With Vlahovic sidelined, Juventus will rely on Jonathan David and Lois Openda at the Allianz — punters may favour Juve to progress at home, but consider Juventus win + both teams to score or backing David/Openda in the anytime scorer markets.
Juventus turn to David and Openda for Coppa Italia Round of 16
Juventus host Udinese at the Allianz Stadium in Turin in tonight’s Coppa Italia Round of 16 tie, kicking off at 21:00 CET (20:00 GMT). A serious muscle injury to Dusan Vlahovic has forced Juventus into an immediate reshuffle up front, handing a clear attacking remit to Jonathan David and Lois Openda.
Vlahovic injury and tactical changes
Dusan Vlahovic’s muscle problem looks set to require surgery, with the striker expected to be sidelined for at least three months. Manager Luciano Spalletti will therefore turn to the David–Openda partnership to carry the goal threat. The role of the supporting attacking midfielder is in contention, with Vasilije Adzic likely to start in that No.10 slot, while Francisco Conceiçao remains an alternative option to provide creativity behind the front two.
Defensive shape and midfield setup
Juventus are expected to deploy a three-man defence anchored by Federico Gatti alongside Lloyd Kelly and Juan Cabal. Teun Koopmeiners should start in central midfield alongside Fabio Miretti, with Joao Mario and Kostic providing width. Khephren Thuram and Kenan Yildiz are being conserved on the bench as the club prioritises squad freshness ahead of league fixtures.
Udinese selection and rotation
Udinese travel to Turin missing Thomas Kristensen and Hassane Kamara and are likely to rotate their squad. That could leave Keinan Davis and Nicolò Zaniolo among the substitutes, with the visitors set to line up in a compact 3-5-2 aimed at frustrating Juventus and exploiting counter-attacks.
Probable line-ups
Juventus (3-4-1-2): Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Gatti, Kelly; Joao Mario, Koopmeiners, Miretti, Kostic; Adzic; David, Openda.
Udinese (3-5-2): Sava; Goglichidze, Solet, Palma; Ehizibue, Miller, Piotrowski, Ekkelenkamp, Modesto; Bravo, Buksa.
Match outlook and betting implications
Juventus retain home advantage and a potent two-man attack despite Vlahovic’s absence, so they remain the more likely side to progress. However, the enforced rotation and Udinese’s defensive setup suggest the match could be tighter than the headline names imply. Punters could favour Juventus to win, but markets like “both teams to score” or anytime scorer bets on David and Openda offer value given Juve’s attacking duo and Udinese’s threat on the break. Always check final team sheets before placing bets.
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Juventus will look to Jonathan David and Lois Openda in tonight’s Coppa Italia Round of...
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