When Hellas Verona and Juventus face off in Serie A, football fans expect drama — not just in goals, but in the chess match of lineups, formations, and individual battles. In this article, we’ll peel back the layers: who started, why those choices were made, how substitutions shifted momentum, and what the lineup tells us about the broader strategies of both clubs.
Whether you’re a casual fan or someone who just enjoys a good underdog-upset storyline, this breakdown is for you.
Introduction: Why the Lineups Matter
You might wonder: “Does knowing who starts really change how I see the match?” The short answer is yes. The lineup is like the blueprint of a building — it determines how strong the structure is, how it holds under pressure, and where its weak points lie. A team may look brilliant on paper, but if the starting XI is misaligned with the opponent’s strengths, the plan can crumble.
In the Verona vs Juventus match we are about to dig into, the starting XIs paint a vivid picture of ambition, caution, and adaptation.
Match Overview: When and Why It Was Significant
This matchup took place on 20 September 2025, at the Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi in Verona. Yahoo Sports+3Sofascore+3FotMob+3 For Juventus, this fixture was a test of sustaining consistency; for Verona, it was an opportunity to punch above their weight.
The final score was 1–1, after Francisco Conceição opened for Juventus and Gift Orban equalised via a penalty just before half-time. Reuters+3Sofascore+3FotMob+3 Juventus came into the game having drawn 4–4 with Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, so fatigue and rhythm were under scrutiny. Reuters+2Black & White & Read All Over+2 Verona, meanwhile, were dealing with a long injury list. The Cult of Calcio+3Black & White & Read All Over+3Sportsgambler+3
This draw marked a stall in Juventus’ momentum — often they are expected to dominate. But in this match, Verona showed bite.
Hellas Verona’s Starting XI: Shape, Key Players, and Context
Formation and Structure
Verona lined up in a 3-5-2 or 3-4-1-2 hybrid depending on the moment. Black & White & Read All Over+4Sportsgambler+4FotMob+4 At times, the midfield diamond was compact; at others, wing-backs pushed high to provide width.
Here’s the confirmed lineup:
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Goalkeeper: Lorenzo Montipò FotMob+2Sportsgambler+2
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Back Three: Unai Núñez, Victor Nelsson, Martin Frese The Cult of Calcio+3Sportsgambler+3FotMob+3
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Wing-Backs / Wide Midfielders: Rafik Belghali and Domagoj Bradaric Black & White & Read All Over+3FotMob+3Sportsgambler+3
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Central Midfield / Pivot Trio: Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro, Suat Serdar, Antoine Bernède Sportsgambler+3FotMob+3The Cult of Calcio+3
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Supporting Midfielder / Attacking Mid: Sometimes Bernède or Bradaric had more freedom; in some versions, one of them played behind the strikers. FotMob+3Sportsgambler+3The Cult of Calcio+3
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Strikers: Gift Orban and Giovane Nascimento The Cult of Calcio+3FotMob+3Sportsgambler+3
Strengths & Intended Role
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Compact Midfield Shield
By packing three central midfielders, Verona aimed to thwart Juventus’ creative outlets in the middle, especially against players like Locatelli and Thuram. -
Fluid Wing-Backs
Belghali and Bradaric had permission to roam forward, turning the shape into more of a 5-2-3 in attack. This was meant to stretch Juventus’ flanks and provide outlets. -
Quick Strikers on the Counter
With Orban’s pace and Giovane’s movement, Verona could break rapidly. Their goals came from counter transitions and exploiting space left when Juventus pushed too high.
Limitations & Constraints
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Injury shortages: Verona had a sprawling list of absentees (Oyegoke, Harroui, Suslov, Valentini, Gagliardini, etc.) which limited rotation and depth. Sportsgambler+3FotMob+3Black & White & Read All Over+3
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Central overload vulnerability: If Juventus managed to dominate the pivot, Verona could be squeezed.
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Reliance on discipline: A small mistake at the back or in midfield could cost dearly.
Juventus’ Starting XI: Structure, Strengths, and Challenges
Formation & Tactical Setup
Juventus deployed a 3-4-2-1 formation. Yahoo Sports+4FotMob+4The Cult of Calcio+4 This is a popular modern scheme for them: three central defenders, two wing-backs, two attacking mids behind the striker, and a compact midfield core.
Here was their confirmed lineup:
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Goalkeeper: Michele Di Gregorio The Cult of Calcio+3FotMob+3Black & White & Read All Over+3
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Back Three: Pierre Kalulu (right), Federico Gatti (center), Lloyd Kelly (left) The Cult of Calcio+3FotMob+3Black & White & Read All Over+3
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Wing-Backs: João Mário and Andrea Cambiaso FotMob+3The Cult of Calcio+3Yahoo Sports+3
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Central Midfielders: Manuel Locatelli and Khéphren Thuram FotMob+3The Cult of Calcio+3Yahoo Sports+3
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Attacking Midfield / Inside Forwards: Chico Conceição and Kenan Yildiz Black & White & Read All Over+3FotMob+3Yahoo Sports+3
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Striker: Dusan Vlahović Black & White & Read All Over+3FotMob+3Yahoo Sports+3
Potential Advantages
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Control Through Midfield
Locatelli and Thuram provide structure and connection to the attack. Juventus likely leaned on possession to unlock Verona’s shape. -
Creative Attackers in the Half-Spaces
Conceição and Yildiz can float into pockets between the lines, dragging defenders out of position. This opens space for Vlahović to exploit. -
Defensive Solidity with Three at the Back
The trio (Kalulu, Gatti, Kelly) allowed wing-backs to push forward while maintaining cover behind.
