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Juventus Projected Lineup vs Bologna: Cristiano Ronaldo looks to add to goal tally

By John Vaccaro

23rd September 2018, Stadio Benito Stirpe, Frosinone, Italy; Serie A football, Frosinone versus Juventus; Federico Bernardeschi of Juventus celebrates with Cristiano Ronaldo after scoring a goal in the 94th minute (photo by Giampiero Sposito/Action Plus via Getty Images)
23rd September 2018, Stadio Benito Stirpe, Frosinone, Italy; Serie A football, Frosinone versus Juventus; Federico Bernardeschi of Juventus celebrates with Cristiano Ronaldo after scoring a goal in the 94th minute (photo by Giampiero Sposito/Action Plus via Getty Images) /
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TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 16: Medhi Benatia of Juventus competes for the ball during the serie A match between Juventus and US Sassuolo at Allianz Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino – Juventus FC/Juventus FC via Getty Images)
TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 16: Medhi Benatia of Juventus competes for the ball during the serie A match between Juventus and US Sassuolo at Allianz Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino – Juventus FC/Juventus FC via Getty Images) /

CB: Medhi Benatia

Juve seems to be developing a pattern for how they will rest their center backs. It seems that in the lead up to big games they will rest Bonucci and Chiellini in alternating matches with Benatia and Rugani taking turns replacing them. In this match, it’s Benatia’s turn to get the start. Benatia played well against Sassuolo in his first appearance of they year and this match will be an even better opportunity for him to look good. Sassuolo is leading Serie A in scoring this year while Bologna is 19th in scoring. Benatia was integral to Juve’s successful last season and we can expect him to look like that player again in this match.

CB: Leonardo Bonucci

Leonardo Bonucci got to rest against Frosinone so it’s Chiellini’s turn against Bologna. Bonucci’s reintegration into Juve’s defense didn’t start as smoothly as fans would have hoped, but it has recently looked like he never left. That should continue against Bologna. A Bonucci-Benatia pairing is still a pretty strong pairing and he’ll even get the chance to show off his most important attribute. Bonucci is a very talented passer and Bologna’s lack of a credible attacking threat will allow Bonucci the space and freedom he needs to contribute to the attack. This match has the potential to be his most impressive performance since he returned to Juve.

GK: Mattia Perin

I’ve been calling for Perin to get a start for a while now and it hasn’t happened yet. I think this is the match that will change that. Wojciech Szczesny has earned a rest after starting every match for Juve this year (although one could argue that the Frosinone match was really a rest day for him). Perin is the future at goalkeeper for this squad and this will be a perfect opportunity to get a low-pressure glimpse at that future. I really hope I’m right this time because Juve needs to get Perin some playing time ASAP.

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