Juventus underwent a mini-revolution of sorts in the summer when they appointed Luigi Del Neri as their new coach and also signed a number of new players. The Bianconeri are supposedly a better and stronger side than they were last season but their start to the 2010-11 campaign has been disappointing.
After losing 1-0 to Bari away from home in their maiden game in Serie A, the former Italian and European champions were held to a 3-3 draw by Sampdoria in Turin. Indeed, Juventus will be determined to make a winning start to the Europa League on Thursday as they are one of the favourites to go far in the competition.
"It's a difficult competition, with many high-level teams like Liverpool and Manchester City also in the tournament,'' said striker Alessandro Del Piero ahead of the game. "It will not be easy for any team to go all the way.''
Underdog Status
Lech Poznan are not expected to do much in the Europa League and indeed in a group that also has Manchester City and Salzburg the Polish champions wouldn't expect themselves to progress. Jacek Zielisnki's side lost to Sparta Prague in the Champions League third qualifying round and were subsequently 'relegated' to the Europa League group stage.
However, the status of an underdog means that Lech will travel to Turin without pressure of any kind and even a point against Juventus will be hailed as a success.
"I think Juve may underestimate our abilities and may not be fully focused for the upcoming match,'' said midfielder Sergei Krivets. "If that is the case, we will have a great chance to come back home with a decent result.''
He added, "It is a very difficult group. But at the same time it is also a very attractive one. "We know that we are outsiders in this group but we will do our best and try to get good results."
TEAM NEWS
Juventus
Summer signing Quagliarella is not eligible to play in the Europa League, meaning that Del Piero will line up alongside Iaquinta in attack. Buffon, Martinez, Amauri and Traore are out as well.
Probable Lineup (4-4-2): Storari, Motta, Bonucci, Chiellini, De Cegli; Krasic, Felipe Melo, Marchisio, Pepe; Iaquinta, Del Piero
Lech Poznan
Serbian midfielder Dimitrije Injac is back after shaking off a muscular problem but might not start. However, Zielinski will be without striker Jacek Kielb, who is injured.
Probable Lineup (4-3-2-1): Buric, Wojtkowiak, Arboleda, Durdevic, Henriquez; Bandrowski, Krivets, Stilic; Kikut, Kiełb; Tshibamba
Prediction
Juventus should win this game but it doesn't promise to be a very convincing one.
Juventus 1-0 Lech Poznan 
