JUVENTUS SEASON 2023-2024

[Socrates 8430]

Beware the Ides of March: Juventus’ season is on the brink

Max Allegri’s men are at a pivotal juncture.

 

 

 

 ............

 

 

Time’s chariot has indeed thundered ruthlessly on in one month. After a disastrous February ended with a miraculous stoppage-time goal from Daniele Rugani against Frosinone, a game in which the team played terrifically terrible for most of the contest, the road is considerably tougher for March.

 

With the alarming injuries of Weston McKennie and Adrien Rabiot decimating the squad’s most tenuous unit and the practice knock courtesy of Alex Sandro that might put Federico Chiesa out for Napoli, all kinds of alarm bells should be going off. Given the availability sheet, the team’s recent form, and the dropped points in February, claiming that Juventus’ season is teetering on the brink of an epic meltdown is no hyperbole.

A depressing game of best-case, worst-case March

Before the injuries to McKennie and Rabiot, I would’ve told you that the worst-case scenario for Juventus in March was something like two points. Two losses against Napoli and Lazio away, and two terribly disappointing home draws to Atalanta and Genoa. After the injuries, though, the situation is much more precarious.

 

If absolutely everything goes right, what’s the best-case scenario for these four games? This is maybe even scarier, because even if I get my head to wrap itself around things going “right” for this club after the recent omens, all I can foresee is maybe two wins: one against Genoa of course, one other victory, and then maybe two draws. All in all, eight points out of 12 would probably feel like a resounding success after February. ............

 

Well, Charly, now’s your chance

One good thing might come out of this stretch, though: Charly Alcaraz is going to see the field a lot, which means Cristiano Giuntoli and co. will get plenty of data and eye proof for a fair evaluation. If either McKennie or Rabiot is out for an extended amount of time, that loan fee isn’t looking so cumbersome, either. I shudder to think about the midfield we’d be fielding if Giuntoli hadn’t acquired Charly from Southampton in January.

 

As things stand, Max Allegri has these options as actual midfielders: Charly, Fabio Miretti, Hans Nicolussi Caviglia, Manuel Locatelli, and possibly Joseph Nonge from the kiddos squad. One figures that Allegri might use Andrea Cambiaso in the midfield, too.

 

Still, no matter what combination you come up with in your head, there are really questionable ramifications. We’re going to see one if not both of Filip Kostic and Timothy Weah, who have both been struggling. Miretti has been struggling. Locatelli, famously divisive, is no paragon of consistency even with rose-colored glasses on. And the rest are just completely inexperienced.

 

Charly will play, and he’ll probably play a lot. Now’s his chance to make a statement.

What’s at stake for Max Allegri

I really, really don’t want Max to leave Juventus in a bad way. His reputation and standing with the fans has waxed and waned over the years, and just when you felt like Allegri 2.0 was starting to salvage Allegri 1.0’s standing, February happened.

 

As improbable as it feels right now, there’s still plenty of time to retain a top-four spot and even solidify second place. If Allegri were to just hold that, then I feel like there might be the perfect balance of good will and success for the club and manager to part ways realizing that he has done a commendable job in a very difficult situation. ............

 

As difficult as March looks, April and May are not exactly cakewalks. You’ve got the Coppa Italia semifinal against Lazio, plus remaining games against Fiorentina, Milan, Roma, and Bologna, all of which are gunning to climb up the table into European play. Max has his back against the wall with the roster; it’s truly do or die for the Bianconeri.

 

Read more -> https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2024/3/1/24086713/juventus-max-allegri-carlos-alcaraz-2024-serie-a-team-management-injuries-midfield-schedule

[Socrates 8430]

Preview: Napoli vs. Juventus

 

 

Old foes Napoli and Juventus reconvene at Stadio Maradona on Sunday, as two Serie A giants fight it out for maximum points at Stadio Maradona.

 

While the struggling Scudetto-holders took some frustration out on Sassuolo in midweek, Juve's late victory last weekend finally halted a worrying winless streak.

 

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Match preview

 

After drawing each of their previous three games with the same 1-1 scoreline - versus Genoa, Barcelona and Cagliari - reigning Serie A champions Napoli responded to letting two points slip against the latter by putting managerless Sassuolo to the sword on Wednesday evening.

 

Francesco Calzona's second league match since replacing Walter Mazzarri as head coach saw two lynchpins of the Partenopei's title win return to the fore, as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia bagged a brace and Victor Osimhen went one better by helping himself to a hat-trick. ............

 

Now aiming to post back-to-back league wins for the first time since September, Napoli have a proud recent record to build on when Juventus come to town: they have won all of the teams' last four meetings in Naples - in their long history, they have never beaten the Bianconeri five times in a row on home turf. ............

