Socrates

Done Deal: Juventus agree Kelly terms with Newcastle United Reports suggest Juventus have now agreed a deal with Newcastle United for defender Lloyd Kelly, on loan with obligation to buy for €18m plus add-ons. The centre-back had been a target throughout the January transfer window, but seemed to drop down the pecking order when others like Kevin Danso of RC Lens emerged. There was also the issue that Newcastle United were refusing to let him leave on loan without an obligation to make the transfer a permanent one. That had been a sticking point for Juventus, but with only 48 hours left in the transfer session, the Bianconeri decided to take the plunge. ............ Kelly should fly in to Turin for his medical tests during the weekend. The final figure is at closer to €20m including bonuses, noting it will be a loan with option to buy that becomes an obligation if certain conditions are met. ............ . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/done-deal-juventus-agree-kelly-terms-newcastle/

Newcastle agree £15m deal – Breaking news on Saturday night There has been some major developments regarding the future of Lloyd Kelly after ongoing links with Serie A giants Juventus. ............ Newcastle United have now AGREED a deal with Juventus over Lloyd Kelly. An agreement is now in place over an initial loan with an obligation to buy for £15m at the end of the 2024/25 season. The deal is £15m with add-ons and includes a future sell-on clause. Terms of his contract have also been agreed and medical plans are in the offing to bring Kelly to Turin. ............ . Read more -> https://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2025/02/01/newcastle-agree-15m-lloyd-kelly-deal-breaking-news-on-saturday-night/

Juventus reignites move for Lloyd Kelly after missing out on Danso Juventus appears to have given up on signing Kevin Danso from Lens after the Ligue 1 club failed to respond to their offer. ............ Juve has been targeting several players to strengthen their backline, and one name that has emerged as a top priority is Newcastle United’s Lloyd Kelly. Juventus has tried to sign Kelly in the past but was told by the Magpies that he would not be available on loan. However, the Bianconeri are now refocusing their efforts on a deal for the English defender. The club’s failure to secure Danso means they are now shifting their attention to Kelly, who is seen as a solid addition to Juventus’ defensive options. The 26-year-old has proven his abilities in the Premier League, and his experience could be invaluable for Juve as they continue to strengthen their squad. If a deal for Danso falls through, Kelly could be the ideal solution for Juventus’ defensive needs. However, Juventus faces an uphill battle. Newcastle are not a financially struggling club, and they will only let Kelly leave if the Bianconeri make an offer they deem worthy. Juventus will have to be prepared to meet Newcastle’s asking price, or they risk missing out on this target as well. ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/juventus-reignites-move-for-lloyd-kelly-after-missing-out-on-danso/

Juventus considers signing Empoli star if they fail to land Danso Juventus are finding it increasingly difficult to secure the signing of Kevin Danso from Lens, and they have now begun identifying alternative defensive options. ............ Juve has been monitoring Danso since last summer, considering him one of their best possible defensive reinforcements. With their squad in need of additional depth at the back, they remain hopeful of securing a deal. However, as negotiations continue to stall, the Bianconeri have accepted the possibility of missing out on him and are now preparing to shift their focus elsewhere. Juventus has identified Empoli’s Saba Goglichidze as a backup option and has placed him on standby. Should they continue to face difficulties in striking a deal for Danso in the next few hours, they are expected to move swiftly for Goglichidze instead. ............ Juventus must act decisively in the final hours of the window to avoid being left without reinforcements. Waiting too long for any single player could result in missing out on much-needed defensive cover, which could prove costly as the season progresses. If a deal for Danso does not materialise soon, switching their attention to Goglichidze would be a pragmatic decision to ensure the squad remains competitive. ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/juventus-considers-signing-empoli-star-if-they-fail-to-land-danso/

