Juventus: The season this far

At Juventus winning isn’t important, it’s the only thing that matters

After having failing to qualify for the Champions League for 2 consecutive years, Juventus seem to have come back strong. “Il Grande Capitano” has returned to Turin and has been spot on so far. As we’re 6 games into the Calcio Lega, here’s an early review into the season.

Match Results

11/09/2011

Juventus 4 – 1 Parma

The “Black and White” adopted an offensive 4 -4 – 2 starting with Del Piero and Matri in front of goal assisted by Simone Pepe and Giaccherini on the flanks. Andrea Pirlo and Marchisio started at the centre of midfield.

Followed by a huge grand opening of the new stadium and an inaugral game that ended in a draw, the “Juve Tasci” were ready to witness the first official home game of the season. Parma had never lost an opening gameweek fixture for the past 20 years. Juventus started the better, it took just 17 minutes for the “Bianconeri” to take the lead. Stephan Lichtsteiner became the first ever non-Italian to score the first goal for Juventus in their opening fixture. The Swiss calmly finished after getting onto an Andrea Pirlo pass. Juventus were settling into the game very well, retrieving possession and dominating the game in the first half.

The second half started in the similar manner, with Juventus starting as a better team. Simone Pepe doubled the lead coupled by a good finish into the bottom corner of the net. Arturo Vidal came off the bench to score a stunning right footed shot that sent the hosts 3 – 0 ahead. The hosts then killed the game when Marchisio got onto another trademark pass by the evergreen Pirlo. Marchisio showed beautiful ball control and a composed finish to take the “Old Lady” 4 – 0 ahead. The game did not end that well for Juventus as “Ashton Kutcher” lookalike- Paolo De Ceglie got down Sebastian Giovinco in the box. The co-owned Juventus man converted from the spot.

Pirlo was the man of the match with two brilliant assists. Things started well!

Good start!

18/09/2011

Siena 0 – 1 Juventus

After a massive opening day fixture, the “Old Lady” travelled to face Siena. After helping them seek promotion, Antonio Conte returned to Siena but as a Juventus gaffer. Juventus started with the same team a week ago but fielded Grosso to the suspended De Ceglie and Vucinic replaced Del Piero in front of goal. The first half seemed to lack entertainment and Juventus hardly looked as a team that hammered Parma exactly 7 days back. After having a half time session with the lads, Antonio Conte expected a much better performance.

Juventus started a better team comparitively and it took just 9 minutes from the break to get on the scoresheet. Alessandro Matri tapped in to score his first goal of the season. Vucinic the man behind the goal after potraying some beautiful footwork. The “Bianconeri” removed their foot on the pedestal, and failed to kill the game. Although, the game ended in an important win for the “27 time Scudetto winners” . Juvents did not lack complacency that repetitively occured from the past couple of seasons.

6 points out of a possible 6. Perfecto !

Alessandro Matri scores against Siena.

21/09/2011

Juventus 1 – 1 Bologna

Milos Krasic replaced Giaccherini to bag his first start of the season while Del Piero replaced Matri in front of goal. Paolo De Ceglie returned from suspension to take his place in the starting line up. Juventus starting as a dominant team, took the lead in the first half through Vucinic. The Montenegro striker pocketing his first goal of the season. Vucinic’s match went from being a hero to villain when he was sent off after picking a second yellow card.

Juventus started the second half with 10 men and Krasic almost made it 2 – 0 but his shot went narrowly wide. A minute later the hosts were brought equal. Bologna equalised through Portanova when he headed home in a corner kick, although much has to be said of Chiellini’s poor marking. Pirlo and Chiellini came close to restoring the lead but the Bologna stopper kept his team in the game. Conte threw in Giaccherini, Vidal and Matri much to despair as the match ended in a 1 – 1 draw.

First points dropped.

Vucinic sending off proved to be the turning point of the game.

