Juventus supporters were surprised that coach Maurizio Sarri took out one of the most prominent strikers, Croatian Mandzukic, as well as German midfielder Emre Chan from the squad in the Champions League for this season, after the official disclosure of the list of 25 players that will seek Juve this season To return to the long-missed European podium.
Juventus, who are on the list of accounts, included Argentinian international Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain, as well as Dutchman De Licht, goalkeeper Cesny, veteran Buffon and other names, and the team will be led by Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo.
Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini will be out of action for six months after undergoing successful surgery on his right knee, the Italian champions said yesterday.
The 35-year-old suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament on his right knee during Saturday's exercises. Although the Bianconeri this summer included Dutch defender De Licht from Ajax Amsterdam for 75 million euros, the absence of the Italian international is a blow to the club seeking to win the Champions League for the first time since 1996.
Kilini was expected to play for the Azzurri in the Euro 2008 qualifiers against Armenia and Finland, but was replaced by Lazio's Francesco Eccherbe.
At the center of the defense, Juventus will rely on Leonardo Bonucci and Daniele Rogani, as well as Turkey's comfortable Demir, coming this summer from Sassuolo.
Chiellini suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and underwent successful surgery the day before.