Thiago Motta on what Kolo Muani and Renato Veiga bring to Juventus | OneFootball

Thiago Motta explains what he feels new signings Randal Kolo Muani and Renato Veiga can bring to Juventus as they host Empoli. ‘Dusan Vlahovic is more of a centre-forward.’

It kicks off at the Allianz Juventus Stadium in Turin at 11.30 GMT.

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

When these sides met back in September 2024, it ended 0-0 at the Stadio Castellani, one of many disappointing stalemates for the Bianconeri this season.

“It is an important match, we are up against a team who caused a lot of problems on their travels because they defend so well,” Thiago Motta told DAZN.

“We must go in search of the victory, defend well, be a team and at the end of the day get the result we want. That is what matters.”

Thiago Motta relies on new Juventus signings

Renato Veiga Juventus

Pierre Kalulu, Andrea Cambiaso, Arek Milik, Gleison Bremer and Juan Cabal are out injured, so Renato Veiga is thrown straight into the starting XI for his debut just days after arriving on a dry loan from Chelsea.

“We have Renato Veiga for his first game, he immediately put himself at the service of the team and will give a big hand. We changed a few things in midfield, as we have players who can get into the box, while the wingers can change positions and not give reference points to the opposition defenders,” continued the Juventus coach.

Teun Koopmeiners is still used as a trequartista, but Weston McKennie partners Manuel Locatelli in midfield, with Timothy Weah again a makeshift left-back.

“I made the example of Koop and today Timothy, he played as a full-back in the past. I always talk to the players first and make sure they are convinced they can play in those positions.”

Kolo Muani has started both Serie A games since his transfer from Paris Saint-Germain, sending Dusan Vlahovic to the bench.

“They are different players. Dusan is more of a centre-forward, whereas Kolo Muani also played on the wings and has more movement. I am happy to have them, as they give the team alternatives. We start Randal and I am sure if needed that Dusan can help the team with his characteristics,” concluded Thiago Motta.