Jorge Mendes offers another PSG star to Juventus Juventus have been offered another Paris Saint-Germain attacker just weeks after securing Randal Kolo Muani on loan from the Ligue 1 champions. The Bianconeri brought in Kolo Muani to strengthen their attacking options, and the Frenchman has already made an impact. His addition was seen as a step forward for the club, but speculation continues to surround the future of Dušan Vlahović. ............ As a result, Juventus are expected to part ways with Vlahović in the summer, with several top strikers already on their radar as potential replacements. One of the names under consideration is Gonçalo Ramos, who could be available for transfer as PSG are open to offloading him. Jorge Mendes, Ramos’ agent, has been actively offering the Portuguese forward to clubs, and Juventus are among the teams he has approached. While the Bianconeri are unlikely to make a move this month, they are keeping an eye on Ramos as a possible successor to Vlahović at the end of the season. ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/report-jorge-mendes-offers-another-psg-star-to-juventus/

Juventus step up Kelly talks with Newcastle United Juventus are back in direct negotiations with Newcastle United for defender Lloyd Kelly and could get the deal done for €15-18m. The Bianconeri had circled back to Kelly after the talks with RC Lens for Kevin Danso fell apart at the last minute. ............ It would be a loan with an obligation to buy at the end of the season for circa €15-18m including various add-ons. This is different to the original idea, which was to bring Kelly in purely on a dry loan or at most with an option to buy at the end of the season. ............ The 26-year-old can play as a central defender or a left-back when required. . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/juventus-step-up-kelly-talks-newcastle-united/

Juventus vs Empoli: Preview and Prediction Juventus will look to bounce back from a rough patch of form that includes back-to-back defeats when they welcome Empoli this weekend. A disappointing 2-0 loss to SL Benfica in the UEFA Champions League saw Juve slide to 20th in the standings, forcing them into a challenging route in the knockout rounds. On the domestic front, their 2-1 defeat to Napoli last weekend further highlighted their struggles, leaving them winless in three matches. Despite their recent issues, Juventus remain unbeaten at home in Serie A this season, which serves as a significant morale booster. The Bianconeri have historically dominated Empoli in Turin, winning 80% of their encounters. Manager Thiago Motta, however, is under growing pressure to improve results, as Juventus’ current tally of just eight wins from 22 league games is their worst at this stage of a season since 1988. ............ Team News & Tactics Juventus Thiago Motta faces some defensive adjustments this weekend as first-choice centre-back Pierre Kalulu is sidelined with a muscular injury. To fill the gap, either new signing Renato Veiga or midfielder Manuel Locatelli may slot into the backline. Meanwhile, Andrea Cambiaso, who has been the subject of Premier League transfer rumours, is expected to return to the squad after missing the midweek defeat against Benfica due to an ankle issue. Randal Kolo Muani, who scored on his league debut against Napoli, will look to make history by becoming the first Juventus player since Carlos Tevez in 2013 to find the net in his first two Serie A games. The French forward is likely to lead the line, with Dusan Vlahovic potentially dropping to the bench. The attacking midfield trio of Kenan Yildiz, Teun Koopmeiners, and Facundo Gonzalez could provide support from behind. Juventus are likely to set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Mattia Perin will guard the goal, with a back four comprising Nicolo Savona at right-back, Federico Gatti and Renato Veiga as the central defenders, and Andrea Cambiaso slotting in at left-back. The midfield pivot is expected to feature Manuel Locatelli and Marcus Thuram, providing a balance of defensive solidity and forward thrust. In the attacking third, Kenan Yildiz will operate on the right wing, Nico Gonzalez on the left, and Teun Koopmeiners in the central playmaker role. Randal Kolo Muani is set to lead the attack as the lone striker. Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Perin; Savona, Gatti, Veiga, Cambiaso; Locatelli, Thuram; Yildiz, Koopmeiners, Gonzalez; Kolo Muani Empoli ............ Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Vasquez; Goglichidze, Ismajli, De Sciglio; Gyasi, Henderson, Anjorin, Cacace; Fazzini, Esposito; Colombo Key Stats Juventus have won just one of their last four Serie A games against Empoli (D2, L1), despite having won 10 of their previous 11 meetings (L1). Interestingly, the last two matches between the sides ended in draws. Empoli have only avoided defeat in seven of their last 24 Serie A matches against Juventus (W3, D4). Notably, five of these positive results occurred in the second half of the season. Juventus have won 80% of their Serie A home matches against Empoli (W12 D2 L1). Among current Serie A opponents, only Hellas Verona (85%) have a worse record at Juventus in terms of the home win percentage. ............ Juventus are the only unbeaten team at home in Serie A this season and have the most draws on home soil (7). Following their 2-0 victory against AC Milan, Juventus could secure back-to-back home wins in a single league season for the first time since January 2024, when they achieved three consecutive victories. Player to Watch Randal Kolo Muani The French forward, who recently joined on loan from Paris Saint-Germain, made an immediate impact by scoring on his league debut against Napoli. This debut strike not only highlighted his ability to adapt quickly to new environments but also drew comparisons to Juventus icons such as Carlos Tevez, who similarly hit the ground running upon joining the Bianconeri. Kolo Muani’s pace, physical presence, and intelligent movement make him a nightmare for defenders. Operating as the focal point of Juventus’s attack, his ability to hold up the ball and link play with supporting midfielders and wingers adds a new dimension to the team’s forward line. Against Empoli, a team known for their defensive frailties, Kolo Muani’s sharpness in the final third and knack for exploiting space could prove decisive. In this match-up, he will be looking to become the first player since Tevez in 2013 to score in his first two league appearances for Juventus. Prediction Juventus 2-0 Empoli Given Juventus’s unbeaten home record this season and Empoli’s struggles both at home and against higher-ranked opponents, the Bianconeri are clear favourites. While Empoli have shown occasional resilience on the road, Juve’s superior quality and home advantage should help them secure a much-needed win. The Hard Tackle predicts a 2-0 win for Thiago Motta and his charges. . Read more -> https://thehardtackle.com/round-up/2025/02/01/juventus-vs-empoli-preview-and-prediction-2/