 

 

Allowing a nine-point gap to open up between themselves and the unstoppable league leaders, Juventus had picked up just two points from four matches ahead of last week's visit from faltering Frosinone, which almost resulted in another embarrassment for Max Allegri's men.

 

Though Dusan Vlahovic scored twice to take his tally to nine league goals in 2024 alone, Juve were being held 2-2 by the Serie A strugglers in Turin, with stoppage time almost over; however, Daniele Rugani's last-gasp winner snatched two extra points and ended his team's winless streak.

 

Renowned for their ability to grind out 1-0 wins under arch-pragmatist Allegri, Juventus have now conceded at least once in each of their last five league matches, which represents their longest streak without a clean sheet for almost two years.

 

As several absences are set to affect them on Sunday, and with Osimhen and Kvaratskhelia now showing signs of stirring into life, that will be a concern for fans of the Old Lady.

 

Team News

 

Napoli coach Francesco Calzona should have all of his main men available this weekend, with only January signing Cyril Ngonge - who has already missed three matches with a muscle strain - and Swedish midfielder Jens Cajuste ruled out by injury. ............

 

 

Meanwhile, Juve's main marksman Dusan Vlahovic has scored more times than anyone else across Europe's top five leagues since the start of 2024, and the Serbian striker will be partnered by either Federico Chiesa or Kenan Yildiz at Stadio Maradona.

 

Max Allegri faces a minor crisis in midfield, as injured duo Adrien Rabiot and Weston McKennie join banned pair Nicolo Fagioli and Paul Pogba on the sidelines; Southampton loanee Carlos Alcaraz could therefore make his first start and Fabio Miretti may also be selected.

 

In better news for the Bianconeri's boss, Danilo has overcome an ankle problem and should line up in defence, alongside fellow Brazilian Bremer and Federico Gatti.

Napoli possible starting lineup:
Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Jesus, Olivera; Anguissa, Lobotka, Zielinski; Politano, Osimhen, Kvaratskhelia

 

Juventus possible starting lineup:
Szczesny; Gatti, Bremer, Danilo; Cambiaso, Miretti, Locatelli, Alcaraz, Kostic; Chiesa, Vlahovic

 

We say: Napoli 1-1 Juventus

The last 11 league games between Napoli and Juventus have produced five wins for each side and one draw, and Serie A's Sunday-night kickoff could be just as evenly poised. Though the champions are still re-finding their rhythm, Juve will still find it tough to leave Naples with all three points.

 

Read more -> https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/napoli/preview/preview-napoli-vs-juventus-prediction-team-news-lineups_537996.html?cQx=NN&newsnow

[Socrates 8430]

Boost for Juventus as Chiesa and Danilo complete full training

 

 

Juventus has received a boost ahead of their upcoming match against Napoli this weekend, as two key players, Federico Chiesa and Danilo, have successfully recovered from their injuries.

 

Max Allegri has expressed optimism about having both Chiesa and Danilo available for the crucial fixture, with both players having been sidelined due to injuries for a certain period. The latest reports indicate that they have actively participated in the recent full training sessions with the team, making it highly likely that they will be involved in the upcoming game against Napoli.

 

This news provides a significant lift for Juventus as they prepare to face a resurgent Napoli side. The return of these key players strengthens Juve’s squad and enhances their chances against Napoli in what promises to be a challenging encounter. ............

 

Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/boost-for-juventus-as-chiesa-and-danilo-complete-full-training/

[Socrates 8430]

Pundit insists Napoli favourites if Juventus plays without two key men

 

 

Pundit Massimo Brambati anticipates that Juventus may encounter difficulties when facing Napoli this weekend, particularly if Adrien Rabiot and Weston McKennie are absent from the lineup.

 

Both Rabiot and McKennie are currently nursing injuries, and their availability for the upcoming match remains uncertain, with indications suggesting they may not be included in the squad to face Napoli. ............

 

 

Despite having a strong squad, Brambati expresses scepticism about Juventus’s ability to secure a victory without the presence of Rabiot and McKennie, emphasising the significance of these two players to the team.

 

He said:

 

“I see Napoli as favourites, I don’t think Juventus are going through a good moment and what’s more they have several players out who are important in the economy of the midfield such as McKennie and Rabiot. It seems paradoxical to say that McKennie is fundamental, but it also makes clear the level of the Bianconeri. They did everything to get rid of him this summer, then they kept him and he made the difference in this Juve team. They are missing two important players.” ............

 

Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/pundit-insists-napoli-favourites-if-juventus-plays-without-two-key-men/

[Socrates 8430]

Journalist says Juventus result against Napoli will show if slump is over

 

 

 

Juventus recovered from their four-game winless run to defeat Frosinone in their last league game. That result brought hope to their fans and put them in a positive mood ahead of their upcoming game against Napoli. ............

