Juventus vs Sassuolo Preview: Koopmeiners and Luiz Step Up

Teun Koopmeiners is set to step back into the heart of Juventus’ midfield on Sunday night, as Luciano Spalletti juggles an early-season injury pile-up for the trip to Sassuolo.

Juve head to the Mapei Stadium defending an unbeaten start to the 2026-27 Serie A campaign, with kick-off at 19.45 BST. Two wins over Frosinone and Parma laid a solid platform, but the momentum stalled slightly with a 1-1 draw against Milan at the Allianz Stadium last weekend.

Sassuolo sit mid-table in 10th after three games, a win, a draw and a defeat leaving them hovering in that familiar early-season limbo. For them, this is an early chance to bloody the nose of a title contender. For Juventus, it already feels like a test of depth and resolve.

Spalletti turns to ‘unwanted’ duo

The biggest storyline lies in midfield. Juventus are without captain Manuel Locatelli for the next few months, a serious blow to both structure and leadership. Khephren Thuram faces a similar spell out, while Weston McKennie is not yet ready to return.

That injury crisis has dragged two players back into the spotlight.

Koopmeiners and Douglas Luiz, both previously viewed as expendable, are now central to Spalletti’s plans and are expected to start as the double pivot in a 4-2-3-1. The Dutchman, who scored in Istanbul against Galatasaray in last season’s Champions League knockout play-off, brings control and a goal threat. Douglas Luiz offers bite, range and a passing lane out of pressure.

Suddenly, the “unwanted” pair carry the weight of Juventus’ rhythm.

There is also a new option on the bench. Tottenham loanee Pape Matar Sarr is in line for his first inclusion in a Juventus matchday squad since his summer move, adding a fresh dynamic to a depleted area.

Alajbegovic keeps his place, Gonzalez to the middle

In attack, Spalletti must again cope without Kenan Yildiz. Summer signing Kerim Alajbegovic filled in against Milan and is expected to reprise that role on the left, having done enough to earn another start.

Behind the striker, the selection battle seems decided. Reports from Sky Sport Italia indicate Nico Gonzalez is favoured to operate as the central attacking midfielder, edging out Nick Woltemade for the No. 10 role. Gonzalez’s ability to drift between the lines and attack space could be crucial against a Sassuolo side that often leaves gaps when they push forward.

Andrea Cambiaso, Jeremie Boga, Jeff Ekhator and Juan Cabal are all set to miss out, trimming Spalletti’s options further across the pitch.

Up front, Randal Kolo Muani again leads the line, supported by a three of Conceicao, Gonzalez and Alajbegovic. At the back, Guglielmo Vicario starts in goal, protected by a defence of Kalulu, Bremer, Lucumi and Celik.

Sassuolo’s challenge

Sassuolo will not roll out the red carpet. They are expected to line up in a 4-3-3, with Muric in goal and a back four of Cinquegrano, Leysen, Idzes and Doig. In midfield, Adzic, Nemanja Matic and Bakola provide a blend of experience and energy.

Up front, the danger is obvious. Domenico Berardi, the long-time heartbeat of Sassuolo’s attack, starts from the right, with Esposito through the middle and Lauriente on the left. If Juventus lose control in midfield, that front three can punish them quickly.

Probable line-ups

Sassuolo (4-3-3): Muric; Cinquegrano, Leysen, Idzes, Doig; Adzic, Matic, Bakola; Berardi, Esposito, Lauriente.

Juventus (4-2-3-1): Vicario; Kalulu, Bremer, Lucumi, Celik; Douglas Luiz, Koopmeiners; Conceicao, N. Gonzalez, Alajbegovic; Kolo Muani.

Where to watch

In the UK, the match will be shown live on TNT Sports 1, HBO Max and DAZN. Viewers in the USA can watch on Paramount+.

Juventus arrive unbeaten but bruised, patched up yet still ambitious. If Koopmeiners and Douglas Luiz seize this chance to redefine their status, this injury crisis could end up reshaping Spalletti’s Juventus in ways few expected back in August.