Serie A Juventus vs Empoli: Match Preview As Serie A action resumes this weekend, Juventus will be looking to halt their recent slide when they host Empoli at the Allianz Stadium on Sunday. The Bianconeri, under increasing pressure after a string of disappointing results, face an Empoli side battling to avoid relegation but with a history of causing upsets in Turin. ............ The Old Lady’s domestic form has been equally concerning. With only eight victories in 22 Serie A matches, Juventus find themselves in fifth place, a far cry from their usual title-challenging position. Motta now bears the unwanted distinction of having the third-lowest win percentage of any permanent manager in Juventus’ illustrious history. ............ Team News Juventus may welcome back Andrea Cambiaso, who has been the subject of transfer speculation, after an ankle issue. However, they’ll be without centre-back Pierre Kalulu due to injury, potentially forcing Motta to reshuffle his defensive line. New signing Randal Kolo Muani, fresh from scoring on his debut against Napoli, could lead the line for Juventus. The French striker has the opportunity to become the first player since Carlos Tevez in 2013 to score in his first two league games for the club. ............ Expected Starting XIs Juventus: Perin; Savona, Gatti, Veiga, Cambiaso; Locatelli, Thuram; Yildiz, Koopmeiners, Gonzalez; Kolo Muani Empoli: Vasquez; Goglichidze, Ismajli, De Sciglio; Gyasi, Henderson, Anjorin, Cacace; Fazzini, Esposito; Colombo Match Prediction While Empoli have proven to be tough opponents for Juventus in recent meetings, the Bianconeri’s desperation for a win coupled with their home advantage should see them through. Expect a closely fought contest, but Juventus should emerge victorious, potentially by a 2-0 scoreline. Prediction: Juventus 2-0 Empoli . Read more -> https://www.footitalia.com/serie-a-juventus-v-empoli-match-preview/