 

The Bianconeri are well aware of the challenge posed by Napoli and must capitalise on their recent victory to secure another win. Journalist Giovanni Guardalà suggests that the outcome of this fixture will determine whether Juventus is truly back on track or if the win against Frosinone was just a one-off.

 

He said:

 

“The victory over Frosinone gave some breathing space, but Juve appeared still frustrated by the fact that in a month they went from -2 to -12 from Inter. They will go to Naples to understand if the depression is definitively behind them.” ............

 

Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/journalist-says-juventus-result-against-napoli-will-show-if-slump-is-over/

[Socrates 8430]

Preview: Napoli vs Juventus

 

 

Sunday’s Serie A program caps off at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona as Napoli and Juventus trade tackles in a mouth-watering encounter. Room for error has narrowed for the home side amidst one of the worst Scudetto-defending campaigns in history. ............

 

 

Dusan Vlahovic maintained his talismanic form in 2024, netting a first-half brace as Massimiliano Allegri’s side recovered from a four-match winless run in Serie A (D2, L2). Eleven points clear of fifth-placed Atalanta, the Turin giants have built a healthy buffer in second. But that doesn’t mean they’re not hungry for revenge. 

Match Preview

Napoli

 

Napoli can’t afford any more slip-ups if they’re to return in contention for a top-four finish. And while their overall home league record this season can’t inspire much confidence (W5, D3, L4), their recent form at the Maradona Stadium does look promising. ............

 

 

Juventus

 

Juventus should deal with Napoli’s apathetic starts with ease after scoring inside the opening 30 minutes in their last two Serie A fixtures (W1, D1). Daniele Rugani’s stoppage-time winner against Frosinone confirmed Allegri’s men are equally well-versed in furious endings.

 

Rugani’s late heroics contributed to a piece of history the Allianz Stadium faithful witnessed last weekend. Allegri became the first-ever coach in Serie A to hit a 1,000-point landmark, reinforcing his hopes of avenging last season’s fiasco in Naples. 

 

Allegri can substantiate his bid with Juventus’ formidable traveling record, with only Inter (35) picking up more away points than Bianconeri (27) this term. Yet back-to-back winless away league outings (D1, L1) suggest the visitors must keep their feet firmly on the ground.

Team News

 ............

 

Mattia De Sciglio, Mattia Perin, Moise Kean, and Weston McKennie are injured. Nicolo Fagioli is still out with suspension, while Paul Pogba’s future hangs in the balance after receiving a four-year ban for doping. Question marks are still hovering over the heads of Adrien Rabiot and Danilo.

 

Napoli vs Juventus Potential Lineups

Napoli (4-3-3): Alex Meret; Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Amir Rrahmani, Juan Jesus, Mathias Olivera; Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, Stanislav Lobotka, Piotr Zielinski; Matteo Politano, Victor Osimhen, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

 

Juventus (3-5-2): Wojciech Szczesny; Federico Gatti, Gleison Bremer, Danilo; Andrea Cambiaso, Fabio Miretti, Manuel Locatelli, Carlos Alcaraz, Filip Kostic; Federico Chiesa, Dusan Vlahovic.

Napoli vs Juventus Prediction

Though just one of the last 11 league encounters between Napoli and Juventus has ended level, we believe another share of the spoils could be on the cards. Despite rediscovering their rhythm in midweek, it’s hard to imagine Partenopei toppling Allegri’s charges, especially with Vlahovic in red-hot form.

 

Prediction: Draw

 

Read more -> https://cultofcalcio.com/preview-napoli-vs-juventus-team-news-lineups-prediction/

[Socrates 8430]

Max Allegri admits difficulty in facing Napoli because of Osimhen

 

 

Juventus manager Max Allegri acknowledges that his team faces a challenging task in securing a positive result from their upcoming match against Napoli this weekend, primarily due to the impressive form of Victor Osimhen. ............

 

While Napoli has experienced a less-than-ideal season, their recent resurgence aligns with the return to form of Victor Osimhen, who was away with Nigeria for the AFCON. Allegri concedes that facing Napoli is always a formidable challenge, and Osimhen’s return has added another dimension of quality to their squad.

 

He said:

 

“Regardless of last year, Juve haven’t won in Naples for 5 years, it would be nice to get a result but it won’t be easy. Osimhen has brought some certainties back, we know his qualities but like everyone else. We’ll have to play a careful game and try to play the ball into the opponent’s half of the field.” ............

