Thiago Motta: ‘McKennie left-back a technical decision for Juventus’ | OneFootball

Juventus coach Thiago Motta insists his surprising choices against Fiorentina are not dictated by fitness levels, but Weston McKennie is a left-back as a ‘technical decision.’

It kicks off at the Allianz Juventus Stadium in Turin at 17.00 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s four Serie A games on the Liveblog.

Both these teams go into the weekend level on 31 points, although the Viola have a game in hand to be played with Inter in February.

The Bianconeri finally ended their run of four straight Serie A draws by beating Monza, but this is a far bigger test and a head-to-head for European places.

Thiago Motta explains unusual Juventus picks

MONZA, ITALY – DECEMBER 22: Weston McKennie of Juventus celebrates with teammate Kenan Yildiz after scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Monza and Juventus at U-Power Stadium on December 22, 2024 in Monza, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“Aside from the other results, it is a good opportunity to play a great game in front of our fans. It’s true Fiorentina had two negative results, but they have been doing well this season and play good football, so we must play at our maximum level to compete,” Thiago Motta told Sky Sport Italia.

Samuel Mbangula has been picked in the attacking trio behind Dusan Vlahovic, leaving both Kenan Yildiz and Nico Gonzalez on the bench, so the coach was asked if these were dictated by fitness concerns.

“No, these are all technical decisions based on what I see in training and on the field, leaving also options to come off the bench later in the game.”

Does that also mean Andrea Cambiaso is now second choice to McKennie as a left-back, so it is no longer an emergency approach for the USMNT midfielder?

“Weston is not just right now, but also over the years, proving that he can do anything,” explained Thiago Motta.

“So today he starts as a left-back, but with the freedom to roam and play other positions too. Andrea is on the bench today, we’ll see if he and the others can give their contribution.”

Juventus will begin 2025 in Riyadh with the Supercoppa Italiana semi-final against Milan on January 3, then if they win that, the Final with either Inter or Atalanta.