Juventus seen against Cagliari not only won 4-0 but what was convincing was the way in which the victory was achieved. The fans said it clearly: “We want you like this” was the chant at the end of the race.
This match could be a small turning point for several reasons.
The positions on the pitch: from Koop to Yildiz
The strong choice to put Locatelli in defense to push Koopmeiners back gave much more centrality to the Dutchman who, in fact, carried the ball more than usual. There heatmap compared to the last few games he tells it perfectly: lots of plays on the centre-left and 100% precision in passing during the first half.
However, Motta did not give up on Locatelli and his calm approach. He deployed him in defense but in reality he acted as a pure midfielder both on the right and on the left. His presence is essential to start the action and bring the ball to Koopmeiners and Thuram in midfield.
Yildiz moved towards the center of the field and found greater outlet with his plays on the attacking midfield with the license to vary, leaving the task of pure winger to Mbangula. The Turk played a good game but didn’t shine, and Nico Gonzalez will also be able to play in his position: a fundamental piece who is back at 100%.
Returns from injuries: Nico fundamental
The long list of injuries that have affected Juventus is in fact getting shorter and this can offer more solutions in attack, the department in which Juventus has struggled the most. In particular, Nico Gonzalez took over and played as number 10 and first striker, scoring and bringing quality in both roles.
His presence is “very important” as said by Thiago Motta because he can give multiple interpretations to the various roles: more goalscorer and insertion on the outside, more qualitative and association in the heart of the pitch. In short, a fundamental piece that has been missed so much.
Of lesser importance but still not to be forgotten is the presence of Adzic who returned to the field after two months and can provide further rotations in the attacking midfield. In January, Milik’s return to those matches that require it will give even more options.
Vlahovic and the environment
The peace reached between Vlahovic and the fans is perhaps one of the best signs and he repaid it by scoring the 3rd consecutive goal: all of capital importance. The Serbian is carrying Juve on his shoulders in the most difficult moment which, however, has yet to end.
The choir “We want you like this” as well as being a compliment, it is above all a warning: Juve must win and possibly do so by convincing. That is, the premises with which Thiago Motta was hired who, between settling in and injuries, only gave a glimpse of the fluidity shown with Bologna.
Missing the next match against a Monza in difficulty could exacerbate the criticism even more and make this 4-0 in vain – or almost a false positive experienced in the minds of the fans. On Sunday, Juve only has one result: to win, and well.
???? Valerio Pennicino – 2024 Getty Images
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