 

Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/max-allegri-admits-difficulty-in-facing-napoli-because-of-osimhen/

[Socrates 8430]

Napoli vs Juventus: Preview and Prediction

 

Napoli will hope to start mounting a late challenge for a top-four place when they host arch-rivals Juventus, aiming to take three points.

Francesco Calzona did not open his Napoli managerial account like his two predecessors this season, as he could only steer them to a 1-1 draw with Cagliari. However, the Partenopei put on a show against Sassuolo, with star striker Victor Osimhen bagging a hat-trick in what seemed like his best game this season. Next up for Napoli are Juventus.

 

The reigning champions decided to part ways with Walter Mazzarri before Calzona’s appointment, and Aurelio Di Laurentiis will hope he gets third time lucky with his managerial calls. Napoli have struggled to keep pace with the top order this season and will hope there is something to celebrate at the end of the campaign. ............

 

While Napoli are intent on chasing down a top-four place, Juventus managed to curtail their recent winless run. They secured a late victory over Frosinone in injury time last weekend. Daniele Rugani’s late winner proved key to boost the Bianconeri ranks, although it might have come too late in the context of the title race.

 

In a dismal run of four games without a victory, during which period Juventus lost twice, Inter Milan managed to take three points from each of those corresponding fixtures to run away with the lead at the top. Currently, the Bianconeri sit in a distant second place, some 12 points behind the leaders, which may seem too much of a gap to cover between now and the end of the season.

 

They still have to put up a fight to secure second place on the table, with AC Milan breathing down their neck. For Massimiliano Allegri, the task would be to pick up form and begin a run of games that would allow them to take advantage of any slip-ups from Inter Milan, although the chances of them challenging for the title are already slim to none.

Team News & Tactics

Napoli

 ............

Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Ostigard, Olivera; Anguissa, Lobotka, Zielinski; Politano, Osimhen, Kvaratskhelia

Juventus

The news of Paul Pogba has become a big talking point in Italy and the rest of Europe, with the Frenchman now banned for four years. But he has remained out of contention for the whole season anyway, meaning it does not affect how Massimiliano Allegri plans his teams for the current season and the remainder of the campaign.

 

On the injury front, Juventus remain without a host of key players, with as many as six stars missing from action ahead of the visit to Naples. There are doubts whether Danilo has overcome an ankle problem, meaning there could be a start for Daniele Rugani in the back three alongside Gleison Bremer and Federico Gatti.

 

Midfield is also something Allegri will alter, considering he is missing two of his regulars, Adrien Rabiot and Weston McKennie. On the right side, either the manager could bring in Fabio Miretti or move Andrea Cambiaso to a central role, which could see a recall for Timothy Weah in the wing-back role.

 

On the left-hand side, January arrival Carlos Alcaraz could play in Rabiot’s midfield position, with Filip Kostic beside him in the left wing-back role. Dusan Vlahovic, who has hit good form since the turn of the year, will lead the line for Juventus alongside one of Kenan Yildiz or Federico Chiesa.

 

Probable Lineup (3-5-2): Szczesny; Gatti, Bremer, Rugani; Weah, Cambiaso, Locatelli, Alcaraz, Kostic; Vlahovic, Chiesa

Key Stats

• Napoli have won their last three home matches against Juventus in all competitions.
• Napoli have never beaten Juventus five times in a row on home turf.
• Victor Osimhen has scored five times in his last three league games.
• Juventus are undefeated in 19 of their last 21 matches in Serie A.
• Juventus are 12 points behind Inter Milan in the Serie A standings.

Player to Watch

Victor Osimhen

Last season, he was the star man in Serie A, steering Napoli to their first Scudetto win in 33 years. This time around, there have been plenty of off-field problems to deal with, and there is an increasing likelihood of the Nigerian departing Naples, something he would want to do on a high note. ............

 

Prediction

Napoli 2-1 Juventus

Napoli might achieve the feat of beating Juventus five times in a row on home soil, something they have never done. It also shows how weak the Bianconeri are at this venue, as Massimiliano Allegri will remember the heavy defeat suffered here last season.

 

Juventus are on a thin line with regard to the title race, and another set of dropped points, as well as a win for Inter Milan, will likely end their title challenge. As things stand, their form is not very good, which could allow Napoli to take advantage of the three points on Sunday.

 

Read more -> https://thehardtackle.com/round-up/2024/03/03/napoli-vs-juventus-preview-and-prediction/

[Socrates 8430]

[Socrates 8430]

Napoli vs. Juventus match preview

A big month of March begins in a place that brings back some bad memories from 14 months ago.

