Juventus are preparing for the visit of PSV on Tuesday at the Allianz Stadium in a Champions League playoff. The team, led by Thiago Motta, will take to the field without several first-team regulars because of injuries that could make their performance quite different.
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This will only be the second time Juventus and PSV meet in a major European competition. The two sides are meeting for a fourth time, following their clash in the Champions League league phase, a match the Bianconeri came out of the blocks as 3-1 winners on home soil. Their history is seemingly on their side — only three defeats in their last 15 against Dutch opposition. PSV has struggled against Italian opponents in the competition, failing to win any of their last five matches, with four losses and one draw.
Juventus wants to keep its lead even with major absences Thiago Motta goes into the clash with significant absences because of injury problems which could affect their previous tactic. However, the Italians have fared relatively well in recent games against Dutch teams and would bank on home soil to try to further their qualifying chances. Also, with Kolo Muani now in the team, that gives them an extra attacking option to perhaps give the coach more flexibility in the final third.
Adding flavor to Juventus' case to be considered favorites is their Champions League track record, where they have won seven of the last eleven matches against Dutch clubs.
PSV looks to break that streak and prove some growth.
At the helm of Peter Bosz, PSV views this game as a chance to prove how much it has grown in the Champions League. Coming into the league phase on somewhat shaky ground, Bosz admitted that the first meeting with Juventus was one of the worst performances of the team. The Dutch club has since grown remarkably, as evidenced by a crucial 3-2 win over Liverpool to end the perfect run of the English side in the competition.
Despite its poor record against Italian teams, PSV steps onto the pitch with confidence, believing it can compete on equal terms. The club has performed well in European competitions and has now reached the Champions League playoffs for two consecutive seasons, a feat they last achieved in 2007.
What’s at stake?
A place in the Champions League round of 16 will be decided as Juventus take on PSV. The fact that neither side made it to the top 8 in the league phase means both must go through this playoff to survive in the competition. This could well make the first leg, and most definitely for Juventus, who want to take advantage of their home to travel to the return fixture in good condition.
Juventus hopes to progress on their experience and historical success, while PSV is hoping to reverse the tide in their quest to prove they belong alongside Europe's elite. The first encounter will not define qualification but will certainly set the stage for what the return fixture may look like.