How Juventus, Napoli, Roma, and Inter will perform in their Champions League groups

Juventus- Group H

Juventus looks like they’re going to top Serie A again this year. However, since they signed Ronaldo it has been clear that the goal isn’t another Scudetto, it’s a Champions League trophy. Their dominant win over Lazio showed that they have the talent to contend for that trophy this year.

Their group has a couple of big names, but Juventus should be the class of the group. Manchester United and Valencia should both give Juve a challenge. Young Boys isn’t a bad team, but they’re simply outmatched in this group. It would be very surprising if they won a match unless United looks especially bad on the road against them.

United is a powerhouse of European football, but this is a down year for them. Jose Mourinho has been unable to get the best out of the team during his time with the club. They’ve looked awful in recent weeks, losing to Brighton on the road and getting embarrassed at home by Tottenham. There are rumors that Paul Pogba doesn’t want to play there anymore. He also has never looked like the star he was at Juve under Jose Mourinho. As a whole they’re a defensive minded team that hasn’t played well on defense.

If they sit back and soak up Juve’s pressure it’s going to end badly for them. They also have a history of poor performances away from Old Trafford in European competition. Juventus should be able to keep that trend alive with a heavy dose of possession at Allianz Stadium. United’s defense will also struggle to cope with the pace and talents of Ronaldo and Douglas Costa. Juve should be favored to take 3 points at home and possibly even take a point in Manchester.

Valencia is a bit more worrying. They managed to hold onto second place in a stacked La Liga for 8 weeks last season and arguably got better this year. They are a tough out at home and will probably be able to take a point or 3 off of Juve there. I even believe they’ll be able to beat United to second in this group.

However, their slow start to the season leads me to believe that they won’t be able to overtake this extremely talented Juventus side. By the time they play at Allianz Stadium, Massimiliano Allegri will be committed to the 4-3-3. Valencia won’t be able to break through Juve’s midfield with Blaise Matuidi in the squad and Juve’s relentless pressure will eventually them a goal to get them the first place finish.

Prediction: 13 points, 1st place