Juve set for title challenge in Monday night's opener against Como.
Juventus kick off the new Serie A season at the Allianz Stadium against newly promoted Como, with both teams featuring fresh faces and intriguing storylines, including Thiago Motta's debut managing the Old Lady and Cesc Fàbregas's first top-flight managerial role.
Juventus
Thiago Motta will make his competitive debut for Juventus on Monday when the Old Lady faces Como at the Allianz Stadium. A Coppa Italia win and a third-place finish in Serie A weren't enough for Allegri to keep his job, as he was shown the door after an incident that left onlookers stunned.
Juventus have been active in the summer transfer window as they aim to win silverware this season. The club strengthened its 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 also joined from Hellas Verona, and goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio came 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 on Monday, as the record Serie A winners have more victories on Match Day 1 than any other side and are unbeaten in their last 21 meetings with Como.
A 4—2—3—1 formation with Dušan Vlahović in attack is expected. However, 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. Ex-Barcelona midfielder, now Lariani's boss, Cesc Fàbregas, will be looking to make his mark as he manages a team in the topflight for the first time in his career.
With Serie A football returning to their home stadium, Como has brought in over 12 new players, including Andrea Belotti from Roma. Raphaël Varane, Pepe Reina, and Alberto Moreno all joined as free transfers.
The Lombardy-based club had a decent pre-season tour, where they won two of four friendlies. However, they failed to replicate similar form in their first competitive match, losing via penalties to Serie B side Sampdoria in the first round of the Coppa Italia last Sunday.
Having drawn more matches against Juventus [10] than any other Serie A side, Como would hope to replicate similar form at the Allianz Stadium. A 3-5-2 with Belotti in attack is expected from Fabregas.
Alessio Iovine is suspended after his red card against Sampdoria in the Coppa Italia.
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