25/09/2011

Catania 1 – 1 Juventus

Antonio Conte switched from his tradition 4 – 2- 4 to a 4- 1 4- 1 with Pirlo adopting a deep playmaker role guarded by Marchisio and Vidal. Krasic and Elia started on the flanks with the Dutchman making his first appearance. Grosso replaced De Ceglie on the left flank. Vincenzo Montella’s men took a shocking lead when Bergessio made it 1 – 0. Giorgio Chiellini‘s poor defending had given the former Roma manager a smile on his face.

After a poor first half, the second half restored with Juventus piling on the pressure. Four minutes into the second half and the Serbia winger brought Juventus back into the match scoring a long ranger. The former Moscow man scored his first goal. Del Piero, Quagliarella and Giaccherini came in to try giving the “Bianconeri” the lead. Del Piero will be ruing his miss after good work from krasic on the byline, the Juventus legend missing a free header. The game ended 1 – 1.

Juventus were however leading the Serie-A on matchday 4.

Milos Krasic, the Juventus winger.

02/10/2011

Juventus 2 – 0 Milan

This gameweek saw a couple of emphatic games. Napoli travelling to Milan to face a changed Ranieri’s Inter while Milan travelled to Turin to face a revolutionised Juventus. Juventus adopted a 4- 1- 4- 1 system with Pirlo facing off against his former team, at the deep lying playmaker role. Marchisio and Vidal started at centre midfield as Conte looked to have crowded the midfield with Krasic and Pepe on the flanks. The first massive game in the new Juventus Sports Arena, probably the Scudetto winning race.

Juventus started the better, retrieving possession completely dominating sections of the game. Vucinic came twice with a sudden turn couple by a save from Abbiati and the other leaving Abbiati standstill only for the post to rescue Milan. Marchisio showed some brilliant ball control to fool Zambrotta only to see a weak finish in the end. The second half restored with Vucinic and Vidal coming close again. Milan had only one chance that tested Buffon with kevin Prince Boateng who tried to centre the ball after having put through by Cassano.

Juventus finally took the lead through Marchisio. The “Golden boy” of Juventus scored a goal that displayed wonderful passing with Pirlo, Vucinic involved. The combination of Marchisio and Vucinic looks deadly. Kevin Prince Boateng was sent off after a foul on Chiellini to leave Milan in vain. Marchisio then scored in the ending stages to ensure the win for Juventus, although it was a blunder from Milan blocker Abbiati.

Juventus have never lost any game in this season so far. So far, so good !

Juventus beat the reigning Scudetto winners in a one – sided affair

02/10/2011

Chievo 0 – 0 Juventus

Juventus started with the same team that beat Milan last gameweek. The first half never seemed great, as Juventus failed to create any clear cut chances. Chievo had taken the lead but Thereau was penalised wrongly for a foul on Pirlo. The first half ended in a stalemate.

Juventus started better in the second half, Marchisio came very close initially. Giaccherini came on for Krasic and Del Piero replaced Marchisio. Giaccherini then had to hobble off the pitch with a hamstring injury and was replaced by Estegarribia. Del Piero, although hit the crossbar moments earlier that also saw a penalty not given to Chievo after Chiellini had muscled Pellisier. The game eventually ended in the stalemate. Juventus will take this as Bentegodi is not an easy visit while Chievo remain unbeaten at home so far.

Vucinic battles with Chievo players for the ball.

Positives:

1. Dynamic midfield

Antonio Conte has strengthened his midfield brilliantly. Pirlo has probably been the best Juventus player so fast. The “Maestro” has returned to the form he potrayed in Milan colours that saw him win the European Cup. Marchisio and Vidal have been very impressive as well. Marchisio has been a workhouse for Juventus helping Pirlo and covering up for the latter’s defensive abilities. Vidal after having scored on his debut has been a great addition to this Juventus side. Pazienza is another addition to indicate the depth of the squad.

