Since the beginning of October, Juventus have played a number of quality sides. The Bianconeri have matched up with the likes of Bayern Munich, Manchester City, AS Roma, Sevilla and Fiorentina among others, but have only lost twice since the start of 2015’s tenth month.
The only domestic loss came against the team’s next opponent, Sassuolo. Forward Nicola Sansone was the only player to find the net for the hosts, as he scored in the 20th minute. That proved to be the lone goal of the game as Juve fell by a score of 1-0.
While the Bianconeri have had considerable success since, their opponents are on a hot streak of their own. The Neroverdi, who currently sit seventh in the Serie A standings, come into the match on a three-game winning streak. The streak has included victories over Empoli, Lazio and AC Milan.
Opportunity
For Sassuolo, the game represents a chance to claim the season series against a massive club like Juve—while also making some kind of progress in the standings. For the defending champs, the contest represents a chance to stay in form and collect another win ahead of a crucial Champions League contest against Bayern.
Familiar competition
Between the two clubs, there aren’t many players on either roster who have worn both shirts. However, the few that have are significant. Simone Zaza played for Sassuolo from 2013 to up until last season. The forward is enjoying a fine debut season for Juve with goals in games against Napoli, Palermo and Torino.
His goal against the Naples-based club is significant due to the fact that it was the game’s only goal. Seeing as Juventus are ahead of Napoli by three points, that strike has been the difference in the Serie A race this season.
For Sassuolo, Federico Peluso is the player who previously played for the Bianconeri. The defender has been a steadying presence for the Neroverdi at left back, making 27 appearances across all competitions.
Top Performers
In terms of scoring, if anyone is to score for Sassuolo, it will be Domenico Berardi. The forward is tied with Gregoire Defrel for the team lead in the goal-scoring department. Both players have six goals apiece, but Berardi is averaging more shots per game with 3.1 compared to Defrel’s 1.6. The 21-year-old is also among the team leaders with four assists.
Juve’s top threat in terms of goal scoring and creating is forward Paulo Dybala. The forward has bagged 13 goals to go along with eight assists in his debut season in Turin. Like Berardi, if there was one player to count on for a goal, it would be Dybala.