 

 

 

Just a couple of weeks before Napoli made the trip north to Turin to face Juventus earlier this season, the man who makes all of the decisions for the reigning Serie A champions, owner Aurelio De Laurentiis, decided to make a coaching change. He brought back an old friend in Walter Mazzarri, hoping that a man who knew Napoli would reverse whatever bad mojo Rudi Garcia had brought with him to southern Italy.

 

Now, as Juventus gets set to play the return fixture against Napoli, you’ll never guess what has transpired in Naples over the last couple of weeks ...

Yep, just as was the case the first time around, Napoli have seen an old friend return to try and get the Scudetto holders’ season back on track again. This time, instead of a former manager coming back for a second tour of duty, it’s an old assistant coach who has worked under multiple Napoli managers to try and do what Mazzarri couldn’t.

 

Francesco Calzona, who also serves as head coach for the Slovakian national team, is now the third different person this season that De Laurentiis has employed as the one to try and get his side to play anywhere near Luciano Spalletti’s level a season ago. Garcia couldn’t do it. Neither could Mazzarri, who lasted all of three months before he was sacked. ............

 

Juventus manager Max Allegri was very frank when describing what his team went through the last four weeks. “February was not a good month for us,” he said at his pre-match press conference. And even though Juve are coming off a win over Frosinone last weekend, it’s not like that performance was much better than what we had seen over the over weeks of February.

 

 

The hope, of course, is that a new month brings a different kind of end product. January was great outside of how the month ended. February, much like the final game of January, was total crap outside of the simple result against Frosinone to close it out.

 

But the worry is that the trip to face Napoli will only become an extension of what February proved to be. ............

 

TEAM NEWS

• Paul Pogba: officially suspended for four years as of earlier this week. He is expected to appeal the verdict to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, a process that could take months to complete.
• Nicolo Fagioli is heading into the final three months of his suspension for gambling.
• The long-term injury list is as follows: Mattia De Sciglio, Moise Kean and Mattia Perin. Allegri said that Kean and Perin (say that a few times fast) “should return” at some point next week.
• Weston McKennie and Adrien Rabiot are the newest additions to the injured list after their separated toe and separated shoulder injuries, respectively, against Frosinone last weekend.
• When it came to how long McKennie and Rabiot will be out for, Allegri didn’t provide any concrete answers, instead saying that they still need to be evaluated further.
• The good injury news is that Federico Chiesa and Danilo returned to training on Friday, which should at the very least put them in position to be options off the bench against Napoli.
• Juventus have not won both games over Napoli in a single season since the 2018-19 campaign. Juve have not kept clean sheets in both games against Napoli since 1994-95 when Marcello Lippi was managing in Turin (and I was in elementary school).

JUVENTUS PLAYER TO WATCH

With only so many midfielders available, will it comes to anybody’s surprise that we will be talking about somebody in the midfield?

The thing is, we don’t know where, exactly, he will be playing in the midfield.

 

 

Over the last couple of days, those who do projected lineups have had Andrea Cambiaso starting as the wingback on the right wing like he has done for much of the past few months. Others, meanwhile, has had Cambiaso shifting to more of an inside role like he’s done a handful of times this season. Those same outlets then changed to Cambiaso being out wide and Fabio Miretti in the starting midfield.

 

The thing that determines where Cambiaso will play is whether Allegri decides to go with Miretti or Timothy Weah. Based on form alone, that is not exactly the best choice. Is there a lesser of two evils there? I’m not so sure. So it could very well with who Allegri feels more confident with compared to where it means Cambiaso is going to play as a result. ............

 

MATCH INFO

When: Sunday, March 3, 2024.

Where: Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, Naples, Italy.

Official kickoff time: 8:45 p.m. in Italy and the Central European time zone, 7:45.m. in the United Kingdom, 2:45 p.m. Eastern time, 11:45 a.m. Pacific time. ............

 

Read more -> https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2024/3/3/24083135/napoli-juventus-2024-serie-a-round-27-preview-team-news-schedule-how-to-watch

[Socrates 8430]

The probable Juventus lineup vs Napoli: Three spots up for grabs

 

 

This evening, Juventus take on Napoli at the Maradona Stadium in the biggest showdown of Serie A Round 27.

 

The Bianconeri returned to winning ways last weekend with a dramatic 3-2 win over Frosinone.

 

However, a more difficult task awaits the Old Lady this time around, especially in the absence of some key players.

 

So how will Max Allegri line up his men on Sunday night? ............

 

Finally, Dusan Vlahovic will spearhead the lineup with Federico Chiesa (60%) the favorite to join him ahead of Kenan Yildiz (40%).

