Seven reasons Real Madrid should worry about Juventus
Allegri's side meet Zidane's Real Madrid in the Champions League at the Juventus stadium this evening, here's how Juve can hurt Madrid.
Juventus are exactly what they appear to be: as solid as a rock. That's what the statistics say about their performances this season. Massimiliano Allegri has them closed up tight at the back and Dybal and Higuaín know how to open up their rivals. Juve are in no way an extravagant side, but they are extremely, extremely hard to beat.
Dybala
Despite not having been called up by Argentinian coach Jorge Sampaoli for the games against Italy and Spain, he's back to the level he was at the start of the season. He scored eight goals in the first four Serie A matches, though later went somewhat off the boil in December and January. In March he's bagging a goal a game.
Higuaín
He tends to turn it on when the Champions League gets to the business end. He only scored two goals in the group stages, but he notched three against Tottenham over the two legs.
Almost unbeatable
Juventus haven't been beaten since 11 November 2017, when Sampdoria edged them 3-2. At the Juventus Stadium they've only lost one game this season, against Lazio (2-1) back in October.
In goals
Buffon has been a near impenetrable barrier this season. He's recorded 21 clean sheets in 26 games. And even when he's not been in goals, his replacement, Szczesny, has only been beaten in four games out of the 17 he's played.
Iron defence
Their armour-plated back-line has been solid all season. In Italy their rivals have only averaged seven shots at them a match. In Europe things aren't quite as good, with opponenets managing 10. But overall Juve have only conceded two goals in their last 17 league matches and 27 in 43 across all competitions.
Fortress Turin
Massimiliano Allegri hasn't lost a single game at home in the Champions League as Juventus coach. Their last home defeat in the was back on 10 April 2013, with Conte in charge, when Bayern Munich won 0-2. The first goal that day was scored by Mandzukic, today a Juve player. Since then they've played 23 matches in Turin without being beaten.
No injuries
With Bernardeschi, Alex Sandro and Mandzukic back, Juventus have a full squad, with only Pjanic and Benatia out suspended, but of course they'll be back for the return leg in the Bernabéu.
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