- Juventus have been on a roll since the start of the season, but they are now looking forward to the 2022 World Cup break with confidence. It was the first time in the history of the club’s history that they have been able to win a match.
Six wins in the last six Serie A games, including convincing victories over two direct competitors, Inter Milan (2-0) and Lazio Rome (3-0). And all without conceding a single goal. Juventus Turin have been on a roll in the league.
Rightly criticised for their poor start to the season and their early elimination from the Champions League in the group stage, the Old Lady has been able to turn things around and, almost unexpectedly, has found good form in recent weeks.
Allegri savours a way out of the crisis
The Bianconeri took advantage of their win over Lazio on Sunday to climb to the top of the Calcio table, albeit 10 points behind leaders Napoli. It was a case of “I don’t know what to do,” he said, “but I’m not going to do it.” He added: “I don’t know what to do, but I’m not going to do it. “In the last few weeks, Juventus have played some good games with excellent results and without conceding a goal (…) We made a mistake in the Champions League by mismanaging our games. But we are on a positive run now,” the Piedmont coach said in a press conference on Sunday.
“The boys came together and got results. They won games, suffering, and we have to thank them for what they did.” How to explain this radical change? Firstly, by a newfound defensive solidity and a change of system. With the fond memories of the Chiellini – Bonucci – Barzagli trio in Juve’s recent heyday, Allegri has effectively revived a 3-man central defence in recent weeks, when the Bonucci – Bremer duo were not really giving satisfaction in a standard 2-man combination.
Rabiot and Kean as symbols
Individuals have also raised their game. In the goal, goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny is in imperious form. And above all, in midfield, the Frenchman Adrien Rabiot is also in resplendent form and is proving his coach right, having defended him against all odds during the last off-season. In the last 6 games, the former Parisian has been decisive on 5 occasions (with 3 goals and 2 assists), in addition to having assumed a leadership role.
And that’s not all, while star player Dusan Vlahovic is on the sidelines, striker Moses Kean has also been revived, as witnessed by his brace against the Laziales.
Juve’s confidence has been restored and the good news is that the team is still in the thick of it. Paul Pogba remains injured, but Angel Di Maria is back on the wings and the Turinese have also just got Federico Chiesa back from a serious knee injury. All of which gives hope to this former European football heavyweight for 2023!
