Thiago Motta: ‘Juventus must alternate attacking approaches’ | OneFootball

Thiago Motta explains why Juventus must ‘alternate’ between different attacking approaches to break down Bologna’s high press and ‘surprise’ them.

It kicks off at the Allianz Juventus Stadium at 17.00 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Roma-Lecce on the Liveblog.

The injury crisis continues for the Bianconeri, who are still missing Weston McKennie, Nico Gonzalez, Douglas Luiz, Arek Milik, Gleison Bremer and Juan Cabal, but there is a boost represented by the return of Dusan Vlahovic.

It is a special game for the coach, who took Bologna to fifth place in Serie A and Champions League qualification last season before walking away.

Thiago Motta wants unpredictable Juventus

epa11693104 Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic (C) in action against goalkeeper Zion Suzuki of Parma during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Juventus FC and Parma Calcio, in Turin, Italy, 30 October 2024. EPA-EFE/ALESSANDRO DI MARCO

“It is a game of football, ultimately we want to put in our performance and we need a great one to get the result we need right now. We respect our opponents, but must go out there determined and with belief we can get the victory,” Thiago Motta told DAZN.

“Bologna press very high, both the first press and after they lose the ball. We must alternate between passing our way out from the back and occasionally going for the long ball to surprise a team that tends to push up and can leave spaces at the back.”

Nicolò Fagioli gets the nod in midfield with Manuel Locatelli, so is that just trying to rest Khephren Thuram ahead of the Champions League clash with Manchester City?

“I saw him very good in training during the week, he has great technique and can help us in midfield as the mezz’ala. I am happy he is starting, he deserves it and I hope he’ll have a great game.”

Vlahovic is not only back in the squad, but already thrown straight into the starting XI for Juventus this evening.

“He likes to wait around afterwards to have extra training sessions, he always puts in the extra effort,” assured Thiago Motta.