23 November 2022
After the last-gasp comeback win over Parma at the weekend, Juventus Women delve back into action on the European stage.
On Thursday 24 November at 21:00 CET at the Allianz Stadium the Bianconere take to the field in Women's Champions League against Arsenal, the club once coached by Joe Montemurro.
THE COACH
Replacing Montemurro as Arsenal coach after the Australian ended his four-year tenure in London to join Juventus last season was Jonas Eidevall.
The Swede is in his second season in charge of the Gunners. The former FC Rosengård tactician led the London-based side to second place in the Women's Super League in his debut season, pipped to the 2021-22 league title by Chelsea by just one point.
DOMESTIC FORM
Arsenal were knocked off the perch of the Women's Super League in England following their first defeat of the season last weekend.
The London club's perfect start to the 2022-23 season was ended last weekend by Manchester United. Leading 2-1 until the final minutes Arsenal conceded two late goals in front of over 40 thousand fans at the Emirates Stadium, a defeat that ended a 14-game winning streak in Super League.
The Gunners now sit second, tied with Manchester United, three points behind Chelsea, who have played one game more.
England international and Euro2022 winner Beth Mead ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament in the defeat to the Red Devils. The influential forward will be sidelined for an extended period.
EUROPEAN FORM
Arsenal won the Champions League in 2006-07, the only English club to have won Europe's premier tournament for Women. They have also reached the semi-final five times.
Last season their UWCL adventure was ended at the quarter-final stage by Wolfsburg, the German side that qualified alongside Juventus from the group stages at the expense of Chelsea.
This campaign Arsenal qualified for the group stages knocking out Ajax. Despite being held 2-2 in the first leg in London, the Gunners won the second leg in Amsterdam. The only goal of the game was scored by Netherlands international Vivianne Miedema, one of the many superstars in the Arsenal squad.
Arsenal currently top UWCL Group C following back-to-back wins. The Matchday 1 thrasing of Lyon sent shockwaves around Europe. The 5-1 result was the heaviest defeat ever inflicted on the tournament's defending champions. Following up the win in France was a 3-1 success over FC Zurich thanks to a double from Lina Hurtig. The player signed from Juventus in the summer has been used sparingly in the Super League, seeing more playing time in Europe.
