Como face a difficult task on their return to elite football as they travel to Juventus for a Monday night Serie A fixture. Although Juventus are going through a transitional phase, they should still have too much for the newly promoted side, who are likely to struggle with the rigours of the topflight.
It was a turbulent campaign for Juventus last season as there were internal clashes involving manager Massimiliano Allegri which ultimately led to his departure. They did eventually secure a third place finish and the Coppa Italia, and will be looking to at least repeat that feat.
There have been a few changes at Juventus this summer with Thiago Motta the new man in charge and Michele Di Gregorio replacing Wojciech Szczesny in goal. The Turin club were unconvincing in preseason as they failed to win any of their warm-up matches.
There are few harder grounds to begin a Serie A campaign than the Allianz Stadium and Como must attempt to overcome the Turin club on their return to the topflight. Manager Cesc Fabregas will hope to take inspiration from their fairy-tale promotion push last season and will be looking to begin on a positive note.
Things were a bit erratic for Como in preseason as they started with two straight victories but failed to win the final two friendlies. They have also been knocked out of the Coppa Italia after losing on penalties to Sampdoria following a 1-1 draw in normal time.
How the bookies view it: Juventus overwhelming favourites
Juventus have the upper hand among the bookies and are priced at 1/3 by Betfred to claim the win. An unlikely victory for Como is valued at 9/1 by Betfred, who is also offering odds of 4/1 for a draw.
Head to head: Juventus unbeaten
Both teams met twice during the 2002-03 Serie A season, with Juventus unbeaten across both matches. The Turin club were held to a 1-1 draw at home before claiming a 3-1 victory in the reverse fixture.
Players to watch: Vlahovic to strike
Juventus have managed to hold on to Dusan Vlahovic, who scored 16 Serie A goals last season. The Serbian striker will be the one to watch on Monday and is priced at 10/11 by Betfred to score anytime.
The Turin club will be looking to set a standard for the new season and will be targeting a shutout on Monday. Bremer remains a rock at the back and can lead the hosts to a clean sheet at 7/10 with Betfred.
Probable line-ups
As always Vlahovic should lead the line for Juventus, with Kenan Yildiz providing support. Bremer is expected to feature in defence while Douglas Luiz could be set for his debut.
Raphael Varane picked up an injury in last week’s Coppa America and will miss the season opener for Como. Federico Barba should feature in defence while Patrick Cutrone and Andrea Belotti are expected to line up in attack.
Juventus: Di Gregorio, Danilo, Bremer, Gatti, Cabal, Locatelli, Thuram, Weah, Douglas Luiz, Yildiz, Vlahovic
Como: Pepe Reina, Iovine, Goldaniga, Barba, Moreno, Mazzitelli, Braunoder, Gabriel Strefezza, Cutrone, da Cunha, Belotti
Anything else catch the eye?
Juventus are likely to be untroubled by the newly promoted team and will be targeting a win to nil at 10/11 by Betfred. The Turin club could also be backed to score in both halves at 11/10 with Betfred.
With Juventus likely to be dominant on Monday, they could be backed to win both halves at 15/8 with Betfred.
This Serie A match between Juventus and Como will be played on Aug 19, 2024 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Juventus vs Como prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
