Juventus are no longer the scariest beast in Italian football. They ended last season without a trophy, and in order not to repeat this, they will have to play as well as possible in the Italian Cup. In that competition, the Old Lady, this Thursday at 23:00, will play a round of 16 match against Monza, their first with Gianluca Ferrero as club president.It looked at one point this winter that Juventus could challenge Napoli and AC Milan for the title, but they suffered a rude awakening in Naples last Friday. Napoli destroyed il Bianconeri, defeated them 5-1 and widened the gap to 10 points.Nerazzurri dismantle their archenemies to lift the Italian Super CupFor Massimiliano Allegri’s team, that shattered the dream of the title, which was last won in 2020. In the meantime, there was a change of president in Turin, Andrea Agnelli on Wednesday officially said goodbye to the chair, which is now occupied by businessman Gianluca Ferrero. Juventus fans are hoping it will be the start of a more successful era.Serie A may be out of reach for the black and whites, but there are still two competitions in which the trophy can be won. The Europa League, to which they were relegated from the Champions League this fall, is a more valuable trophy, while the Italian Cup is more of a consolation prize. It was won by the Old Lady in 2021, and Allegri is of the opinion that there is still no need to play with the strongest team.Agnelli’s farewell speech: Reforms are necessary or everyone will go to the Premier LeagueIf the announcements of the Italian media are to be trusted, the host will field a combined team against Monza. Dušan Vlahović and Paul Pogba started training last week, after long breaks due to injuries. However, there is no need to risk anything and at best they will find themselves on the bench.Apparently, the other Serbian national team player, Filip Kostić, will be there as well, who definitely needs a break after the nightmarish game in Naples. Juventus’ attack will be led by Moise Kean, and only stopper Danilo is expected from the players who played against Napoli in the starting line-up. Even the goalkeeper will be a backup, Perin will replace Szczęsny.Probable Juventus team to face Monza #CoppaItalia(@SkySport) pic.twitter.com/jaiaakpenV— JuveFC (@juvefcdotcom) January 18, 2023 It will be a good chance for Monza and their owner Silvio Berlusconi to knock out their former great rival once again. Before this meeting, the guests recorded good results in Serie A, they are undefeated in the last four matches.Before the World Cup break, Monza defeated Salernitana (3-0), and since the beginning of 2023, they first drew with Fiorentina (1-1) and Inter (2-2), and then last Saturday they triumphed away to Cremonese (3-2). They are now 13th in the Serie A table, well on their way to survival in the elite.Monza and Juventus met once this season, in mid-September. Despite all expectations, Monza then triumphed 1-0, a goal by Christian Gytkjaer in the 74th minute. At that match, Angel Di Maria got himself red-carded at the end of the first half.COPPA ITALIARound of 16ThursdayAtalanta – Spezia 3-2 (3-2) IN PROGRESS/Lookman 10, 12, Hateboer 27 – Ekdal 14, Verde 38/20:00: (2.04) Lazio (3.40) Bologna (3.90)23:00: (1.68) Juventus (3.70) Monza (5.70)***odds are subject to change***
