Juventus vs Lyon Women's Champions League preview: Where to watch, starting line-ups, squad changes

Juventus enter their first-ever UEFA Women's Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday by taking on record seven-time winners Lyon at the stadium that will stage the 21 May decider.

The Italian champions, who also hosted all three group games at Juventus Stadium, were outsiders to come through a section featuring Chelsea and Wolfsburg – especially after losing 2-1 at home to the Blues before needing a late goal to draw with the German side in Turin. But a 2-0 win at Wolfsburg and 0-0 draw away to Chelsea transformed their fortunes and kept alive their hopes of a dream final on home turf.

As for Lyon, although they are in something of a transition after their five-year European reign was ended last season, their form in 2021/22 has been generally excellent, with new stars like Melvine Malard and Catarina Macario coming to the fore.

Losing goalkeeper Christiane Endler to injury last month was a blow, but the return from loan of Sarah Bouhaddi – one of the stalwarts of their seven continental titles – means they boast an experienced alternative, with Dzsenifer Marozsán and Eugénie Le Sommer similarly back in the squad alongside new signing Lindsey Horan. Ada Hegerberg's return late in 2021 from long-term injury and back into scoring form has also been a boost. Amel Majri is on maternity leave.

Form guide

Juventus
Last six games (most recent result first): WWDLWW
Last match: Napoli 0-2 Juventus, 19/03
Where they stand: 1st in Serie A, Coppa Italia semi-finals

Lyon
Last six games: WDWWWL
Last match: Dijon 0-3 Lyon, 18/03
Where they stand: 1st in Division 1 Féminine

Squad changes

Juventus
In: Camilla Forcinella, Julia Grosso, Vanessa Panzeri
Out: Valentina Soggiu

Lyon
In: Sarah Bouhaddi, Lindsey Horan, Eugénie Le Sommer, Dzsenifer Marozsán
Out: Vicki Becho, Signe Bruun, Sally Julini, Grace Kazadi, Amel Majri

Line-ups

Juventus: Peyraud-Magnin; Lundorf, Gama, Sembrant, Boattin; Rosucci, Pedersen, Gross; Hurtig, Girelli, Cernoia

Lyon: Bouhaddi; Buchanan, Renard, Mbock Bathy; Carpenter, Egurrola, Macario, Henry, Bacha; D Cascarino, Malard

View from the camps

Joe Montemurro, Juventus coach: "Lyon are favourites, they are a team at a high level. In the Champions League you have to manage the phases of the match, we expect a strong start from them, we will have to be good at having the right attitude for every moment."

Martina Rosucci, Juventus midfielder: "The pressure is not on us. We arrived here a little by surprise by eliminating a team like Chelsea who were candidates to win the whole thing. We will go out on the pitch knowing our worth, knowing we have nothing to lose and everything to gain."

Sonia Bompastor, Lyon coach: "We approach this game with a lot of respect for Juventus. Last time it was a difficult match. They qualified ahead of Chelsea. They have quality. Lyon come here with confidence. We will do everything to turn the match in our favour."

Amandine Henry, Lyon midfielder: "If you come across one of the favourites, you expect a tough game right away. But [in a game like this against an outsider] people will tend to say that it should be fine. But Italy is changing. At Juve, there are very good players who have worked together for several years and it shows. I hope we don't get surprised."