Chiellini out - How Juventus could line up against Crotone

9:24am on Sunday 21st February 2021
By Emmet Gates

Juventus head coach Andrea Pirlo is without captain Giorgio Chiellini for the clash against Crotone, after the defender limped out of the Champions League

Dutch defender Matthjis de Ligt is set to replace Chiellini at the heart of the Bianconeri defence, alongside either Leonardo Bonucci or Merih Demiral.

Pirlo is however expected to retain much of the side that featured in the loss to the Portuguese outfit.

Right-back Juan Cuadrado is still out, so Danilo will continue to deputise at right-back for the Colombian.

Alex Sandro will occupy the opposite flank for Juve.

Arthur is likely to miss the game through injury, so Rodrigo Bentancur and Weston McKennie will play in central midfield, with Federico Chiesa and Federico Bernardeschi occupying the flanks.

Adrien Rabiot is missing for Juve due to accumulating five yellow cards, and therefore is out through suspension.

Dejan Kulusevski is likely to partner Cristiano Ronaldo up top for the reigning Italian champions.

Alvaro Morata, who had such an impact off the bench midweek against Porto, could play the same role again, as he is not 100% fit.

Paulo Dybala is still out through injury.