The Scudetto holders make their official debut at the Stadio Delle Alpi against one of the most in-form teams of the pre-season campaign.
Juventus are anxiously awaiting test results on David Trezeguet’s right knee amid fears he may require surgery and a five-month lay-off. It is fortunate they can rely on Marco Di Vaio, snatched from Parma in a £16m deal on the final day of trading, to partner an increasingly confident Alessandro Del Piero.
Marcello Lippi has prompted a change of tactics this season with a ‘rhombus’ formation based around a deeper Del Piero role with Pavel Nedved and Mauro Camoranesi as attacking wingers.
Igor Tudor and Antonio Conte continue to struggle with injuries, while Gianluca Pessotto and Gianluca Zambrotta are out of action.
Atalanta hero Cristiano Doni thought he would be playing on the opposite end of the field pre-season, but a £10m move to Juve never materialised. He is nonetheless pouring all his efforts into improving on Atalanta’s ninth-place finish.
This summer the Orobici have won eight of their eleven friendly games, including victories against Roma and Inter, thanks to the new 4-3-3 tactics.
Young South American Inacio Pia’ was the star of pre-season and is ready for more responsibility in the side. The defence remains a bit of a problem and that could ultimately cost them against a cynical Juventus line-up.