Dinamo v Juventus: line-ups, where to watch, form guide
Monday, September 26, 2016
Article summary
Dinamo Zagreb's poor start to 2016/17 has cost Zlatko Kranjčar his job, but with former stars Marko Pjaca and Mario Mandžukić in the Juventus ranks they are determined to put on a show.
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Article body
- Željko Sopić in temporary command as Dinamo seek replacement for Zlatko Kranjčar
- Marko Pjaca, who joined Juve from Dinamo in July, returns to Zagreb
- Juventus's Croatia forward Mario Mandžukić could also face his former club
- At 38, Gianluigi Buffon is 20 years older than Dinamo counterpart Adrian Šemper
- Elsewhere in Group H: Sevilla v Lyon
Possible line-ups
Dinamo Zagreb: Šemper; Šitum, Sigali, Benković, Pivarić; Soudani, Machado, Jonas, Pavičić, Antolić; Fernandes.
Out: Stojanovič (torn thigh tendon), Mățel (groin), Karimi (lack of fitness)
Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Dani Alves, Khedira, Hernanes, Pjanić, Alex Sandro; Higuaín, Dybala.
Out: Marchisio (knee), Rugani (knee), Asamoah (knee), Benatia (thigh)
Doubtful: Sturaro (knee)
Where to watch
Fans can find their local UEFA Champions League broadcast partner(s) here
Željko Sopić, Dinamo caretaker coach
The players are highly motivated – we know who we are up against. Juventus want to win the Champions League, but we are the home team. Even though I'm a realist and know our capabilities, if we give it everything we have in terms of preparation and effort, anything can happen.
I can guarantee that 11 very fit players will play for us. Being Dinamo Zagreb coach and being here is the biggest honour – it really means a lot to me.
Massimiliano Allegri, Juventus coach
It won't be easy as we have a tight schedule and are playing matches every few days, but we have to give our best. I have two Croatians in the team, former Dinamo Zagreb players, but only the 11 fittest players will play and those on the bench will have to wait for their chance.
We can't win every match 3-0 and anyone who believes that is under an illusion. We have to keep our feet on the ground.
Weekend results
Lokomotiva Zagreb 0-1 Dinamo (Benković 82)
Dinamo bounced back from consecutive league defeats with a narrow derby victory thanks to 19-year-old defender Filip Benković.
Palermo 0-1 Juventus (Goldaniga og 49)
Dani Alves's drive deflected in off the heels of Palermo defender Edoardo Goldaniga, while Juan Cuadrado replaced the injured Daniele Rugani after 33 minutes for his first appearance in Juve colours since rejoining the club on loan from Chelsea.
Form guide (all competitions, most recent first)
Dinamo: WLLLWW
Juventus: WWLDWW
Reporter's view: Elvir Islamović (@UEFAcomElvirI)
The timing of Juventus's visit is not brilliant for Dinamo. They have halted a run of three consecutive losses that led to the departure of Kranjčar but still look listless under caretaker Sopić. Injuries are making matters worse.
Juventus would be clear favourites even against an in-form Dinamo, with home fans expecting a heavy defeat. However, Allegri also has a shortage of fit players – though not, perhaps, one severe enough to level up the playing field.
Did you know?
This is the first time Dinamo have encountered Italian opposition at home since the 2000/01 UEFA Cup second round when they met Parma. What was the score? Find out more in our extensive match background.