The midfield has the likes of Krasic,Pepe,Giaccherini,Estegarribia and Elia on the flanks. Krasic with his pace is a bonus to any team. while Pepe has improved massively this season. Giaccherini and Elia need to improve immensely while the latter has hardly featured.

Marchisio could well be the next Tardelli

2. Absence in Europe

The “Old Lady” has failed to qualify for European Champions league from the past two seasons. Three years back they were dismal and failed to pass the group stages. Last year, after having being unsuccessful to pass the group stages in the Europa League, Juventus couldnt make it into Champions League or Europa League.

Absence in Europe, is certainly an advantage when it comes to playing in the league. Juventus can concentrate on the league games with the players having adequate rest . Also the probability of players getting injured is comparitively lesser. With a good depth in the team, Juventus definitely have a better advantage than the remaining teams in the Serie-A.

3. Antonio Conte

The “Il Capitano” returned to Turin. He came back with only one thing in mind- to restore the original success at Juventus. So far he has been absolute and appropriate. His policies have been shrewd and there is no space for someone with over- confidence and complacency in the team, but a lot of room for improvement and determination. 6 games into the season with Juventus leading the table on goal difference to Udinese. Good policies in rotation coupled with rest, good selection methods.

Antonio Conte – So far, so good.

Negatives:

1. Defence

The defence is a bit of a concern. The right back position with Stephan Lichtsteiner in is a good sight, but in his absence it will come down to Marco Motta fitting in. Motta has had a poor last season, he will need to prove his worth to the team when given a chance. Sorensen on the other hand is a potential for the future and can play at right and centre back positions.

Centre back slot as well is a bit of a concern. Giorgio Chiellini has been inconsistent at times this season in games against Bologna and Catania. Chiellini is a very good defender but not a natural leader. Juventus will need the likes of Scirea to co- ordinate and organise the defence. Barzagli has been good this season so far. Bonucci on the other hand is a potential for the future and needs to be groomed.

Left back slot is a depleted area for the “Bianconeri”. Paolo De Ceglie is very injury prone and inconsistent. Grosso on the other hand in very slow and is old. Estigarribia, Vidal and Chiellini can be employed on the flanks. Defence needs to be strengthened by the “Black and White” in the January transfer window, mainly a centre back and a left back has to be added.

Defence is an area of concern.

2. Minnow problem

Juventus were the ” Robin Hood ” of last season, taking points from the rich and giving them to the poor. Juventus need to take maximum points against the smaller opponents this season in order to stay alive in the Scudetto race. Inconsistency and vulnerability against the minnows is a major problem. Juventus should’ve taken 9 points out of 9 against a troubled Bologna,a weak Catania and Chievo. This is an area Conte needs to emphasize on. Juventus need to kill the game early against smaller opponents.

Shots from Catania – Juventus. The Bianconeri are the "Robin Hood" of Serie – A.

3. Lack of consistency up front

Matri is definitely a sensation in front of goal, so are Vucinic and Alex Del Piero. The attack has shown lack of consistency. Vucinic on his day will be the best player on the field otherwise he will be missing. His ability to perform against top teams while struggling against miniature ones is well known. Matri as well has lacked consistency this season. He has not looked that sharp in front of goal.

Del Piero is an important figure in the squad. He is not just the squad captain, he is a motivation to everyone in the dressing room. He needs to simply take his chances when presented. Toni is a threatening personnel in the air, he as well needs to put in an effort to help the team grow as a whole.

The attackers have combined to score only 2 goals from 6 games, this is not a good sight. Matri has scored 1 goal while Vucinic has the same account as well. Goals result in winning matches, therefore Matri and Vucinic need to do a lot more in order to help Juventus win the Scudetto.

Vucinic has to come good consistently

With 6 games into the season, Juventus are leading the table on goal difference with 12 points. Juventus have scored 9 goals and conceeded 3. Juventus need to maintain the same level in tempo and grab maximum points against smaller teams. The next few weeks will prove to be the test in the Scudetto competing season of Juventus.