Dusan Vlahovic and Federico Chiesa scored as Juventus saw off 10-man Freiburg to reach the Europa League quarter-finals, winning 2-0 in Germany to claim a 3-0 aggregate triumph.

Having established a slender lead in the Turin first leg, Juventus saw a Vlahovic effort disallowed for offside in Thursday's rematch before Manuel Gulde was dismissed for blocking a shot with an outstretched arm.

Vlahovic stepped up to convert the subsequent 45th-minute penalty and ease any Juventus nerves, before Chiesa came off the bench to add gloss to the scoreline late on.

Juventus were ultimately comfortable as they booked a place in Friday's last-eight draw, keeping hopes alive of European silverware – and qualification for next season's Champions League.

Freiburg penned back Juventus early on as they looked to level the tie, with Matthias Ginter forcing Wojciech Szczesny into a flying save with a downward header 22 minutes in.

The visitors thought they had the lead five minutes later as Vlahovic volleyed in after Gleison Bremer's header rattled the crossbar, but the Serbian's celebrations were cut short when a VAR review ruled him offside.

Juventus had better fortune with another VAR review as half-time approached. Federico Gatti's goal-bound shot struck the arm of Gulde as he attempted to block, earning the defender a second yellow card and allowing Vlahovic to score from the spot.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, Freiburg continued to press after half-time, Michael Gregoritsch firing a free-kick wide before Szczesny turned Lucas Holer's volley away.

Chiesa saw a stoppage-time effort tipped onto the crossbar by Mark Flekken as Freiburg tired, and the substitute had his goal less than a minute later as he drilled a low effort in off the left post.

Angel Di Maria and Federico Chiesa remain in contention to play in Juventus' Europa League last-16 second leg against SC Freiburg despite injury worries.

Di Maria appeared hampered by a left thigh injury late in the 1-0 first-leg win last Thursday, where he earlier netted the winner, and subsequently missed Juventus' 4-2 Serie A win over Sampdoria on Sunday.

Chiesa came on in the 67th minute against Freiburg but sustained a right knee injury, although the club confirmed it was not ligament capsule damage.

Bianconeri head coach Massimiliano Allegri hopeful that the pair would play some part in the second leg, although he conceded they would not be fit to start.

"It is very unlikely they will be there from the start, as we only recovered them this morning, but they could be of use during the match," Allegri told reporters.

"I will evaluate Chiesa and Di Maria tomorrow morning and from there I can make my decision on the starting line-up.

"Unfortunately, Di Maria had this injury after the first leg with Freiburg and had to miss quite a few training sessions.

"The test went well today, that doesn’t mean he has a lot of minutes in his legs, but there is the risk we could lose him for 40 days, seeing as that is what happened in September.

"Tomorrow is important, but we also have many more matches to play this season."

Di Maria has scored eight goals in all competitions with four Serie Aa assists this term, while Chiesa has contributed three league assists with one goal.

Allegri declared striker Dusan Vlahovic was fully fit and available to play although he declined to commit to starting him alongside Moise Kean.

Vlahovic has not scored in his past six appearances dating back to his goal against Nantes in the Europa League on February 16.

"Dusan Vlahovic was very sad that he hasn't scored recently, but is fine physically. I am relaxed and certain that he’ll soon be back on the scoresheet," Allegri added.

"We want to score here, because just trying to defend for 0-0 is really not a good idea. Freiburg are good on set plays, we need to be very organised and concentrated for the full 100 minutes."

Massimiliano Allegri encouraged the struggling Dusan Vlahovic to "remain serene" despite his missed penalty in Juventus' 4-2 victory over Sampdoria.

The striker hit the post from 12 yards at the Allianz Stadium and despite a game-high eight shots on goal, he has now gone five successive Serie A matches without scoring for the first time in his career.

Vlahovic also saw four attempts blocked, and his frustration was evident as his efforts in front of goal reaped no rewards.

Meanwhile, Adrien Rabiot struck twice and Bremer and Matias Soule were also on target for the Bianconeri who, despite surrendering a 2-0 lead, closed the gap on fourth-place Milan to nine points.

But while Vlahovic continues to draw blanks, Allegri offered words of encouragement to his number nine.

