Report: Spalletti could drop Yildiz in Juventus vs Benfica clash | OneFootball

Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti could unleash a surprising starting lineup against Benfica on Wednesday by dropping Kenan Yildiz to the bench.

The Bianconeri are currently preparing to host Jose Mourinho’s men in the penultimate matchday of the Champions League group stage.

Having only registered two wins in their first six European outings this season, the Serie A giants are in dire need of another three points to secure a spot in the play-off round, and perhaps maintain their chances of finishing in the Top 8, which would secure them a direct route to the Round of 16.

Despite the importance of the match, Tuttosport claims that Spalletti is seriously considering resting Yildiz.

Juventus star Kenan Yildiz could start on the bench against Benfica

The 66-year-old already made a partial rotation over the weekend against Cagliari, when he dropped Michele Di Gregorio and Khephren Thuram to the bench.

While many would argue that this decision backfired, with the Sardinians pulling off a shocking upset, Spalletti was overall pleased with the team’s dominant display.

Kenan Yildiz (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Moreover, the Juventus manager is also taking into account the big Serie A showdown against Napoli on Sunday.

Therefore, Yildiz could start on the bench against Benfica, before returning to the starting lineup at the weekend for the battle against the Italian champions.

If the Turkish star doesn’t get the nod in midweek, Francisco Conceicao is the favourite to join Weston McKennie and Fabio Miretti, who would act as Jonathan David’s support crew in the 4-2-3-1 formation, while Thuram reconnects with Manuel Locatelli in the double pivot.

Is Spalletti right to drop Yildiz?

Yildiz has undoubtedly the most influential player at Juventus, but it should be remembered that he suffered a dip in form during Igor Tudor’s final matches in charge when he was working extra shifts.

That being said, dropping the club’s biggest star for a crucial Champions League match will be a major gamble on Spalletti’s part, one that will get him roasted by fans and observers in the aftermath if his plans go astray, especially on the back of a disappointing defeat in Sardinia.