Juventus Manager Thiago Motta: “No Confrontation with Club, Same Trust. The Team Has Grown” On the eve of Sunday’s lunch match against Empoli, Juventus manager Thiago Motta addressed the media in a pre-match press conference. The coach emphasized the importance of the upcoming game, stating, “We want to play a great match to achieve victory, which is our main objective.” ............ Regarding new arrivals, Motta expressed disappointment over Kalulu’s absence due to injury but praised the integration of new players. He hinted at the possibility of seeing them in action against Empoli, either as starters or substitutes. ............ He stressed the importance of consistency, noting that injuries have impacted the team’s ability to maintain a steady performance level throughout the season. When questioned about a potential confrontation with the club management, Motta firmly stated, “No, no confrontation and same trust.” ............ Motta praised the versatility of players like Koopmeiners and newcomer Renato Veiga, highlighting their willingness to adapt to different positions for the team’s benefit. ............ The Juventus manager concluded by acknowledging the high expectations at a club of Juventus’ stature, stating, “Juventus is a great team with a great history. It must be accepted. To improve. To want to win more than before.” . Read more -> https://www.footitalia.com/juventus-manager-thiago-motta-no-confrontation-with-club-same-trust-the-team-has-grown/

Cristiano Giuntoli plans to make former Serie A ace Vlahovic’s replacement Dušan Vlahović appears closer to leaving Juventus than staying, as he continues to struggle for relevance at the Allianz Stadium. ............ Juventus have been in discussions with the Serbian forward regarding a contract extension. However, negotiations have stalled, and with just over a year remaining on his current deal, the likelihood of his departure in the summer is increasing. The Bianconeri are now preparing to move on, already identifying a high-profile replacement. Juventus sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli has chosen Victor Osimhen as the ideal successor to Vlahović. The report claims that Juve is prepared to offer €75 million to Napoli to secure the Nigerian striker’s services. Osimhen is widely regarded as one of the best forwards in Europe, known for his relentless pressing, work rate, and exceptional goal-scoring instinct. Given his attributes, he could be a significant upgrade on Vlahović and provide Juventus with the consistent attacking threat they have been missing. ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/cristiano-giuntoli-plans-to-make-former-serie-a-ace-vlahovics-replacement/

Juventus and Lens at Impasse Over Kevin Danso Transfer Reports from Italy suggest the negotiations between Juventus and Lens for Kevin Danso have reached a stalemate. While the Austrian defender has expressed his desire to don the black and white jersey, the main hurdle remains the transfer formula. Juventus are pushing to secure Danso on a loan deal, but the terms of the agreement with the French club are yet to be finalized. Lens has not given the green light, maintaining a rigid stance on the transfer conditions. The Turin giants are aiming to resolve the situation promptly to provide manager Thiago Motta with defensive reinforcement. ............ The French club prefers a permanent transfer or at least a loan with an obligation to buy. Juventus, on the other hand, are seeking more flexible terms, possibly with an option to purchase at the end of the season. Meanwhile, Danso remains in limbo, aware that his future could be decided in the coming days. Juventus are evaluating other options to strengthen their defence, but the Austrian remains a priority target. The next few hours will be crucial in determining whether there’s room for agreement or if the Bianconeri will need to shift their focus to alternatives. ............ . Read more -> https://www.footitalia.com/juventus-and-lens-at-impasse-over-kevin-danso-transfer/

Juventus has now made a definite decision on Dusan Vlahovic Will Dušan Vlahović remain a Juventus player beyond this season? That is one of the biggest questions on the minds of the Old Lady’s supporters. The Serbian striker has struggled to adapt to the system of new manager Thiago Motta, and Juventus are determined to build a squad composed only of players who fit their tactical vision. Vlahović’s performances have been inconsistent, raising doubts over his long-term future at the Allianz Stadium. ............ Juventus have already made the decision to offload him at the end of the season. The club no longer sees him as a key part of their future and does not want to risk losing him as a free agent when his contract eventually runs down. Selling him in the summer would allow them to recoup a significant transfer fee and reinvest in a striker better suited to their needs. The recent arrival of Randal Kolo Muani further signals a shift in Juventus’ attacking plans. With the Frenchman already making an impact, the writing appears to be on the wall for Vlahović. The Bianconeri now view him as a temporary presence in the squad rather than a long-term asset. ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/juventus-has-now-made-a-definite-decision-on-dusan-vlahovic/

Gallo e Gatti, una difesa bestiale!