"Dusan played a very good game," he told DAZN. "He must remain serene. Tonight, he played better technically. He has to stay calm.

"Let's not forget that he has been at Juventus for a year, he has done well, he is doing well. He has all the qualities to improve.

"When he manages to regulate his management of the game, he will be less hasty when the ball arrives."

Rabiot, meanwhile, continued his most prolific season in front of goal, taking his tally to nine with his brace on Sunday.

But the midfielder has urged his team-mates to improve their concentration levels ahead of Thursday's Europa League last-16 second leg against Freiburg, in which the Bianconeri hold a narrow 1-0 lead.

"In some moments, I have to take responsibility, if there is a need to do it alone," he said. "Tonight, I scored an important goal to bring the victory.

"I'm happy – a little less for the first half where we started well, but conceded two goals that we must not concede.

"We have to work and be more focused during the game. Don't be careless because we scored two goals. We had to win to prepare well for the game against Freiburg."

The France international's future is uncertain with his Juve contract set to expire at the end of the season, but he admits he is content in Turin.

"At the moment, I don't think about anything," he added. "I'm happy with the help to the team and then we'll see. Here, I'm fine; I'm scoring a lot of goals, and I think I'll score more."

Adrien Rabiot's controversial strike helped to spare Juventus' blushes as they beat bottom side Sampdoria 4-2 in Serie A.

The France international put his team 3-2 ahead in a tight contest at the Allianz Stadium with his second goal, despite appearing to control the ball with his arm before volleying in.

Gleison Bremer and Rabiot both scored headers to put Massimiliano Allegri’s side into a 2-0 lead, but Sampdoria responded by striking twice in as many minutes through Tommaso Augello and Filip Djuricic before half-time.

Rabiot restored the hosts' advantage after the break though and despite Dusan Vlahovic's missed penalty, Juve held out for an eighth-straight home win over the Blucerchiati as substitute Matias Soule added a late fourth.

Despite a nervy start, Juventus broke the deadlock after 11 minutes as Bremer towered above the defence to head home Filip Kostic's corner.

Another header doubled the hosts' lead in the 26th minute when Rabiot buried Fabio Miretti's inviting cross.

But Sampdoria – this season's lowest scorers in the top five European leagues before Sunday – responded five minutes later with Augello neatly guiding in Mehdi Leris' deflected centre.

And within 72 seconds, they were level as Djuricic arrived late in the box to steer home Alessandro Zanoli's low cross.

Juve controversially regained the lead in the 64th minute, the VAR awarding Rabiot a second goal despite the ball seeming to strike the midfielder's arm before he brilliantly volleyed into the top corner.

Vlahovic missed an opportunity to kill off the contest, his penalty striking the post after Augello felled substitute Juan Cuadrado, but the hosts did seal the points in stoppage time, Soule nodding in his first senior goal after Vlahovic's initial header was tipped onto the crossbar.

Paul Pogba's absence from the Juventus squad on Sunday came after he felt an adductor injury when taking free-kicks in training, according to Massimiliano Allegri.

Head coach Allegri explained Pogba's situation before Juventus faced Sampdoria on Serie A duty, at the end of a turbulent week for French midfielder Pogba.

The former Manchester United player has had a torrid time of things with knee and thigh injuries since embarking on a second spell at Juventus last July, appearing for just 34 minutes across two substitute appearances.

Pogba appeared to have put those issues behind him when briefly featuring in back-to-back games against Torino and Roma, but he was dropped for Thursday's match with Freiburg.

That was down to Pogba turning up late for a team meeting ahead of the Europa League tie, yet Allegri said on Saturday he would be involved against Sampdoria.

However, that plan changed on Sunday, dealing another blow to player and club.

Allegri told DAZN before kick-off: "This morning while he was taking free-kicks he felt discomfort in his adductor, he stopped.

"Tomorrow we will see the extent of the damage. Tonight he could have given us a hand, but we are waiting for him, it's a year like this anyway, these things happen in life too.

"He must be good and strong to get up and want to return to the player he was before."

Massimiliano Allegri has confirmed Paul Pogba is part of his plans for Sunday's Serie A match against Sampdoria after being dropped in midweek for disciplinary reasons.