Challenges & Risks
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Fatigue concerns: Juventus had a congested schedule, particularly after their Champions League match. Reuters+2Black & White & Read All Over+2
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Lack of depth in attack: With Milik injured and Miretti unavailable, options were limited. Sportsgambler+2Yahoo Sports+2
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Overlap vulnerability: If Verona’s wing-backs and midfielders combined fast, the flanks might be exposed.
Substitutions & Tactical Tweaks: The In-Game Adjustments
In any competitive match, substitutions are where the battle can change — like swapping pieces in a board game mid-play.
Verona’s Adjustments
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Orban’s penalty goal just before half-time shook the momentum and forced Juventus to react. Sportsgambler+3Reuters+3Sofascore+3
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They also adjusted their midfield posture to become slightly more defensive, protecting their lead and resisting Juventus pressure.
Juventus’ Counter Moves
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Igor Tudor likely sought to rotate or refresh options to break through Verona’s packed structure, switching attacking roles or pushing wing-backs higher.
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At some point, Juventus introduced Teun Koopmeiners (midfielder) to inject energy and support. Black & White & Read All Over+3FotMob+3Sportsgambler+3
Despite these efforts, Juventus couldn’t break through to take all three points. The draw remained.
Head-to-Head History & Psychological Edge
Juventus have traditionally dominated Verona in Serie A. Before this match, Verona had recorded only 3 wins against Juventus’ 13, with 5 draws in head-to-head. FotMob+2Yahoo Sports+2
That kind of historical superiority tends to weigh on the underdog mentally. But also, when a smaller club stands firm, it can boost confidence — the classic David vs Goliath tension.
Lineup Choices: Injury, Form, and Manager’s Vision
No starting XI is made in a vacuum. Every selection reflects constraints and philosophy.
For Verona:
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Injuries forced Paolo Zanetti’s hand. Many regulars were unavailable (e.g. Oyegoke, Harroui, Suslov). Sportsgambler+3Black & White & Read All Over+3The Cult of Calcio+3
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The lineup shows Zanetti wanted to remain competitive without sacrificing too much defensively.
For Juventus:
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Returnees like Francisco Conceição were slotted back in after injury. Yahoo Sports+2The Cult of Calcio+2
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Andrea Cambiaso also regained a spot after suspension. The Cult of Calcio+2Yahoo Sports+2
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The choice of Gatti (over Bremer, who was rested) signals rotation priority. The Cult of Calcio+2Black & White & Read All Over+2
These decisions embody each coach’s balancing act: strength vs freshness, risk vs stability.
Battle Zones: Where the Match Was Won or Lost
Imagine a battlefield where the center, flanks, and transition zones are contested fronts. In this match:
Center Midfield
It was a tug-of-war. Juventus tried to dominate possession with Locatelli and Thuram, but Verona’s midfield trio resisted consistently. When they disrupted Juventus’ rhythm, opportunities dried up.
Flanks & Wing-Back Duels
Verona’s wing-backs pressed high, challenging Juventus’ wing-backs in turn. Sometimes these clashes opened spaces; sometimes they were contained.
Transition Moments
This was key. When Juventus lost the ball, Verona struck forward. The Orban goal, for example, came from exploiting a moment of space. The analogy: Verona tried to catch Juventus off-guard like a jackrabbit darting between slow beasts.
Finishing & Penalty Moment
The penalty that got Verona level was crucial. A single handball led to the equalizer. It was a stark reminder: tight games hinge on single instances.
What the Lineups Tell Us About Each Team’s Ambitions
The choices made in starting XIs reflect not just who’s healthy, but what the season’s goals are.
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Verona showed ambition. They didn’t sit back entirely; they had the courage to go head-to-head, with wing-backs pushing forward and two attackers aimed at counter chances.
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Juventus showed pragmatism. The structured shape reveals a focus on control and patience, trying to break down Verona rather than overcommit.
In short, Verona played with heart, Juventus played with design.
Fan Reaction and Analyst Takeaways
From fan forums and pundits:
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Many praised Verona’s resilience and determination. To hold Juventus to a draw is no small feat.
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Some analysts criticized Juventus for being sluggish and predictable, unable to stretch Verona’s formation.
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Others noted that the lineup choices (rotations, omissions) perhaps left Juventus short of a decisive edge.
In essence, the lineups were central to good drama. They made the match more than a scoreline; they made it a story.
FAQs
1. Why did Hellas Verona choose a 3-5-2 instead of a 4-4-2?
Because their injury constraints and opponent strength made a back three with wing-backs more flexible. It allows width without exposing too many gaps, and helps with midfield density.
2. What was Juventus’ main weakness in this lineup?
They struggled to break through Verona’s midfield defense and didn’t always use their wing-backs with enough effectiveness. Also, fatigue likely reduced sharpness.
3. Did any substitutions decisively change the match?
Not dramatically. Juventus introduced Koopmeiners to inject energy, but Verona’s solidity held. The penalty just before half-time was more decisive than any substitution.
4. How did injuries influence starting choices?
Heavily. Verona had many regulars unavailable, which forced them to pick depth players. Juventus also had to manage without Milik and Miretti. These limitations impacted rotation and aggressiveness.
5. Will these lineup strategies carry over to future matches?
Yes, at least in principle. Coaches often stick to frameworks that serve their squad and opponent. But adjustments are expected, especially if players return from injury or form changes.
Conclusion
A football match is not just about goals; it’s about the narrative carved by choices made before the first whistle. The Hellas Verona vs Juventus clash was shaped deeply by the lineups — who started, who was left out, and how the formations clashed.
Verona used theirs to punch above their weight. Juventus used theirs to impose structure and apply pressure. In the end, the 1–1 draw felt like a testament to both teams: Verona’s spirit, and Juventus’ inability to decisively break them.
The next time two teams meet, take a few minutes to study the starting XI. You’ll find the seeds of victory, or sometimes the reason why victory slipped away.