Date: September 16, 2014
Venue: Juventus Stadium, Turin, Italy
Kick-off time: 19:45 BST
Juventus will start their Champions’ League campaign against Swedish side Malmo FF. Last year’s Champions’ League group stages were a nightmare, the Turin side crashing out in the early stages. This time around, they still have the core players from last year with a few additions. Not to forget a new manager in Massimo Allegri after Antonio Conte resigned this summer.
Malmo FF came through an arduous Champions League qualification campaign and are assigned a tough opening fixture against Juve.
Juventus form: W-W-W-W-W
Juventus have played just two matches in the Serie A and in the last match won it by a 2-0 margin against a hapless Udinese side. Juventus have a solid side with an excellent midfield. Juventus did reach the semi-final of the Europa cup, but a Champions League semi-final appearance has more ring to it.
Juventus placed in the Group A along with Malmo FF, Atletico Madrid and Olympiakos. A top place finish is possible considering the group dynamics.
Malmo FF form: L-W-W-L-D
Malmo returned to the Champions League group stages after a long time. The current Swedish League leaders, Malmo have a task cut out for them in the Group A. The group minnows can cause upsets and will have many chances at home to get some points, being an unknown quantity in the Champions League.
Key Players
Juventus: Paul Pogba
In absence of Arturo Vidal, Pogba has a huge responsibility to fill in Vidal’s shoes. Already a seasoned campaigner at the international and club level, his world-class ability is clearly visible. Now there’s more responsibility to keep that early promise going on.
Malmo FF: Markus Rosenberg
Having played in the Champions League earlier, Rosenberg does have a good record against the Italian sides. The biggest one being, the late goal for Werder Bremen against Inter Milan in the 2008/09 CL group stages (Bremen qualified for the round of 32).
Betting Advice
Juventus’ squad is littered with good players all over the park and it will come as a huge surprise if they don’t win this (1.16 at bet365) and win this easy. Juventus to win both halves of the game is the best bet with BetVictor offering 1.55 for that.