Italian giants, Juventus will take on German outfit SC Freiburg in the first leg of their Europa League Round of 16 fixture on Thursday, March 9, 2023. The match is set to take place at the Allianz Stadium in Turin, Italy.
Despite being docked 15 points in the Italian top-flight due to financial indiscretions, Juventus has managed to put up a decent run of form lately. Currently placed eighth in the Serie A standings, the Bianconeri are coming off a loss to Roma in their last league game.
On the other hand, SC Freiburg is doing well in the Bundesliga, sitting in fifth place with 42 points to their name, just behind fourth-placed Leipzig on goal difference. They come into this fixture after a win in their last league outing against FC Augsburg.
Predicted Lineups and Injury News
Due to injury, Juventus will be without several key players, including Paulo Dybala, Federico Bernardeschi, and Juan Cuadrado. But coach Max Allegri is likely to field a strong starting eleven, including Angel Di Maria, who has been in fine form lately.
SC Freiburg, meanwhile, will miss midfielder Nicolas Hofler, who is suspended for the first leg due to an accumulation of yellow cards. Coach Christian Streich is expected to field a lineup that includes the likes of Vincenzo Grifo, who has been in red-hot form this season.
Head-to-Head Record
This is the first time Juventus and SC Freiburg will face each other in any European competition. Given their recent form, the two teams will likely put up a good contest.
Players to Watch Out For
Angel Di Maria is expected to be a key player for Juventus, having been directly involved in six goals in the club’s last five European fixtures. For SC Freiburg, Vincenzo Grifo will be a player to watch out for, having scored 12 goals and provided four assists in the Bundesliga this season.
Match Facts
SC Freiburg is one of the three sides that went unbeaten in the group stages of the Europa League this season. They have conceded only three goals in the tournament, with Real Sociedad being the only team to concede fewer goals.
On the other hand, Juventus has had a mixed run in Europe this season. They lost five games in the Champions League group phase before dropping down to the Europa League, where they defeated Nantes in the playoff tie.
Juventus vs SC Freiburg Match Prediction
Juventus may have it challenging against SC Freiburg despite playing at home. The German outfit has been in good form this season and will likely put up a strong fight. The match could end in a draw, with both teams evenly matched.
Telecast Details
The match will be telecast live on various sports channels across the world. Fans can catch the action on channels such as Sky Sport, BT Sport, and beIN Sports.
Conclusion
The Juventus vs. SC Freiburg fixture promises to be an exciting encounter between two teams in good form lately. With both teams evenly matched, who comes out on top in the first leg of the Europa League Round of 16 ties remains to be seen.
