Preview: Juve eyeing a strong performance after Champions League humiliation
The Bianconeri were sent packing from the Champions League after finishing behind Real Madrid and Galatasaray in the group stages and now find themselves competing in Europe’s second tier competition.
Even though Antonio Conte’s men have been the best side in Italy by a margin, currently leading second placed AS Roma by nine points, their performances in Champions League were weak and uninspiring which resulted in their eventual knockout.
And even though the Europa League might be a relatively diminutive competition compared to the stature of Juventus, Antonio Conte has insisted that winning the Europa League will be an ‘extraordinary’ achievement for his side.
"In the next 52 days, including the international fixtures, the players will feature in 16 games. We all need to be ready for this," he told reporters.
"I need a full squad at my disposal for the upcoming run of fixtures. We want to honour the Europa League as best we can.
"Winning the Europa League would be extraordinary. It's an opportunity we all need to take and I expect everyone to contribute.
The Italian tactician also dismissed claims that his side deserves the favourites tag ahead of the match and stressed on how important it was for his players to respect their opponents on Thursday.
"We're up against a team who won their group ahead of Lazio. They've got some strong players in forward areas."
Juventus have tasted reasonable success in the competition having won it on three occasions; however all of their triumphs came in the previous UEFA Cup format. They now go against a side which has done very well this season in Europe. Trabzonspor are currently undefeated in this season’s Europa League and have performed well against Italian opposition, drawing both of their matches against Lazio to finish top of Group J.
Their performances in the league however have been less than inspiring. The Turkish side have failed to record a victory in their last four games in the league and the aftermath of their 4-2 defeat to Akhisar Belediyespor resulted in former manager Mustafa Resit Akcay stepping down from his post.
As a result Trabzonspor are currently without a permanent coach with assistant manager Hami Mandirali given charge of the club on a temporary basis. Emre Gural scored a brace as Trabzonspor registered a draw against Kardemir Karabük last time out and the 24 year old will be vying for a starting spot against the Italian defending champions.
Juventus are expected to be without star defender Giorgio Chiellini who has been ruled out with a thigh injury, whereas Mirko Vucinic is also sidelined for the match as he nurses a knee problem. Defender Andrea Barzagli is a doubt for the match, but a late fitness test will determine his inclusion in the squad.
Where to watch the match – live stream, start time, TV channels, live scores
Watch Juventus vs Trabzonspor live on Thursday, February 20, 2014:
In Canada at 13:00 ET on Mediaset Italia, Sportsnet World Online, Sportsnet World
In UK at 18:00 GMT on BT Sport 1
In US at 13:00 ET on SiriusXM FC, Fox Soccer Plus, Fox Soccer 2Go, ESPN Deportes
Fans in Australia can catch the action live on Setanta Sports Plus Australia
For complete details of match listings and live scores, visit the Juventus vs Trabzonspor match page.
