Playing for 90
Fansided

Predicted Juventus lineup vs Bologna: Quest for 5th straight Coppa Italia title begins

By John Vaccaro

Rodrigo Bentancur of Juventus celebrates scoring first goal during the Serie A match between Fiorentina and Juventus at Stadio Artemio Franchi, Florence, Italy on 1 December 2018. (Photo by Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Rodrigo Bentancur of Juventus celebrates scoring first goal during the Serie A match between Fiorentina and Juventus at Stadio Artemio Franchi, Florence, Italy on 1 December 2018. (Photo by Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
BERN, SWITZERLAND – DECEMBER 12: Daniele Rugani of Juventus controls the ball during the UEFA Champions League Group H match between BSC Young Boys and Juventus at Stade de Suisse, Wankdorf on December 12, 2018 in Bern, Switzerland. (Photo by TF-Images/TF-Images via Getty Images)
BERN, SWITZERLAND – DECEMBER 12: Daniele Rugani of Juventus controls the ball during the UEFA Champions League Group H match between BSC Young Boys and Juventus at Stade de Suisse, Wankdorf on December 12, 2018 in Bern, Switzerland. (Photo by TF-Images/TF-Images via Getty Images) /

GK: Mattia Perin

Mattia Perin hasn’t made many appearances for Juventus this season, but he has been good enough in those appearances for Juventus to trust him to start their Coppa Italia matches. He has won all 4 of the matches he has started, only surrendering one goal in those 4 matches. He’s the keeper of the future for Juventus and the Coppa provides Juventus with a perfect opportunity to get Perin some playing time.

CB: Leonardo Bonucci

Leonardo Bonucci’s consistently poor defending have put his starting spot in jeopardy, but he should keep it for this match. Juventus has failed to capture the Supercoppa Italiana each of the last two seasons and they’ll want to be as close to full strength as possible when they try to claim it on Wednesday. Right now that likely means starting Medhi Benatia over Bonucci. That should mean Bonucci will get the start against Bologna. His defensive lapses shouldn’t be as much of an issue as usual facing a Bologna attack that has been mostly ineffective throughout the year. If his defensive struggles continue against Bologna then it will certainly be time to consider Benatia the new starter on this team.

CB: Daniele Rugani

Daniele Rugani was once thought to be the bright future of Juve’s defense, but since coming to Juve he has struggled to find regular playing time or the form that made him such a coveted prospect. Coppa Italia matches against a relegation-bound side are the best chance for him to try to become the player so many fans once thought he would be. He played well in his last appearance against Sampdoria, so it’s possible he could be reaching a turning point.

Home/Serie A