PIERO SALICE https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juventus_Football_Club_1956-1957 Nazione: Italia Luogo di nascita: - Data di nascita: - Ruolo: Centrocampista Altezza: - Peso: - Soprannome: - Alla Juventus dal 1956 al 1957 Esordio: 16.01.1957 - Amichevole - Juventus-Nazionale Militare 3-3 0 presenze - 0 reti

SALA https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foot-Ball_Club_Juventus_1920-1921 Nazione: Italia Luogo di nascita: - Data di nascita: - Luogo di morte: - Data di morte: - Ruolo: Attaccante Altezza: - Peso: - Soprannome: - Alla Juventus dal 1920 al 1921 Esordio: 12.06.1921 - Amichevole - Reggiana-Juventus 2-3 0 presenze - 0 reti

ORLANDO SAIN https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando_Sain Nazione: Italia Luogo di nascita: Pola Data di nascita: 03.02.1912 Luogo di morte: Genova Data di morte: 17.04.1995 Ruolo: Portiere Altezza: - Peso: - Soprannome: A Tenaggia (La tenaglia) Alla Juventus dal 1944 al 1945 Esordio: 31.12.1944 - Amichevole - Juventus-Torino 1-2 0 presenze - 0 reti Orlando Sain (Pola, 3 febbraio 1912 – Genova, 17 aprile 1995) è stato un calciatore e allenatore di calcio italiano, di ruolo portiere. Soprannominato, negli anni passati a Genova, a tenaggia (la tenaglia), vanta 126 partite in Serie A più 14 partite del campionato di guerra. Orlando Sain Nazionalità Italia Calcio Ruolo Portiere Termine carriera 1946 Carriera Giovanili 1928-1931 Grion Pola Squadre di club 1931-1932 Campobasso 19 (-17) 1932-1938 Aquila 62+ (-?) 1938-1939 Ambrosiana-Inter 5 (-8) 1939-1940 Novara 29 (-35) 1940-1941 Ambrosiana-Inter 16 (-19) 1941-1943 Genova 1893 53 (-79) 1943-1944 Asti 14 (-?) 1945-1946 Genoa 24 (-?) 1948-1949 Borgotarese 34 (-?) Carriera da allenatore 1954-1955 Derthona Carriera Si forma calcisticamente nelle giovanili della sua città, il Grion Pola, con cui tuttavia non esordirà mai in prima squadra. Dopo essere stato a lungo cercato dal Taranto, nel 1931 si trasferisce al Campobasso, squadra che all'epoca presentava già altri istriani nelle sue file. L'anno successivo va all'Aquila; con gli abruzzesi scala rapidamente le categorie del campionato italiano passando dalla Seconda Divisione regionale alla Serie B. Il 3 ottobre 1936, mentre si trova in viaggio con la squadra in direzione di Verona, rimane ferito nell'incidente ferroviario di Contigliano che costa la vita all'allenatore dei rossoblù Attilio Buratti. Dopo la tragedia, con la rosa decimata, l'Aquila retrocede in Serie C, categoria in cui Sain resta un anno prima di essere ingaggiato dall'Ambrosiana-Inter in Serie A. Dopo alcune apparizioni con i nerazzurri, si sposta al Novara e l'anno seguente torna nuovamente all'Ambrosiana. Nel 1941 si trasferisce al Genova 1893 con cui gioca fino allo scoppio della seconda guerra mondiale. Torna al Genoa nel 1945 prima di chiudere la carriera nelle serie regionali emiliane. Allenò il Derthona nella stagione 1954-1955. Palmarès Giocatore Competizioni nazionali Coppa Italia: 1 - Ambrosiana: 1938-1939 Prima Divisione: 1 - L'Aquila: 1933-1934

Sí certo. Il Lens preferisce ovviamente vendere piuttosto che dare in prestito.

