The Italian champions and Europa League winners meet once again, for the second year in a row. After a 2015/16 season during which both sides claimed a home win each, Old Lady and Rojiblancos meet again looking to improve their last season’s record.

Can Juve finally go all the way?

Having established their undisputed Serie A dominance with five championship titles on the trot, Italian giants Juventus have set their sights on the coveted and highly elusive European glory. Two-time Champions League winners have experienced a premature exit last season having been eliminated in the round of 16 at the hands of Bayern Munich and Massimiliano Allegri’s men are now looking to make a couple of steps forward and possibly go all the way in Europe’s elite competition. The Old Lady have laid the groundwork in order to achieve the European success this season with heavy squad investments. Despite Paul Pogba’s world record transfer to Manchester United, Juventus have broken the record of their own by bringing Napoli hitman Gonzalo Higuain. Roma playmaker Miralem Pjanic has been brought to add the creative string in the centre of the park, while Marko Pjaca and Mario Lemina are there to add flair and young blood to the squad. Mehdi Benatia and Dani Alves’ experience could prove to be crucial for the Italian side who are looking stronger than ever. But, will it be enough?

Massimiliano Allegri is still without his key man in the middle, as Claudio Marchisio is still a long way from being able to run onto the pitch. In addition, the Old Lady will be without Rolando Mangragora and Stefano Sturaro for the occasion.

Sevilla’s new beginning

It has been a turbulent summer for Spanish side Sevilla, who have experienced massive shake-up to their squad. It all started with Unai Emery’s departure to Paris Saint-Germain. The glorified tactician who led Sevilla to three consecutive Europa League titles accepted the tempting invitation from the French champions, taking with him one of the key players from last season, Grzegorz Krychowiak. In addition, Ever Banega, Kevin Gameiro, Ciro Immobile, Fernando Llorente and Coke are also some of the most prominent summer departures. New boss Jorge Sampaoli faced a much changed squad upon his arrival, but was awarded with a couple of high-profile new faces and the likes of Franco Vazquez, Joaquin Correa, Luciano Vietto and Ganso. The Chilean tactician had a rough start to his Sevilla tenure having lost the UEFA Super Cup and the Spanish Super Cup finals to Real Madrid and Barcelona, respectively. Things have however started to fall in their place and Rojiblancos are unbeaten in their last three games, so their trip to Italy comes with a veil of optimism.

Rojiblancos will have to do without Benoit Tremoulinas who continues to struggle with his meniscus injury. Goalkeeper David Soria is unavailable with his hand injury, while Michael Krohn-Dehli, Luciano Vietto and Giorgi Aburjania will also miss the trip to Turin.

Verdict

Europa League champions Sevilla are still searching for their top form under new manager Jorge Sampaoli and are arriving to Italy with underdogs’ tag on their back. Juventus are yet to experience their first defeat of the new season, but we tend to believe it will not come this time out as Juve must be considered firm favourites to kick off their Champions League with a triumph.

Top pick: Juventus   1.57 (4/7) @WilliamHill

Alternative pick 1: Juventus/Juventus   2.4 (7/5) @BetVictor

Alternative pick 2: Higuain to score anytime   2.05 (21/20) @Ladbrokes