Italian titans Juventus take on Sporting CP in yet another thrilling UEFA Champions League encounter on April 14 (IST) at the Allianz Stadium in Turin. While Juventus have dropped points in the Serie A after a deduction, they are back in action in the Europa League as they play against Portuguese side Sporting in the first leg of their quarterfinal game.
Sporting had shocked Premier League leaders Arsenal in their Round of 16 encounter after securing victory via a penalty shootout. Their win also ensured Arsenal made their UCL exit. In the Primeira Liga table, Sporting CP currently sit in a fairly impressive fourth with an uphill task to get into the top two.
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Juventus–Sporting CP
Despite their recent 2-1 loss, Juventus have still won 11 of their last 15 matches and come into the match as favourites. Under Massimiliano Allegri, Juventus have improved but still have some issues that they will be looking to to address ahead of their match. One of their star performers this season, Angel Di Maria, will be looking for more goals to add to his already impressive tally.
However, that’s not to say that Sporting Lisbon will not be able to spring a surprise, although they have a poor European record in Italy. Juventus have always been the better team and go into the match as favourites to win.
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Match preview
Juventus’ record against Sporting CP in the UEFA Champions League is largely impressive, having won one of the two matches played between them. The other math, meanwhile, ended in a draw.
To put things in perspective, Sporting CP have played 15 matches away from home against different Italian opponents and have not won a single game. This is not a positive sign for a side that is actually otherwise quite impressive.
Meanwhile, Juventus have won each all of their last three games in Europe, not conceding a single goal. In fact, this is their best record since the 2016-17 UEFA Champions League campaign.
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Sporting Lisbon, despite their shortcomings, have suffered only one loss in their last six matches away from home in Europe, maintaining an impressive three clean sheets during this period.
Head-to-head record
In terms of head-to-head records, Juventus are the clear winners here, having won two matches and drawing another. Sporting CP have not defeated Juventus and considering they are travelling to Turin, the task of winning can only become more challenging. Listed below are their head-to-head stats.
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Juventus wins: 2
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Sporting CP wins: 0
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Draws: 1
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Juventus–Sporting CP prediction
Juventus come into the match as big favourites. Considering they are hosting at home, coupled with the fact that Sporting has never beaten them, they are expected to make easy work of their Portuguese opponents.
Sporting CP will have to play their hearts out if they are to at least snatch a draw although that appears unlikely. The prediction is that Juventus will win the match 1-0.
Prediction: Juventus 1-0 Sporting CP
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Date, kick-off time, venue
The Europa League match between Juventus and Sporting CP will be played at 8pm BST on Thursday, April 13, 2023 and 12:30 am (IST) on April 14, 2023. The game will be played at the at the Allianz Stadium in Turin, Italy.