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

Defensive Midfielder- Miralem Pjanic

Miralem Pjanic will return to the role he excelled in last year, playing the right side of Juve’s defensive midfield in the 4-2-3-1. When Pjanic plays this position he serves as a deep-lying playmaker for the Bianconeri. It’s a role we should get used to seeing him in this year as neither him nor the formation appear to be going anywhere any time soon.

Pjanic’s pinpoint passing will be an even bigger factor for Juventus this year as Cristiano Ronaldo will be on the receiving end of many of the passes Pjanic serves up on a platter. On top of his beautiful passing Pjanic is one of the most impressive free kick takers in the world. He has made a habit of making keepers look silly from dead ball situations and is always a threat to curl one past the keeper or set up a one of Juve’s players crashing toward the net. Expect the familiar site of Pjanic conducting a relentless Juve attack against Chievo.

Defensive Midfielder- Sami Khedira

For now I believe Sami Khedira still possesses the spot next to Pjanic. When Khedira started out at Juve he played more as cover for the defense, but has started to roam forward more often from this position and even contributed 9 goals in the league last season. Khedira has played well in his 3 seasons at Juventus, but I think his time as a usual starter are coming to an end.

Khedira should get the start here because of the comfort level between him and the rest of the team that will be playing around him. Matuidi missed the ICC to rest after the World Cup and has never played with Bonucci. Emre Can’s experience with the team consists of 3 appearances in friendlies. Rodrigo Bentancur is still developing and has also never played with Bonucci. All three of those players will get chances to take this position from Khedira. While the job will likely be Khedira’s on opening day, that might not last long.