 

Juventus Probable XI (3-5-2): Szczesny; Gatti, Bremer, Rugani (Danilo); Cambiaso, Miretti (Weah), Locatelli, Alcaraz, Kostic; Vlahovic, Chiesa (Yildiz)

 

Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/the-probable-juventus-lineup-vs-napoli-three-spots-up-for-grabs/

[Socrates 8430]

Allegri prepares surprise to Napoli: Kostic dropped from Juventus starting lineup

 

 

Juventus coach Max Allegri reportedly has a surprise in store in his starting lineup for this evening’s big clash against Napoli.

 

While earlier reports indicated that Filip Kostic was set to occupy the left flank as usual, several accounts are now reporting a different formation.

 

The Bianconeri manager will seemingly drop the Serbian winger in favor of Samuel Iling-Junior. ............

 

Elsewhere, Federico Chiesa and Dusan Vlahovic will link up in attack, leaving Kenan Yildiz on the bench.

 

In the middle of the park, Carlos Alcaraz will make his full debut due to the injuries of Adrien Rabiot and Weston McKennie. The Argentine will join Manuel Locatelli and Fabio Miretti.

 

Andrea Cambiaso will operate on the right flank, while the defense should remain intact despite Danilo’s return from injury. In other words, Rugani will start alongside Federico Gatti and Gleison Bremer, with Wojciech Szczesny taking his place between the posts as usual.

 

Juventus Expected XI (3-5-2): Szczesny; Gatti, Bremer, Rugani; Cambiaso, Miretti, Locatelli, Alcaraz, Iling-Junior; Vlahovic, Chiesa

 

Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/allegri-prepares-surprise-to-napoli-kostic-dropped-from-juventus-starting-lineup/

[Socrates 8430]

Wasteful Juventus suffer dramatic away defeat at Napoli

 

 

At the Maradona Stadium in Napoli, Juventus paid the price for their missed chances and inexperience, as they sustained a dramatic 1-2 defeat at the hands of their hosts. ............

 

Although Napoli saw more of the ball in the first half, the Bianconeri had the most dangerous chances. Vlahovic came close on three occasions, even hitting the post one time.

 

Yet, it was the home side that headed to the break thanks to Kvaratskhelia’s opener in the 42nd minute. Last season’s Serie A MVP pounced on a clearance from Bremer, sending his volley past Wojciech Szczesny following a slight deflection off Cambiaso.

 

The Bianconeri had to wait until the 81st minute to find an equalizer through a lovely low drive from Chiesa who stormed from the right wing.

 

However, the Old Lady’s joy was short-lived as the young Joseph Nonge came off the bench to give  away a spot-kick with a needless challenge on Osimhen. Szczesny did well to deny the Nigerian’s effort, but Giacomo Raspadori was first to react, scoring the winner on the rebound. ............

 

Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/wasteful-juventus-suffer-dramatic-away-defeat-at-napoli/

[Socrates 8430]

Juventus 1 - Napoli 2: Initial reaction and random observations

Well, that was pretty infuriating.

 

 

 

In a perfect world, an 18-year-old who has barely played this season going in a split-second too late shouldn’t have been the thing that determined whether or not Juventus beat Napoli on Sunday night. But because of what transpired over that point, suddenly Joseph Nonge’s tackle attempt on Victor Osimhen goes from potential risk to game-changing moment.

 

It will be what a lot of folks focus in on.

 

It wasn’t not the only reason why Juventus lost to Napoli on this night.

 

No, as much as Nonge’s tackle gave Napoli a penalty kick that led to Giacomo Raspadori’s game-winning goal after Wojciech Szczesny initially saved Osimhen attempt from the spot, there is another very obvious reason why a very shorthanded Juventus (especially in midfield) was handed a 2-1 loss at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. That’s because Juve’s finishing, outside of Federico Chiea’s goal to tie things up in the 81st minute, was bad. It was awful. It was not good whatsoever. Choose whatever kind of adjective that has any sort of negative spin to it that you want and it probably will be appropriate.

 

Juventus did a lot of things right against Napoli. But when your finishing proves to be as poor as it was for Max Allegri’s squad Sunday night, then you’re playing with fire. And it turns out that Juve got burned when Nonge went in a little too late on Osimhen, his studs caught the ankle of the Nigerian striker and everything that followed outside of Szczesny making the initial save proved to a mess.

 

(Like, what are Juve’s players doing as they watch the ball on the rebound? There is absolutely no reason why Raspadori should be the first one to get to the ball, yet he is and he’s able to score the game-winning goal after a big PK save without much challenge whatsoever. I mean, Raspadori absolutely burned Alex Sandro on his way to the ball. Sheesh.)

 

For all of the possession and shot creation that Napoli had, it feels pretty safe to say that Juve had the better of those scoring chances. The problem was that only one of Juventus’ nine first-half shots was actually put on target. Dusan Vlahovic was missing chances. Samuel Iling-Junior — who was making his first Serie A start of the season — was missing chances. Chiesa had a pair of chances that he sent wide.

