Juventus selection crisis in defence, but new signing set to debut

Juventus coach Thiago Motta will be without five defenders in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals against Empoli, but January signing Alberto Costa is expected to make his debut with the Bianconeri.

Juventus host Empoli at the Allianz Stadium on Wednesday in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals.

Coach Thiago Motta will be forced to do without long-term injured Gleison Bremer and Juan Cabal, as well as Pierre Kalulu, Renato Veiga and Nicolò Savona, who are all working to return to action in the coming weeks.

Juventus selection crisis in defence, but new signing set to debut

Savona has been diagnosed with a biceps injury and will remain out of action for at least three games.

Andrea Cambiaso suffered a minor injury against Cagliari on Sunday but is not expected to start against Empoli, while Federico Gatti and Lloyd Kelly will be the only centre-backs Motta can rely on for tomorrow’s match.

Several sources, including Sky Sport Italia and Ilbianconero.com, claim Alberto Costa will likely make his Juventus debut tomorrow, either starting as a right-back or coming off the bench during the game.

The Portuguese moved to Turin on a permanent transfer from Vitoria SC last month but has yet to play a minute with the Old Lady.