Juventus to field Emil Holm in place of suspended McKennie against Atalanta
Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti is set to hand a rare start to Swedish wing-back Emil Holm for their crucial Serie A clash against Atalanta. The 24-year-old is the chosen replacement for the suspended Weston McKennie, who is a key absentee due to a one-match ban. According to Italian media reports, Holm is expected to get the nod over fellow option Teun Koopmeiners for the right wing-back role in Spalletti's 3-4-3 formation.
The match, a key battle for Champions League qualification, sees Juventus travel to Bergamo. The absence of McKennie, a mainstay in Spalletti's system, is a significant blow. The American midfielder has been a consistent presence, making his suspension a major selection headache. Holm, on loan from Bologna with an option to buy, has primarily been a rotational option this season, making this a significant opportunity for the Swedish international to make an impact in a high-stakes fixture.
Spalletti's hand has been forced by the suspension to McKennie, but the Italian manager has also been dealing with a string of other injuries. Goalkeeper Mattia Perin and forward Dusan Vlahovic are both confirmed absentees, while Colombian defender Kevin Cabal is also set to miss out after undergoing medical examinations. The manager confirmed the absences in his pre-match press conference, stating the team would need to adapt.
For Holm, a 24-year-old signed on a season-long loan from Bologna last summer, this is a significant chance to impress. Having made most of his 15 league appearances this season from the bench, the match against Atalanta represents a major opportunity to stake a claim for a more regular starting role. His direct, attacking style from the right flank is seen as the most like-for-like replacement for the energy and width McKennie provides.
The tactical setup is expected to remain a 3-4-3, with Holm and Andrea Cambiaso providing the width from wing-back positions. The central striking role is set to go to Canadian forward Jonathan David, who is reportedly preferred in the central attacking role ahead of Jeremie Boga. The match carries significant weight in the race for the top four, and Spalletti will be hoping his tactical adjustment pays off against a direct rival for a Champions League spot.
