Juventus host Atletico Madrid on Tuesday evening, knowing that a draw will see them join their group rival in the last 16 of the Champions League.
The Spanish giants are already safely through to the knock-out stages, but Juve still need at least a point to ensure they progress at the expense of Greek side Olympiacos, who currently sit in third place.
In fact, should the home side win by two clear goals, they would top the group, potentially getting a more favourable opponent in the next round.
However, Massimiliano Allegri’s men go into the match after a less than impressive goalless draw away to Fiorentina. The Bianconeri toiled throughout the match, failing to dominate their opponent as they have done in previous rounds of Serie A.
The coach’s decision to rest in-form striker Carlos Tevez visibly blunted their attack, as Allegri’s team selection was undoubtedly conditioned by the impending European cup tie.
The Argentine will start on Tuesday and should also be joined by Claudio Marchisio, Simone Padoin and Stefan Lichsteiner in the line-up, all of whom were also given a chance to rest before this crucial match.
The only question mark surrounds who will partner the ‘Apache’ at the point of the Juventus attack. Alvaro Morata has probably done enough to edge himself ahead of Spanish compatriot Fernando Llorente, especially given Llorente’s average display on Saturday night at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.
Allegri is also expected to return to a back four, after having used a three man defence in the aforementioned 0-0 draw. Padoin should flank Giorgio Chiellni and Leonardo Bonucci on the left, with Lichsteiner stepping back into his familiar role on the right.
In stark contrast, Atletico triumphed 2-0 away to Elche this weekend, winning their fifth straight game in all competitions, their 10th victory in 11 games. Coach Diego Simeone will head to Turin with confidence, given his side need only avoid defeat to ensure topping the group.
Juventus fans can be comforted by the fact that whilst at AC Milan, Allegri never failed to get his team through to the second phase in Europe and even defeat at the hands of the Spaniards would not spell disaster, as long as fourth placed side Malmo manage to get something from their game with the Greeks.
Expected Starting XIs
Juventus (4-3-1-2): Buffon; Lichsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Padoin; Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio; Vidal; Tevez, Morata
Atletico Madrid (4-2-3-1): Moya; Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Ansaldi; Tiago, Koke; Raul Garcia, Saul, Arda; Mandzukic.
