Motta backs 'complete' Luiz to shine upon Juventus return

Juventus head coach Thiago Motta has backed midfielder Douglas Luiz to play a starring role in his side upon his return to action against Fiorentina on Sunday. 

Luiz has endured a difficult start to life in Turin, making just 11 appearances across all competitions after suffering a muscle issue following his move from Aston Villa.

The Brazilian, along with Teun Koopmeiners, were Juventus' marquee signings ahead of the Serie A season, both arriving for fees reportedly worth over €50 million. 

Motta has struggled with injuries this term, with Juventus sixth in Serie A, nine points behind leaders Atalanta despite not losing a league game all season (W7 D10).

But the Juventus boss was able to provide a positive update on his squad ahead of welcoming Fiorentina to the Allianz Stadium. 

"We have recovered Douglas Luiz, Nico (Gonzalez) will be available and we have also recovered Danilo and (Teun) Koopmeiners," Motta said. 

"We have to still wait for (Jonas) Rouhi, (Timothy) Weah and (Arkadiusz) Milik."

"I have great hopes and beliefs in him," Motta added on Luiz. "He has been out for a long time.

"He certainly doesn't have the physical level of some of his teammates. As a midfielder he can do everything.

"In a previous team, they played with two in front of the defence.He has shown that he is a complete midfielder, of a high level. Continuity also applies to him.

"He must maintain this line to be at an excellent level and be together with the team from now on."

Juventus returned to winning ways in their last Serie A match, beating bottom club Monza 2-1 after a run of four consecutive draws, which has been the story of their season.

They have drawn 20 league games in 2024. In the history of Serie A, only Perugia in 1979 have had more matches end level in a single calendar year (22).

But they will be confident of ending their year on a high, given their recent record against Sunday's opponents. 

Juventus have won each of their last three league games against Fiorentina, while also winning 12 of their last 13 Serie A home games against them. 

Since the start of the last decade, only Roma (14 against Udinese) and Fiorentina themselves (13 against Udinese) have managed to obtain more home wins against a single opponent in the competition.

With the sides level on points heading into the contest, Motta acknowledged the task that awaited his players. 

"(Fiorentina) have an excellent coach who is very well-prepared and has always shown that he has done a great job," Motta said.

"They have players of excellent quality and, above all, good preparation. They know how to play football well and are very dangerous on the counterattack.

"We have to play the right and balanced game."