Juventus vs Sampdoria 29/12/18

29 December 2018

After an unexpected 2-2 draw with Atalanta in midweek, Juventus will host Sampdoria to the Allianz Stadium looking to return to winning ways immediately.

Residing the only unbeaten team in the Italian top tier competition (W16, D2), the reigning holders already have a nine-point lead over second-placed Napoli as they comfortably cruise towards their eight successive Serie A title. The Bianconeri won eight out of nine home games this campaign, racking up a four-game home winning run following a 1-1 draw with Genoa. What’s more, the Old Lady managed to keep a clean sheet in their last three games in Turin, conceding just four goals at home so far. However, goals have been in short supply in Juventus’ last four games at the Allianz Stadium. Although Massimiliano Allegri’s men won in four consecutive home clashes across all competitions without conceding a goal, three of those meetings ended with the identical 1-0 scoreline in Juve’s favor.

Meanwhile, the visitors hope to extend a seven-game lossless streak (W5, D2) in all competitions as they come into this encounter after securing three Serie A wins in a row. Moreover, the Blucerchiati scored a minimum of two goals per match in their last six competitive outings, keeping a clean sheet two times in the process. Also, the Doria managed to score in seven out of nine road games this season, notching at least two goals per match on four occasions during the run. However, Sampdoria’s principal problem concerns their defensive frailties, with Marco Giampaolo’s players failing to keep a clean sheet on six road trips, conceding at a minimum of two goals per match four times so far. Furthermore, Sampdoria lost four out of the previous five road clashes with Juventus, allowing 17 goals while scoring just 4 in the process.

Provisional line-up – Juventus:

Gk: Szczesny Defense: Alex Sandro – Bonucci – Chiellini – Mattia de Sciglio Midfield: Khedira – Pjanic – Emre Can Attack: Dybala – Mandzukic – Cristiano Ronaldo

Provisional line-up – Sampdoria:

Gk: Audero Defense: Murru – Tonelli – Colley – Linetty Midfield: Ekdal – Jacopo Sala – Praet – Saponara Attack: Caprari – Quagliarella