Infatti c'é il Rennes che lo vuole acquistare. Il calciatore vorrebbe venire alla Juventus ma la decisione spetta al Lens.

Juventus is waiting for Lens to accept their offer for Danso but there is a huge risk Juventus are keen to bring Kevin Danso to Turin this month and have entered discussions with Lens about a potential transfer. The Austrian defender, currently a key player for the Ligue 1 side, has attracted significant interest from other clubs, including Rennes, who are reportedly willing to make an outright purchase. Juventus, however, have proposed a loan deal with an initial fee and additional bonuses as part of their offer. ............ The main obstacle to the deal lies with Lens, who must decide whether to accept Juventus’ loan proposal or opt for Rennes’ outright purchase offer. The latter could prove more appealing to the French club, given the immediate financial benefits of a permanent transfer. Danso is reportedly open to a move to Turin, provided both clubs can agree on the terms of his departure. However, Juventus face stiff competition from Rennes, and the risk of missing out on the player is growing. If Lens prioritise an outright sale, it could shift the momentum in favour of the Ligue 1 rivals. ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/juventus-is-waiting-for-lens-to-accept-their-offer-for-danso-but-there-is-a-huge-risk/

Girona hijacks Santos move for Arthur with better salary coverage Arthur Melo appears to be nearing a resolution to his difficult time at Juventus, with a potential move to Girona now on the cards. The midfielder has been frozen out of the Juventus first team for the first half of the season and has been actively seeking an exit during the January transfer window. The Brazilian was initially expected to join Santos, with reports earlier this week indicating that a return to his homeland was close. Juventus were keen on offloading Arthur to save on his wages, particularly after he became surplus to requirements under their current management. ............ With Santos emerging as a serious option, talks with the Brazilian club progressed, and a deal appeared imminent. However, Girona entered the race for the 28-year-old’s signature just yesterday, and they are now leading the chase. The Spanish club is offering a more favourable financial package, including covering a larger portion of Arthur’s salary than Santos was prepared to. This development has reportedly convinced Juventus to favour Girona as the midfielder’s next destination. Discussions are advancing rapidly, and Arthur is believed to be close to reaching an agreement with the La Liga side, which could see him revive his career in Spain. ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/girona-hijacks-santos-move-for-arthur-with-better-salary-coverage/

Juventus to face PSV Eindhoven in Champions League play-off round Juventus jumping back into the Champions League this season provided plenty of unknowns. The squad was so much different than the last time they played in Europe, their new manager had played but never coached in the competition before, and the brand new format was maybe the biggest of unknowns with how it would all play out over the next four months. That return to Europe started with a bang, as Juventus beat Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven 3-1 in Turin back in September, a night that had plenty hoping that better times ahead. ............ It will be that same PSV side in which Juventus will either keep their Champions League campaign alive or see their return to Europe end, as the two sides that met on Matchday 1 will meet again in the two-legged play-off round that will fill out the second half of the round of 16 field. Juventus, as a result of finishing a disappointing 20th, entered Friday’s play-off round draw set to face either PSV or AC Milan — who finished 13th and 14th, respectively, during the league phase — with very obvious storylines attached to either of those potential opponents. So instead of a meeting with the last team Juventus has beaten domestically or in Europe, it’s a rematch with the club in which Thiago Motta claimed his first Champions League win against. The first leg of the play-off matchup will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 11, in Turin, with the return leg eight days later on Wednesday, Feb. 19, in Eindhoven. The winner of the Juventus-PSV matchup will face either Inter Milan (blah) or Arsenal in the Champions League Round of 16, which will see the first leg tie played the first week of March. ............ . Read more -> https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2025/1/31/24355991/juventus-psv-eindhoven-2025-champions-league-playoff-round-draw-team-news

