best defense. His 2.2 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game were a solid contribution to the defense last season.

The 4 goals and 4 assists he contributed in the league last season were just another feather in his cap as he continues to make his case as one the world’s best left backs. His ability going forward brings an extra dimension to Juve’s attack, which has had periods of struggle in the past. As long as Sandro is healthy he can be expected to fill this role.

Right Back: Joao Cancelo

Massimiliano Allegri has announced that Joao Cancelo will be making his Juventus debut in the season opener. Allegri made the right call here as Cancelo was the obvious choice to start this game. If he’s going to be Juve’s starter going forward then it’s best that they start integrating him into the team early.

Cancelo was brought in this summer to take over the role following Stephan Lichtsteiner’s departure for Arsenal. Cancelo showed during his 26 appearances for Inter last season that he has all of the tools to be successful as a Series A right back.

His 1.6 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per game were a big contribution to a stout Inter defense. With a goal and 3 assists added in Cancelo proved he’s the type of well-rounded right back Juve desires. Saturday we will get the first glimpse at Juve’s future.

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