Pogba was left out of Juve's squad for their 1-0 Europa League last-16 first-leg win over Freiburg on Thursday after turning up late for a team meeting on the eve of the game.

However, having served his punishment, the 29-year-old will be back involved against Samp as Juve seek a return to winning ways in the league after losing 1-0 to Roma.

"Paul is available," Allegri said at Saturday's pre-match press conference. "Because he was late once, it doesn't mean we must keep punishing him."

Pogba has suffered multiple injury issues since rejoining Juve from Manchester United last July, restricting him to just 34 minutes on the field across two substitute appearances.

Asked if the France international is in line for his long-awaited second full debut for the Bianconeri on Sunday, Allegri gave little away.

"I haven't decided on the formation yet. There are only two players I know are definitely playing: [Mattia] Perin and [Dusan] Vlahovic."

Vlahovic has failed to find the net in his past four Serie A games, all as a starter – never before has he gone five in a row without scoring in the competition as a starter.

The Serbia international has also spent a prolonged period on the sidelines this season, but Allegri considers the forward back to full fitness.

"Dusan has completely recovered," Allegri said. "I know he's our only striker for tomorrow. I'm happy with his performance [against Freiburg] and now he's physically much better.

"I'm confident in him. All players go through moments like this in their career, especially strikers who are judged on goals."

Juve's loss to Roma last time out ended a four-game winning run in the Italian top flight, but a home match against bottom side Sampdoria provides a chance to respond.

The Bianconeri have won their past seven home league meetings against Sampdoria, who have won just two of their 25 Serie A matches this season.

"To many it may seem like an easy game, but going by Sampdoria's recent results, that can be deceiving," Allegri said. "They lost late on against Lazio and drew with Salernitana.

"It's important the team understands the importance of the match and that it must be faced with our full attention."

Manuel Locatelli saluted "phenomenon" Angel Di Maria, stating his Juventus team-mate is "in another category" after their narrow win over Freiburg.

Di Maria scored the only goal as the Bianconeri drew first blood in the opening leg of the Europa League last-16 tie, thumping home a header from Filip Kostic's 53rd-minute cross.

Following his hat-trick against Nantes in the previous round, the World Cup winner has now been directly involved in 10 goals in 2023 (scored seven, assisted three).

The 35-year-old revealed he is in talks with Juve over extending his 12-month contract, which expires at the end of the season, and Locatelli hailed his team-mate's influence on the side.

"Angel is a phenomenon, he's in another category, I think he's really a champion," the midfielder said. "For us, it's an honour to have him with us in training and in the game. We have to be thankful that he is here.

"We are only 1-0 up, today was only the first half, we must play a mature game there [in Freiburg next week]. The 1-0 may be enough, but we have to go there and play a great game.

Although they lead, Juventus will feel their advantage should be greater, having converted just one of their 20 shots on goal during the first leg.

Head coach Massimiliano Allegri has urged his players to demonstrate a greater clinical edge, though he also encouraged Dusan Vlahovic to stay patient with the striker now having gone five matches without finding the net.

"We have to improve in the number of goals scored," Allegri said. "We create enough, the [conversion] percentage is low. We need lucidity when we attack the area, we have to improve.

"I'm happy because physically Dusan is much better, he has to be calm. Maybe on Sunday [against Sampdoria], he will score."

Angel Di Maria revealed he is in talks with Juventus over a new contract after his header saw off Freiburg in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie.

The Argentina international settled the opening leg at the Allianz Stadium when he powered home Filip Kostic's 53rd-minute cross for his fourth goal in this season's competition.

Di Maria, who also netted a hat-trick against Nantes in the previous round, has now been directly involved in seven goals in his last six European appearances.

The 35-year-old endured an injury-hit start to life in Turin after signing a 12-month deal last July, but has already registered 10 goal involvements in 2023 (seven goals, three assists).

Bruno Fernandes and Toulouse's Branco van den Boomen are the only other midfielders in Europe's top five leagues to hit double figures in the calendar year.

Di Maria's future is uncertain, but he said negotiations to extend his stint with Juve are ongoing.

"I'm happy to have helped the team, we are doing a good job and we must continue like this," he told Sky. "The important thing was to win, and we did it.

