Juventus vs Chelsea: Blues look to overturn hoodoo against Italian sides

Juventus vs Chelsea: Blues look to overturn hoodoo against Italian sides - Sept 29

September 28, 2021 By Michelle Bonsu

Topics: TV Schedules, TV Listings, Juventus, Chelsea, UEFA Champions League

Reigning champs Chelsea are set to renew acquaintances with Juventus on matchday two of the 2021/22 Champions League

Preview: Juventus vs Chelsea

Nine years ago, Juventus and Chelsea met in the group stages of the Champions League group stages. After a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge on matchday one, the two sides met once again on matchday five, and Juventus were the victors on the night, recording a 3-0 win to dump the Blues out of the group stages. However, all wasn't lost, as Rafa Benitez successfully came in following Roberto di Matteo's dismissal and guided the London giants to their first ever Europa League title in 2013.

That was the second time the Bianconeri and the Blues had met in European competition. The first was during the 2008/2009 UCL round of 16, which ultimately finished 3-2 on aggregate in favor of Chelsea following a 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge in the first leg and a two-all draw in Turin.

Chelsea come into this game having suffered their first loss of the 2021/22 Premier League season as they were beaten 1-0 at home by Manchester City. That result has now seen Thomas Tuchel's side drop into third place, albeit they're just one point behind current league leaders Liverpool. The Blues have started their title defense off on the right foot, with Romelu Lukaku earning them a 1-0 win over Russian outfit Zenit, albeit the reigning champs had to work a lot harder than expected for that result.

Juventus, for their part, are looking to make it a fourth win in their last five across all comps. It's been a tough start for Massimiliano Allegri's side, who failed to win their first four Serie A games, but have now seemingly turned a corner with wins over Spezia and Sampdoria. While the victories were far from convincing, as La Vecchia Signora had to fight tooth and nail to secure a pair of 3-2 results over those two teams, they did record a 3-0 win over Malmo in their group stage opener and will hope that Chelsea's poor track record against Italian teams on the road will give them a much needed boost here.

Team news: Juventus vs Chelsea

Juventus: The hosts have been dealt a huge blow due to an injury to star man Paulo Dybala, who had to be subbed off during Juve's 3-2 win over Sampdoria at the weekend as a result of a thigh strain. In addition, La Vecchia Signora will have to make do without Alvaro Morata, who was also injured during that match and could be out for sometime following a hamstring problem. It will be interesting to see if Wojciech Szczesny, who was dropped to the bench following a series of mishaps, reclaims his spot here or if Mattia Perin will again fill in for him. Finally, according to Italian reports, midfielder Adrien Rabiot could be in doubt for this match due to an injury of his own and will have to be evaluated shortly before Wednesday's kick off.

Chelsea: Reece James will miss this game after twisting his ankle during Chelsea's 1-0 loss to Manchester City over the weekend. Additional absentees for the Blues also include American star Christian Pulisic as well as English youngster Mason Mount, both of whom are in major doubt after missing Chelsea's match against City.

Match facts: Juventus vs Chelsea

Juventus are unbeaten in their last three European meetings with Chelsea, but have only won one of those (D2)
However, the Bianconeri have kept just one clean sheet in their last 21 games across all comps
Chelsea have lost only three of their last 32 Champions League group stage games
But the Blues have failed to win their last four road games against Italian opposition - losing to Inter, Napoli, Juventus, and Roma