Juve set for title challenge in Monday night's opener against Como.

2024-09-15

Juventus, with a refreshed squad under new management, will aim to overcome pre-season struggles and continue their historic opening-day success as they face newly-promoted Como, led by rookie manager Cesc Fàbregas, in their Serie A return at the Allianz Stadium.

Juventus

Thiago Motta will make his competitive debut for the Old Lady on Monday when Juventus face Como at the Allianz Stadium. A Coppa Italia win and a third-place finish in Serie A were not enough to help Allegri keep his job, as he was shown the door after an angry striptease which left onlookers stunned.

Juventus have been active in the summer transfer window as they look to win silverware at the end of the season. The Old Lady strengthened their midfield with the signings of Douglas Luiz from Aston Villa for €51.5 million and Khéphren Thuram from Nice for €20.6 million. Juan Cabal was also brought in from Hellas Verona, and goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio joined on loan from Monza.

Despite these additions, a poor pre-season tour left more questions than answers, with Juventus failing to win any of their three friendlies, losing two and drawing one. However, Motta will hope that history can repeat itself, as the record Serie A winners have won more matches on matchday one than any other side in history, including seven wins in their last eight such matches.

In addition, Juventus are unbeaten in their last 21 meetings with Como. A 4-2-3-1 formation with Dušan Vlahović in attack is expected. Meanwhile, Vasilije Adžić and Fabio Miretti are sidelined for this clash due to thigh and foot injuries, respectively.

Como

Como, on the other hand, are making their return to Serie A after a 21-year absence. The team, now managed by ex-Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fàbregas, will experience his debut in top-flight management.

With Serie A football returning to their home stadium, Como has brought in over 12 new players. Among the new signings are Andrea Belotti from Roma, and free transfers such as Raphaël Varane, Pepe Reina, and Alberto Moreno.

The Lombardy-based club had a decent pre-season, winning two of their four friendlies. However, they couldn't carry that form into their first competitive match, losing on penalties to Serie B side Sampdoria in the Coppa Italia's first round last Sunday.

Having drawn more matches against Juventus [10] than any other Serie A side, Como will hope to replicate similar success at the Allianz Stadium. A 3-5-2 formation with Belotti in attack is expected from Fàbregas.

Alessio Iovine is suspended after receiving a red card against Sampdoria in the Coppa Italia.