"We will do our best [to reach the final of this competition]. We will try to win both the Coppa Italia and the Europa League.

"We're talking, I'm happy here, and I'm finally feeling the affection of the people after a difficult start."

Allegri also hailed Di Maria's impact, while saluting his side's display ahead of the second leg in Germany next week.

"Tonight, [Di Maria] scored a wonderful goal but, above all, he gave an extraordinary performance.

"We played a very good match tonight, with great intensity and good technically. The only thing we missed too many times was the last pass. We could have chosen better and that made the difference.

"In Freiburg, it won't be easy, but the thing that makes me think positive is that they will give us spaces, and we will have to exploit them."

Paul Pogba's fitness will be assessed ahead of Juventus' Europa League meeting with Freiburg on Thursday, with the midfielder still eyeing his first start since his Bianconeri return.

Pogba made his long-awaited second Juve debut in a 4-2 win over cross-city rivals Torino last month after enduring several injury setbacks since re-joining from Manchester United last July.

Having appeared from the bench in that fixture, the France international did likewise in Sunday's demoralising 1-0 defeat at Roma in Serie A.

Asked if Pogba could make his first start of the season when Juventus host Freiburg in the first leg of their last-16 tie, boss Massimiliano Allegri was hopeful but uncertain.

Allegri said: "Yesterday [Tuesday] he did a good workout, today [Wednesday] he was separate from the group. Tomorrow [Thursday] morning we'll understand if he can be available.

"He didn't work with the team [on Wednesday]. I think he will be available, but we'll see."

An Angel Di Maria hat-trick fired Juve past Nantes in the last round of the competition, delivering a 3-0 away win after the Bianconeri toiled to a 1-1 draw at home to the French side.  

With Freiburg one of just three teams to go unbeaten in the Europa League's group stage this term (also Real Betis and Fenerbahce), Allegri is aware of the need for an improved home display.

"We want to lay the foundations for the second leg," he said. "They are physically strong, they are fifth in Germany, they are unbeaten in Europe. 

"We have to go back to winning at home – in the Champions League and in the Europa League we only got one win [at the Allianz Stadium this season].

"So we'll need attention, otherwise we'll have to do the same as against Nantes. We have to win on Thursday, whether it's by one or two goals – it won't be easy, it will be balanced."

Juventus will be able to draw on the experience of Filip Kostic, a Europa League winner with Eintracht Frankfurt last season, and the Serbian says lifting Europe's secondary club trophy is now the team's foremost aim.

"I know the competition, I won it with Eintracht – it was our dream to win the Europa League. With Juventus it's different, the goals were different, but now we want to win it," Kostic said.

"They are a tough, compact, solid opponent. To win this Europa League – which is our main objective – we will have to overcome them. We want to get as far as possible and we go game by game."

Massimiliano Allegri believes Juventus qualifying for the Champions League after being deducted 15 points would be akin to winning three Serie A titles.

Juve have earned 50 points this season, which would be enough to have them second in the table had they not been punished for past financial dealings.

Instead, they are back on 35 points, 12 points outside the Champions League places in seventh.

That remains the Bianconeri's unlikely aim, but Allegri was keen to outline just how difficult their task is ahead of Sunday's game at fifth-placed Roma.

"Perhaps my words have been misrepresented," Allegri said. "I said that the Champions League chase is an impossible, difficult thing.

"That said, the team at the moment has made 50 points. On the field, we are doing well and we must continue.

"Even among those in front, one will miss out between Inter, Milan, Lazio and Roma. One is left outside, and there is also Atalanta still behind who have the possibility to return.

"There are 42 points at stake, right? Everything is still to be played, so we have to take one step at a time. We can't look too far ahead, and we have to work for 'mini' goals."

However, Allegri was then asked what the scale of that achievement would be. Is it similar to winning a Scudetto?

"Going with minus-15 into the Champions League is not like winning a Scudetto," he replied. "It would be like winning three."

Juve have won six of their past seven away Serie A games and three of their last four league matches against Roma.

The Giallorossi face being without Jose Mourinho following a suspension due to his red card in their previous game.

But Allegri said: "I would be sorry if he wasn't there. I hope to see him on the pitch.