 

Juve were doing a lot right in the final third of the field. The only problem was that they were not taking advantage of chances that they should have been putting away.

 

That’s why Khvicha Kvaratskhelia putting Napoli ahead felt more like a missed opportunity more than anything else. Juventus should have been up on Napoli before that very, very well-taken goal by Kvara, and the fact that they were suddenly down 1-0 on a goal out of nowhere only seemed to magnify the fact their finishing had been ... less than ideal. ............

 

Yet, just as you were starting to maybe get some hopes up that Chiesa’s goal was going to be the thing that finally ignited this Juventus team into its latest late-game comeback, all hell broke loose as a result of Nonge going in just a little too late, thus missing the ball and catching Osimhen ankle. ............

 

RANDOM THOUGHTS AND OBSERVATIONS

• Oh wow, Juventus just missed another really good scoring chance as I was typing this. Almost like they knew I was about to say something about them missing chances.
• Guessing that somebody who’s older than 18 and has more than a handful of Serie A minutes under their belt is maybe a little smarter than Nonge when it comes to that situation in which the penalty is called. I dunno, but I just think that’s the right thing to assume.
• Also, I have no idea what the mental impact that Nonge giving up a penalty and then being immediately subbed off might have on the young man, but it seems like Max could have handled all of that a little bit better.
• Of course, there’s not even a need for Nonge if two of your best midfielders were serving suspensions and two of your other more reliable midfielders hadn’t gotten injured a week earlier. So yeah, as much as you might be mad at Nonge for what he did, in a somewhat perfect world where Adrien Rabiot doesn’t have a dislocated toe or Weston McKennie doesn’t separate his shoulder, the young Belgian is never even on the field to begin with.
• I am glad Federico Chiesa scored that kind of goal because that is the kind of goal that hopefully hushes a little bit of the discourse surrounding him. It’s the kind of discourse that makes it seem like he’s totally finished as a player even though he very much isn’t. Now let’s hope that he scores more goals and plays well on the whole more often to close the season. That sure would be nice.
• Sure woulda loved to know what Tek Szczesny was thinking as he watched Raspadori break through and get a clear crack on goal right after he made a big save on a penalty kick. Probably involved a lot of cuss words in Polish — and you could totally understand why.
• Carlos Alcaraz made his share of mistakes against Napoli, but he also did some things in midfield that are a welcome addition to a unit that just doesn’t have a lot of variance to their style of play. ............
• There was a point in the first half in which you thought every single Juve player was going to be shown a yellow card and it didn’t seem like an outrageous thought.
• One of those yellow cards means Vlahovic will be suspended next weekend against Atalanta. Let’s just hope Arek Milik stepping in for Vlahovic doesn’t mean he gets a red card this time around.
• One win in Juventus’ last six games seems bad.
• If the Bremer vs. Osimhen individual battle had evolved into an MMA fight, would anybody have been surprised? That was one physical tussle after physical tussle from two large human beings.
• Napoli had 69% possession in the first half.
• Juventus had 27% possession in the second half. Not as nice.
• So Juventus will know by the time they kick things off against Atalanta next weekend if they’ve been knocked down into third place. What could possibly go wrong, right? ............

Read more -> https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2024/3/4/24089525/juventus-napoli-2024-serie-a-matchday-27-final-score-result-initial-reaction-random-observations

[Socrates 8430]

Poor finishing and bad timing doom Juventus at Napoli

A wasteful Juventus left the Maradona wondering what might have been.

 

 

 

In comedy, the old adage is that timing is everything.

 

One could say that about most sports, as well, very much including soccer.

 

Joseph Nonge, an 18-year-old midfielder of great promise but all of two first team appearances who was forced into a big game against Napoli thanks to injuries and idiocy in the Juventus midfield, had some pretty crappy timing five minutes from time when he moved in on Victor Osimhen a fraction late and caught the Nigerian in the ankle with his studs.

 

A quick VAR review gave Napoli a deserved penalty kick — the first one Juve had given up all year. Even then, it looked like Juve might have been spared the worst when Wojciech Szczesny, one of the best penalty kick specialists in the world, parried a poor Osimhen penalty. But Szczesny got no help. Instead, three Napoli players flew toward the rebound before any Juve defenders came close, and Giacomo Raspadori slammed the ball into the roof of the net, the second time in two years he’d provided a late goal to beat Juventus.

