Morata dropped? - How Juventus could line-up against Napoli

8:08pm on Tuesday 19th January 2021
By Emmet Gates

Juventus striker Alvaro Morata could be dropped for the Italian Super Cup against Napoli.

The Spaniard was heavily criticised in the Italian media for his display in the Derby d'Italia loss to Inter.

And it seems Juve coach Andrea Pirlo will drop the 28-year-old striker in favour of Dejan Kulusevski, who will play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.

Juventus have massive headaches defensively.

Three of their main starters are all out via injury or Covid-19. Alex Sandro, Juan Cuadrado and Matthjis de Ligt are unavailable. Merih Demiral is also out through injury, likewise for left-back Gianluca Frabotta.

So therefore the rearguard is likely to consist of Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini, Federico Bernardeschi and Danilo.

In midfield, Pirlo is also set to ring the changes after a torrid display against Inter. Adrien Rabiot is expected to make way for Arthur in the centre. Rodrigo Bentancur will likely retain his place.

Meanwhile, Aaron Ramsey, another one who disappointed against Inter, is expected to make way for American Weston McKennie.

Federico Chiesa will continue on the right flank.

Kulusevski is expected to start alongside Ronaldo in attack for the Bianconeri, as the club aim for their first piece of silverware in 2021.

These two sides met in the final of the Coppa Italia back in June, which Napoli won on penalties.