‘McKennie left-back a technical decision for Juventus’ in surprising 4-2-3-1

TURIN, ITALY – DECEMBER 11: Juventus head coach Thiago Motta looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 match between Juventus and Manchester City at Juventus Stadium on December 11, 2024 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Juventus manager Thiago Motta insists his surprise selection against Fiorentina was not dictated by fitness levels, but Weston McKennie is at left-back as a ‘technical decision’.

It kicks off at the Allianz Juventus Stadium in Turin at 17:00 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s four Serie A matches on the Liveblog.

Both of these teams go into the weekend level on 31 points, although the Viola have a game in hand with Inter in February.

The Bianconeri finally ended their streak of four Serie A draws by beating Monza, but this is a far bigger test and a head-to-head for European places.

Thiago Motta explains unusual Juventus selections

“Apart from the other results, it’s a good opportunity to play a great game in front of our fans. It’s true that Fiorentina had two negative results, but they’ve done well this season and are playing good football, so we have to play at our maximum level to be able to compete.” Thiago Motta told Sky Sport Italia.

Samuel Mbangula has been selected in the attacking trio behind Dusan Vlahovic, leaving both Kenan Yildiz and Nico Gonzalez on the bench, with the coach asked if these were dictated by fitness concerns.

“No, it’s all technical decisions based on what I see in training and on the pitch, and it also gives opportunities to come off the bench later in the game.”

Does this also mean that Andrea Cambiaso is now second choice to McKennie at left back, so it is no longer an emergency for the USMNT midfielder?

“Weston proves not just now, but also over the years that he can do everything,” explained Thiago Motta.

“So today he starts as a left back, but with the freedom to roam and play other positions as well. Andrea is on the bench today, so we have to see if he and the others can make their contribution.”

Juventus begin 2025 in Riyadh with the Supercoppa Italiana semi-final against Milan on January 3, so if they win it, the final with either Inter or Atalanta.