Malmo vs Juventus: Struggling Bianconeri dealt another big blow ahead of UCL tie

September 13, 2021 By Michelle Bonsu

Topics: Juventus, Federico Chiesa, Federico Bernardeschi, Massimiliano Allegri, UEFA Champions League

It's been a very difficult season so far for Juventus, and now they've been dealt another major blow ahead of their trip to take on Swedish outfit Malmo.

Simply put, it's been a difficult start to the season for Juventus, who brought back coach Massimiliano Allegri in a bid to once again regain their spot as the no. 1 side in Italy. Unfortunately, things haven't turned out as planned, with La Vecchia Signora losing 2-1 to Napoli over the weekend to put them closer to the relegation zone than contending for the Scudetto, or even a top four berth.

And now, hopes that they could revive their fortunes as they've been handed a favorable opponent for their Champions League opener has been dealt a blow. The Bianconeri will have to make do without the "two Federicos"; that is, Federico Chiesa and Federico Bernardeschi, ahead of their trip to Sweden to face minnows Malmo.

The duo, who came in from Fiorentina and were part of Italy's EURO 2020 winning side, have been both ruled out with injury. Juventus, however, will be able to welcome back their South American contingent, with players like Paulo Dybala, Danilo, and Alex Sandro - who couldn't feature against Napoli - being brought back into the fold.

Still, having neither winger does cause some selection worries for Allegri. Chiesa was omitted from the squad who traveled to face Napoli, in a bid to see whether he'd be able to pass a late fitness test to travel. As for Bernardeschi, his exclusion will come as a surprise for Juve fans, as not only did he play against Napoli but also reportedly was in training with his teammates, so it's very likely he sustained a last minute injury to rule him out for Tuesday's fixture.

Juventus will kick off their Champions League campaign on Tuesday, September 14th against Malmo, and given that reigning UCL champs Chelsea are also in this quartet, La Vecchia Signora will hope to turn around their flagging fortunes and pick up all three points to put themselves in a competitive position to battle the Blues for top spot in Group H.