Repubblica: Vlahovic and Douglas Luiz want Juventus exit La Repubblica newspaper reports that Dusan Vlahovic and Douglas Luiz want to leave Juventus, while other players are ‘surprised’ by how Thiago Motta has treated Nicolò Fagioli and Danilo. Juventus stars Vlahovic and Douglas Luiz wants to leave Juventus as they are not on good terms with coach Thiago Motta, according to La Repubblica. ............ Both Vlahovic and Douglas Luiz went straight into the Allianz Stadium tunnel on Wednesday and didn’t wave at the fans after a 2-0 loss against Benfica. Vlahovic has less than 18 months left in his contract with Juventus and the Bianconeri are ready to listen to offers for the Serbian, although his exit seems unlikely this month. On the other hand, Douglas Luiz has attracted interest from some Premier League clubs, including Manchester City. ............ . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/vlahovic-and-douglas-luiz-want-juventus-exit/

S Sacco Giovanni Sain Orlando Sakor Vajebah Sala Salas Marcelo Salice Piero Salihamidzic Hasan Salvadore Sandro

Preview: Juventus vs. Empoli - prediction, team news, lineups After back-to-back defeats, Juventus will seek an end to their three-game winless streak on Sunday, when they welcome Serie A strugglers Empoli to Turin. The Bianconeri recently followed their first league loss of the season with another setback in Europe, while their ailing visitors have slumped to the foot of the form table. Match preview ............ On the domestic scene, Thiago Motta's men have won only eight of their 22 league matches this season, following last week's 2-1 loss to league leaders Napoli, now coached by Juve legend Antonio Conte. Despite a debut goal from new signing Randal Kolo Muani - who had completed his loan move from Paris Saint-Germain just a few days earlier - they suffered a defeat that left them fifth in the table. Motta's side have now let some 17 points slip through their fingers, leaving the ex-Bologna boss with the third-lowest win percentage of any permanent manager in Juve's club history. Indeed, the last time Juventus recorded so few victories at this stage of a Serie A season was back in 1988, so Motta is coming under pressure to turn things around - starting this weekend. Still the only team unbeaten at home in the Italian top flight this season, they have won 80% of their league games against Empoli in Turin, so nothing less than three points will do. ............ Team News Subject of much speculation around a winter switch to the Premier League, Andrea Cambiaso should be back in the Juventus squad after missing their midweek defeat with an ongoing ankle problem. However, first-choice centre-back Pierre Kalulu has been sidelined by a muscular injury, so either new signing Renato Veiga or midfielder Manuel Locatelli could deputise in the hosts' back four. After scoring against Napoli, Randal Kolo Muani was ineligible to play Benfica, but he could now become the first man to find the net in his first two league games for Juve since Carlos Tevez in 2013; top scorer Dusan Vlahovic may be dropped to the bench. ............ Juventus possible starting lineup: Perin; Savona, Gatti, Veiga, Cambiaso; Locatelli, Thuram; Yildiz, Koopmeiners, Gonzalez; Kolo Muani Empoli possible starting lineup: Vasquez; Goglichidze, Ismajli, De Sciglio; Gyasi, Henderson, Anjorin, Cacace; Fazzini, Esposito; Colombo We say: Juventus 2-1 Empoli While Empoli can consider this Sunday lunchtime clash a free hit, Juventus are burdened by the need to reverse their recent downturn. New additions have freshened up the hosts' squad, so they can edge past an away side that knows how to grind out results on the road. . Read more -> https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/juventus/preview/preview-juventus-vs-empoli-prediction-team-news-lineups_564473.html