Juventus sealed their progression to the Champions League last 16 on matchday 4. Now, Andrea Pirlo’s team host Dynamo Kyiv on Wednesday night with the aim of moving level with group leaders Barcelona.
The Bianconeri are three points behind Barcelona in the race to be group winner. Finishing second in the group means Juventus will potentially play a very difficult team in the last 16.
Dynamo Kyiv have taken just one point from 12 possible in Group G. They are level on points with last-place Ferencvaros. The Ukrainians and Hungarians are fighting for third place to qualify for the last 32 of the Europa League.
On matchday 1, Juventus defeated Dynamo Kyiv away from home, 2-0. Alvaro Morata scored twice in the second half to lead the Bianconeri to the win.
Juventus’s only blemish in the league was a loss to Barcelona on matchday 2 in Turin. The Bianconeri will face Barcelona on matchday 6. A win against Dynamo Kyiv would make matchday 6 a winner-take-all fixture.
Dynamo Kyiv coach Mircea Lucescu has a long list of injured and unfit players for the match. Seven players are likely to be out of action after testing positive for COVID-19. All seven players could miss the game due to continued self-isolation.
Oleksandr Tymchyk and Nazariy Rusyn are both to miss the game on Wednesday night through their respective injuries. Due to fitness and injuries, it will be a difficult night for Dynamo Kyiv.
The good news for Pirlo is that his only major injury concern for this week is back-up goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. Juventus are on a six-game unbeaten streak. They have won four and drawn two of those six games.
Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo has scored nine goals in seven games in all competitions. He has just one goal in two Champions League appearances. Ronaldo played in Juventus’s last two games, tallying an assist and goal.
With Dynamo Kyiv struggling with player injuries and fitness, Ronaldo could have a big night in Ukraine. Pirlo’s tactics have not been fully embraced by the entire Juventus squad.
Pirlo’s short time as coach is similar to Maurizio Sarri’s time in charge. He is struggling to win games with Ronaldo playing well. The Portuguese forward should lead Juventus to a win in midweek.
The Bianconeri may not be struggling under Pirlo, but should claim another win to nil versus Dynamo Kyiv. Expect under 2.5 goals scored with Juventus getting a win away from home.