Why Juventus captain Manuel Locatelli will not begin the Derby d’Italia

This night, Juventus captain Manuel Locatelli is predicted to begin on the bench within the ultra-anticipated Derby d’Italia towards Inter.

As reported this morning, Thiago Motta will doubtless subject a 4-1-4-1 formation, with Khephren Thuram working in entrance of the backline. Teun Koopmeiners will play additional up the pitch alongside Weston McKennie because the trio battle it out towards Simone Inzaghi’s excellent midfield unit of Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

Therefore, the anticipated absence of the newly-appointed skipper raised many eyebrows, because the 26-year-old has been an integral member of the lineup for the reason that begin of the season, and one who would have envisioned him main the cost towards Juve’s blood rivals.

So what’s behind Locatelli’s stunning omission?

In response to Tuttosport by way of JuventusNews24, Motta has determined to make this selection attributable to Douglas Luiz’s damage.

The Brazilian has been exhibiting nice indicators of enchancment as of late, cementing himself as a viable different for Locatelli within the Regista function. Sadly for the previous Aston Villa man, he’s at the moment affected by muscle fatigue, derailing his momentum on the worst potential second.

So with just one possibility remaining for the deep-lying playmaker function, Motta has determined to protect Locatelli, particularly with a decisive conflict towards PSV Eindhoven developing in three days. The Bianconeri took a slim benefit by beating the Dutch champions 2-1 at residence within the first leg, however they have to e book their ticket to the Spherical of 16 subsequent Wednesday within the Netherlands.

Subsequently, Motta has opted for various choices in the midst of the park, however we will nonetheless anticipate Locatelli to make some contribution within the second half of the Derby d’Italia.

Juventus Possible XI (4-1-4-1): De Gregorio; Weah, Gatti, Veiga, Savona; Thuram; Conceicao, McKennie, Koopmeiners, Nico Gonzalez; Kolo Muani.