Italy Serie A - Match Day 20

The final day of round 20 takes center-stage in Turin, where the 7 time Serie A champs return home off winning their first trophy of the new campaign. The "Old Lady" found a second-half goal to defeat AC Milan in the Supercoppa Italiana, leaving Saudi Arabia with even more silverware to add into their growing collection. 

The reigning champs resume their domestic business on Monday night, with an 8th league title in sight they currently hold a 6 point lead over their closest rival, placing them in a powerful position to keep their monopoly of Italy's top league in order.

Juventus vs Chievo 
Allianz Stadium, Turin, Italy
1-21-2019 - 2:45 pm ET - ESPN+

Juventus have made few mistakes during the 2018-2019 season, failing to lose a match within league play while only dropping 4 points as they picked up two draws along the way. 

Massimiliano Allegri has only experienced success since joining the club in 2014, the Italian task-master has won 10 trophies since taking over for Antonio Conte, while leading 'La Madama' into 2 Champions League finals matches during his time on the sidelines. Allegri was a prime target for several managerial positions over the Summer, but with unfinished business during UEFA competitions, he seems even more motivated to help lead Juve to their first European title since 1996. 

The Zebra's New Star-Man

The Italian giants made a huge splash last July, purchasing the rights of Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid for £110 million. The Portuguese striker arrived in Turin with much optimism, after a slow start within his new surroundings he soon found his normal rhythm, hitting the back of the net for a total of 15 times, including the match winner last week to seal the first trophy with his new club. 

Ronaldo was brought in to get Juventus over the European hump, the 5-time Champions League winner understands what it takes to lift the ultimate cup. The powerful center-forward shines when the lights are the brightest, currently the UEFA goal-scoring leader with 121 he is always capable of carrying his side across the finish line.

Ronaldo's Running Mate

The world-renowned tally's man has a splendid young winger alongside him in the attack, Paulo Dybala continues to emerge as one of the brighter starlets throughout the top flight landscape. The young Argentine is still learning how to play off Ronaldo, he is most dangerous when using his dribbling abilities to create space while launching long-range shots where he is incredibly accurate from outside the box. Dybala is also strong for his smaller stature, he has an above average hold up play as he likes to provide service into his strike partner's in front of goal.

The Old Lady will be without the services of Croatian danger-man Mario Mandzukic who picked up a muscular injury, opening the door for Douglas Costa and Federico Bernardeschi to grab the final front-line position, with each providing their own specific skill-sets within Allegri's tactical 4-3-3 formation, it will be interesting to see who gets the final call during this Monday night showcase. 

Juve's Stingy Defense

The hosts are internationally known for their incredible discipline and organization on the back-line, failing to concede a goal in 14 matches in all competitions, while never allowing more than 2 goals in any one of their contests on multiple fronts. The Italians routinely grab a lead and then squeeze the life out on their opponents, led by the veteran center-back pairing of Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci who have been at the spine of the Juventus back-end throughout this sustained run of excellence. 

Juventus faced one of their stiffest tests during match week one against this same Chievo side, falling behind on separate occasions before ultimately snatching a late 2-3 winner, extending their dominance over the minnow squad with an overall record of 23-1-7 over their last 31 meetings.

Chievo was not done any favors during round 20, currently dead last in the Serie A table with a full 9 points from safety, the 'Flying Donkeys' seem destined to end their extended run within Italy's top league. 

Domenico Di Carlo was brought in to help turn the tiny side's fortunes around after Gian Piero Ventura stepped down in November. Di Carlo has led his new team to a record of 1-5-2, collecting 8 valuable points as the table dwellers attempt to pull off a true miracle.

Chievo's Goal Scoring Deficiencies 

The Flying Donkeys have struggled to find the back of the during this forgettable season. The visitors are averaging a modest 0.7 goals per match domestically, while only scoring 6 times in 9 away fixtures, placing added pressure on their offense as they travel to Turin on Monday night. 

Sergio Pellissier will carry much of the burden to get the visitors on the scoreboard, the experienced forward has been a true finisher over his career, although his current team struggles to keep possession and create a large number of clear cut shots on target, with 3 goals Pellissier should draw plenty of attention when in the attacking half of the pitch.

The guests will also need a spectacular performance from attacking midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini. The grizzled veteran must choose his spots to slice this Juventus defense apart, understanding there will be limited options to find an open man in front of goal, his wisdom and overall knowledge with the ball at his feet will be leaned on heavily if Chievo are to pull off the ultimate shocker as heavy underdogs.

Chievo has prided themselves on the back-end as well, coming into this round 20 contest having only allowed 7 goals over their last 8 outings, making life extremely difficult on their opponents as they attempt to keep each match competitive, and eventually grab valuable points towards their survival.

Juventus vs Chievo - Match Prediction

The matchup of the 1st and 20th place teams in the standings is a true 'David vs Goliath' scenario, with Juve dominating the league once again, Chievo will have their work cut out for them as they share the pitch with the defending champs. 

Juventus can attack their opponents in several different ways, able to strike quickly with a potent striking counter-attack, the Old Lady are also capable of using a series of well-orchestrated passes as they methodically march down the pitch looking to find the open man in front of goal. Juve is certain to win the possession battle against their bottom of the table visitors, spending the bulk of the 90 plus minutes on Chievo's side of the field as they attempt to eventually overwhelm their opponents with a large number of shots on target. 

Chievo understands they will be on their heels for large stretches while at the Allianz Stadium, with Juve certain to place a tremendous amount of pressure on them from the opening whistle. The Flying Donkeys must stay organized and exert patience as they attempt to find holes in the Old Ladies back-line, knowing they placed two goals on the score-line the last time these two matched up, expect the guests to be confident they can hang around long enough to make their own mark on this match.

I envision a valiant effort from Chievo as they try and place as many men in front of goal to frustrate their high-priced opponents, but with so much quality at Juve's disposal, I anticipate the hosts being able to see their way through the assortment of defenders. Juventus will want to exploit Chievo's weakness down the wings, where they are vulnerable to explosive players screaming down the flanks and providing service into the likes of Ronaldo in and around the box. The zebras are also clinical from a set piece and direct free kick situations, where they offer a stable of marksmen who change the outcome of a match with a single stroke. 

Juventus have scored a minimum of 2 goals against this same Chievo side over their past 6 meetings, while also winning those same 6 matches. I project another multi-goal performance as the reigning champs look to add 3 more points to their season total.

Juventus vs Chievo - Betting Tips

Over 1.25  -110 / 1.91 - Total 1st Half Goals
Juventus - To Score In Both Halves - YES  -135 / 1.74 

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