After their failure to top Group D in the Champions League, David Schiavone analyses the Bianconeri’s potential opponents in the next round of the competition.
Over the past few weeks, we have discussed the improving form of Juventus in Serie A after their stuttering start to the season.
The poor beginning to the domestic campaign didn’t transfer across to the European stage however, with the conclusion of the Group Stages of the Champions League finalising the positions in Group D on Tuesday night, we can analyse where the Old Lady is now positioned.
After falling victim to former employee Fernando Llorente in Sevilla, Juventus lost 1-0 to the Spaniards but, thankfully, qualification was already secured, declaring this match void in terms of progression to the next round.
It was, however, a vital game in the chase for an easier tie in the first knockout round, with Manchester City being awarded the easier fixture out of the top two in the group as the Italians finished second.
The Citizens came from behind to win 4-2 against Borussia Monchengladbach, thus cementing their place at the top of the group and adding a few more nerves to the Bianconeri faithful.
We are, of course, only predicting a nightmare situation in the next round, although no outcome will be particularly favourable towards last season’s runners-up.
Following the conclusion of the first round, the other six teams who topped their respective groups pose far from comfortable ties to look ahead to.
The Italians cannot be drawn with Manchester City in the Round of 32 as they were from the same group, meaning that in the pot to face Massimiliano Allegri’s men are: Real Madrid, Wolfsburg, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Zenit St Petersburg.
A rematch of last year’s final against Barcelona would arguably be the worst case scenario as their front three of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez appear unstoppable this season.
The best case scenario for La Vecchia Signora, going by performances in the compeititon this season, would be a tie with Wolfsburg.
The German Wolves got the lowest number of points (12) out of the group stage stage winners and lost the joint most in the same category, albeit only twice.
With the draw to be made on December 14, it will be a nervous wait to see whether Juventus’ hopes of progressing to the quarter-finals can becoming a reality.
Before that, though, there is the rather large obstacle of Fiorentina to overcome on Sunday night.
La Viola travel to the Juventus Stadium knowing that a win could take them up to first place in the league table should Inter slip up, while the hosts can only climb up to fourth, provided that Roma’s result goes their way.
Although not completely convincing against Sevilla on Tuesday, the Juventus squad are capable of beating the high-flying Fiorentina side.
An impressive 2-0 victory away to Lazio on Friday night further suggests that three points are a likely possibility.
With Paul Pogba back in the team, along with the potential return of Mario Mandzukic to the field and the impressive form of Paulo Dybala being at Allegri’s disposal, Paulo Sousa’s defence could crumble should the reigning champions apply enough pressure.
We just need to avoid Bayern and Barcelona. The others we should be able to beat.