Juventus, the Serie A giants, are inching closer to securing a coveted spot in the UEFA Champions League, despite a recent run of four consecutive draws, including a 1-1 stalemate against fellow top-five contenders Roma. However, their recent form, with only three wins in their last 16 competitive matches (D8, L5), is cause for concern rather than celebration. Speculations are rife that even a potential triumph in the upcoming Coppa Italia final against Atalanta may not be enough to save manager Massimiliano Allegri’s job for next season.
Home Comforts for Juventus
Fortunately for Juventus, they will be playing at home this weekend, where they have managed to keep a clean sheet in their last four consecutive games (W2, D2). This home fixture provides an ideal opportunity for the team to prepare for the Coppa Italia showdown next week. However, claiming victory is not guaranteed, as Juventus have only won one of their three league matches at the Allianz Stadium in the 2023/24 season against teams currently placed 17th or worse (D1, L1).
Struggles for Salernitana
On the other side of the pitch, Salernitana, who have already been relegated to Serie B, face an uphill battle. They suffered their 24th defeat of the league season against Atalanta (2-1) in their previous match, leaving them in need of three more points to surpass the lowest final points tally in a Serie A campaign, currently held by Chievo with a total of 17 points in the 2018/19 season.
Salernitana’s upcoming fixtures against relegation-battling Hellas Verona and second-placed AC Milan make their task even more daunting. It is unlikely that they will secure any additional points, making this match against Juventus their last opportunity to salvage some pride. Salernitana’s recent away record is also a cause for concern, as they have suffered four consecutive defeats on the road, conceding three goals in each match. Their overall away performance this season has been poor, with a joint-league low of only 11 goals scored.
Key Players to Watch
For Juventus, defender Gleison Bremer has been a standout performer, particularly in the absence of a potent attack. Three of his last four goals have come in the second half, demonstrating his ability to step up when needed. On the other hand, Salernitana’s Loum Tchaouna has been a bright spot for the team, scoring the opening goal in their recent match against Atalanta. Impressively, this was his third successive goal scored within the first 20 minutes of a game.
Hot Stat: Salernitana has conceded three goals in nearly half of their 17 away league matches this season, highlighting their defensive struggles.