Spalletti Names 23-Man Juventus Squad for Lazio Clash as Boga Returns From Injury
Luciano Spalletti has confirmed his official 23-man Juventus matchday squad for Sunday evening's Serie A meeting with Lazio, with versatile winger Jeremie Boga back in contention after a spell on the sidelines.
The Bianconeri host Gennaro Gattuso's Biancocelesti at the Allianz Stadium in a fixture that pits two former Italy national team head coaches against one another, with kick-off due at 19.45 BST.
Boga Back After Five-Game Absence
The headline inclusion is Boga, who has missed the last five matches across all competitions with a hamstring issue. The Ivorian had featured in all three of Juventus' opening Serie A fixtures of the season before the injury struck, and his return gives Spalletti another attacking option on the flanks.
Juventus remain without a cluster of long-term absentees, however. Kenan Yildiz, Khepren Thuram, Manuel Locatelli, Jeff Ekhator, Arkadiusz Milik and Kamil Grabara are all still unavailable for selection.
Kolo Muani to Lead the Line
Pre-match reports indicate that Randal Kolo Muani will return to lead the Juventus attack against Lazio, with Nico Gonzalez expected to take one of the supporting roles behind him. The front three is set to be completed by either Kerim Alajbegovic or Francisco Conceicao.
Momentum and Stakes
Spalletti is chasing a second victory in a week, having guided Juventus to a 2-1 win away at Celta Vigo in the Europa League earlier this week. Gattuso, who replaced Spalletti as Italy CT last year, needs three points to close the gap on Inter at the top of the Serie A standings.
The Juventus boss had earlier described his side as being on the right path despite a perceived campaign against them, telling Tuttosport: "They want to see us in the quicksand, but we're on the right path." Spalletti will watch the fixture from the stands while serving a touchline ban.
Confirmed Juventus Squad vs. Lazio
Goalkeepers: Carlo Pinsoglio, Guglielmo Vicario, Neto.
Defenders: Zeki Celik, Gleison Bremer, Federico Gatti, Lloyd Kelly, Pierre Kalulu, Andrea Cambiaso, Daniele Rugani, Jhon Lucumi, Juan Cabal.
Midfielders: Teun Koopmeiners, Douglas Luiz, Weston McKennie, Pape Matar Sarr.
Forwards: Francisco Conceicao, Randal Kolo Muani, Edon Zhegrova, Jeremie Boga, Kerim Alajbegovic, Nick Woltemade, Nico Gonzalez.