"In my opinion, once the coach is thrown out of the game, you can give him a fine, then the next time he has to be on the bench. With fines, you can maybe help those in need."

Massimiliano Allegri hailed the patience and maturity demonstrated by Juventus in their Derby della Mole victory over Torino.

The Bianconeri twice came from behind to run out 4-2 winners at Allianz Stadium, extending their unbeaten streak against their city rivals to 18 matches.

Juan Cuadrado and Danilo cancelled out first-half goals from Yann Karamoh and Antonio Sanabria, while Bremer and Adrien Rabiot completed the turnaround in the final 20 minutes.

"It was a difficult game, it's not easy to play against Torino," the Juve head coach told Sky. "They are good at dribbling. In the first half, we made mistakes and went after them.

"In the second half, we had the patience to wait and hit them at the right time. This was a sign of maturity that we didn't have at the beginning of the year."

The match also provided the long-awaited second debut of Paul Pogba, who finally made his first appearance since re-joining Juventus from Manchester United.

The France international's 22-minute cameo came 2,481 days after he last appeared for the Bianconeri against Sampdoria in May 2016.

Allegri, who introduced Federico Chiesa and Mattia De Sciglio at the same time as Pogba, also acknowledged Alex Sandro and Wojciech Szczesny after the duo celebrated reaching significant milestones with the club.  

On Pogba, he said: "Nice return, we wanted it and we are all happy. There was a need for fresh players with different characteristics. Playing every three days, changes become important.

"Pogba entered well, as did Chiesa and De Sciglio. Szczesny has reached 200 appearances, Alex Sandro 300 and so there was every reason to win tonight."

Massimiliano Allegri accepts it will take time for Paul Pogba to get fully up to speed as the midfielder prepares to make his long-awaited second debut for Juventus.

The France international has yet to feature for Juve since rejoining the club last July following his Manchester United exit due to a succession of setbacks.

He sustained a knee injury in pre-season that required surgery, forcing him to miss the entire season to date and France's World Cup campaign.

Pogba was on the substitutes' bench for Juve's shock 2-0 home loss to Monza in January, but Allegri opted against bringing him on and he has not featured in the squad since.

However, Allegri confirmed at his pre-match news conference on the eve of Tuesday's Serie A match with city rivals Torino that the 29-year-old is finally ready to play.

"He's feeling better and he's been called up for tomorrow's game," Allegri said. "If necessary, we'll play him. We know he won't have much playing time, but he can play.

"I've talked to him like I have all the others. He understands it's an important part of the season to get back playing. He must remain motivated to help us finish the season well."

Pogba, who signed a four-year deal with Juventus, has not played a competitive game since his former club United's 4-0 Premier League loss to Liverpool last April.

Allegri also confirmed Federico Chiesa, who has missed Juve's past two matches, is in contention to play against Torino.

"He trained with the team yesterday," Allegri said. "He can't start from the beginning. Players who come back from a long period of inactivity must be managed. He's fine, though.

"We have Pogba, who has not played for 315 days, and Chiesa, who missed 10 months. It'll take a little patience. It's normal – they're humans. We need to help them grow."

Juventus, who were docked 15 points last month following an investigation into the club's past transfer dealings, have won their past three Serie A games without conceding.

The Bianconeri are now eighth, 12 points off the top four ahead of their midweek Derby della Mole showdown with Torino, who are one point and one place further back.

Juve are unbeaten in their past 17 derbies in all competitions, with 13 wins and four draws.

"The derby is always an important game for both teams, especially for us. We must continue this climb by increasing our points in the league," Allegri said.

"This match has the value it must have. On the pitch, regardless of what happens outside, we have to get the points to stay in the top-four battle."

Not since April 1995 have Torino won away at Juventus, losing 11 times and drawing five since then.

Massimiliano Allegri hailed the impact of Angel Di Maria after the winger's hat-trick helped Juventus see off Nantes on Thursday to advance to the last 16 of the Europa League.

Di Maria put the Bianconeri in front with a stunning opener after just five minutes, before his inventive backheel was prevented from going in by the arm of Nicolas Pallois, giving the referee no choice but to point to the spot.

Di Maria thumped home the resulting penalty after Pallois was given his marching orders, and the Argentina international rounded off his hat-trick with a late header to cap a sublime display and send the Bianconeri through, becoming the first Juve player to score at least three goals in a European match since Filippo Inzaghi in 2000.

Allegri lauded the improvements Di Maria has made after an injury-hit start to life at Juventus following his move from Paris Saint-Germain.

"Angel is a world champion," Allegri told reporters after the match. "He increases the quality of this Juventus and we are all happy to have him.

"Having someone like him is important to the team. Now, he knows the team better and is physically better."

Allegri was delighted with his team's second-leg performance after a disappointing 1-1 draw in Turin left his team with a tricky test to progress at a raucous Stade de la Beaujoire.

They came through that test in style, and Allegri is setting his sights on winning the competition after one win in six Champions League group-stage matches saw Juve drop into the Europa League.

It could also be their only route to next season's Champions League, following a 15-point deduction in Serie A for financial breaches which sees them sitting seventh and playing catch-up for the European spots.

"Winning away from home is never easy, in Europe even more," Allegri said. "After the elimination in the Champions League, it seems that winning in Europe for Juve is a walk in the park, but it's not like that.

"Now seeing the [Serie A] standings, the Europa League seems like the only way to get to the Champions League.

"Barcelona, ​​Manchester United, Sevilla, Feyenoord, Arsenal, there are important teams [in the Europa League].

"Let's see who we get in the round of 16, if Roma also get through. We try to get to the final, but not just to get to the Champions League, but also to win a trophy."

An Angel Di Maria hat-trick fired Juventus into the Europa League round of 16 as they secured a 4-1 aggregate triumph over 10-man Nantes on Thursday.

A 1-1 draw in Turin meant Juve faced a tough task to progress at a loud Stade de la Beaujoire, but Di Maria's spectacular opener set them on the way to victory.

Nantes' task was made harder when Nicolas Pallois saw red for handling Di Maria's inventive goalbound flick, before the Juve winger slammed the resulting penalty into the top corner.

Di Maria capped his excellent display with a late header to seal Juve's progression, and Massimiliano Allegri's men await Friday's draw to find out who stands between them and the quarter-finals.

Nantes started brightly but found themselves behind after five minutes when Di Maria's stunning curler found the top left corner from outside the area.

Things went from bad to worse for the hosts shortly after as Di Maria weaved into the box before backheeling towards goal, with the Argentina international's effort striking the arm of Pallois.

The referee awarded a penalty and sent the Nantes defender off, before Di Maria thumped home the spot-kick.

It should have been game over just before the break, but Filip Kostic could only drill off the post from a tight angle.

Di Maria nearly completed his hat-trick shortly after the restart, though Alban Lafont palmed away his attempt from range.

Di Maria did get his treble with 12 minutes to play though as his header from a tight angle squeezed just over the line to put Juve through to the next round in style.

Massimiliano Allegri explained injuries were to be expected for Federico Chiesa this season and the issue that will keep him out this week is "nothing serious".

Chiesa will not play for Juventus against Nantes in the second leg of their Europa League knockout round play-off.

His absence is a blow having impressed in a first leg the Bianconeri dominated before drawing 1-1 in Turin.

Any lay-off for Chiesa is likely to cause concern given he missed almost a year with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

However, Allegri was able to reassure Juve supporters ahead of the match at Stade de la Beaujoire, suggesting such setbacks were natural after a major injury.

"Unfortunately, tomorrow we don't have him, but we knew this," Allegri said.

"When a player is 10 months without playing, he comes back and when he makes two games in a row, some issues can occur that are nothing serious but affect the possibility of having him available."

Juve would have hoped not to be playing in the Europa League, but Allegri still sees an opportunity to take a rare step.

In each of the previous three campaigns, the Serie A giants were beaten in their first knockout tie in the Champions League, meaning they are looking to end a long wait for a two-legged triumph.

"This year Juventus has an important goal," Allegri said. "It is to pass the first qualifying round, even if these are the 'sixteenth-finals', given that in the last three years we have always gone out in the first knockout round in the Champions League.

"Tomorrow is a final, a unique game, since away goals no longer count double. We know that tomorrow we play a game at [Nantes'] home, and we play for the passage through this round."