 

But in fairness to Nonge, his mistake shouldn’t have been so decisive in the 2-1 loss to Napoli. Juventus ought to have had a significant edge on their hosts by this point. But they had wasted chance after chance after chance to that point before the young Belgian’s fateful tackle. In the first half alone, Dusan Vlahovic had missed two glorious chances and hit the post, though in fairness that last one would have been an amazing goal had it been a few centimeters further inside. Samuel Iling-Junior ballooned one shot over the bar and failed to get much purchase on another that was met with an easy save. Andrea Cambiaso blazed over from point-blank range at the start of the second half. ............

 

Juve looked dangerous early, but Alcaraz got a ball stuck in his feet on a feed from Iling-Junior in the first few minutes. A few bad giveaways in their own half were smothered by the defense, then with 10 minutes on the clock came the first real missed opportunity when Chiesa pressed the ball off of Olivera and found Vlahovic free behind Rrahmani, but the striker’s header back across the grain skimmed just wide of the post. ............

 

Just after the half-hour mark another good chance went begging when Cambiaso fizzed a ball into the box that got past Chiesa but landed at Iling-Junior’s feet, only for the young Englishman to fire into the crowd. Three minutes later, Vlahovic came agonizingly close to breaking the deadlock when got behind the defense and latched on to a through ball from Chiesa. Meret charged out, and Vlahovic delivered one of his trademark chips from just outside the corner of the 6-yard box. The ball floated over the stranded keeper but bounced off the upright on the far side, leaving Vlahovic wondering what more he had to do to put the ball into the net. ............

 

 

Soon, though, Juve’s profligacy in front of goal would come back to haunt them. When Di Lorenzo sent in a cross in the 43rd minute, Bremer could only get a weak head to the ball, flicking it only into the path of Kvaratshkelia, who had been left open by Cambiaso. The wing-back tried to charge the Georgian down, but his excellent volley took a slight deflection off him, giving the shot enough of a deviation to sneak it through Szczesny’s hands at the near post. After all that huffing and puffing, Juve were behind just before the break.

 

They really should’ve gone into the locker rooms level. Less than two minutes after the opener, Rugani came way up to press Traore, who coughed the ball up right to Vlahovic — whose first-time shot from 18 yards somehow flew over for his most egregious miss of the night.  ............

 

That is until the 81st minute, when a seemingly innocuous move, first from Nonge to Chiesa, then a one-two between Chiesa and Alcaraz, put Juve’s No. 7 a step into the box on the right side. Out of nowhere, Chiesa unleashed a worm-burner that nutmegged Olivera and skittered across Meret and into the bottom corner to tie the score and, for the moment, silence the crowd at the Maradona. ............

 

 

But they wouldn’t stay silent for long. Nonge’s naive challenge, completely unnecessary in the grand sceme of things, set up Raspadori’s eventual winner. Even then, Juve had one last salvo in them off a corner. After a couple of flicks, the ball fell to Locatelli, who slammed a shot off his own teammate Arkadiusz Milik. The ball cannoned back out to Kenan Yildiz, who put the ball back in to Rugani. But the center-back wasn’t able to play hero for the second week in a row. The ball came up on him, making contact with his shin and blasting the ball over one final time.

LE PAGELLE

WOJCIECH SZCZESNY - 6.5. It’s hard to see the ball go into the net off the keeper’s hands, but Kvaratshkelia’s goal took that little deflection that made it hard for Szczesny to keep it out. The Pole was solid otherwise, and went above and beyond with his penalty save—his 20th career stop from the spot — only for his defense to fail him.

 

DANIELE RUGANI - 6. Kept things relatively clean on the right, and had a pair of key passes in the game going forward as well. His last shot will be replayed by Juve fans repeatedly, but it definitely took a bobble on its way to him.

BREMER - 7. Was involved in a massive physical battle with Osimhen and had the striker quite frustrated as the game went on. He made six clearances and didn’t allow him to take a shot from open play.

ALEX SANDRO - 6. A surprisingly good day for the Brazilian, not allowing Politano much purchase on the left flank. Led the team with three tackles and defended well overall.

ANDREA CAMBIASO - 5.5. Played well defensively on the right flank, dealing with Kvaratshkelia and jumping Napoli’s passing lanes on multiple occasions. But he lost Kvara on Napoli’s opener and blew a big opportunity in front of goal early in the second half.

CARLOS ALCARAZ - 6. His instinct is always to push the ball forward, which is something that this team sorely needs. He played a good one-two with Chiesa to tie the game, but really needs to get his first touch under control.

MANUEL LOCATELLI - 6. ............

FABIO MIRETTI - 7. The best Juve player on the field by a decent margin. He led the team in dribbles, tied for the team lead with three key passes, made several excellent defensive plays. This is probably one of the best games he’s played with the first team period.

SAMUEL ILING-JUNIOR - 5.5. ............

FEDERICO CHIESA - 6.5. Hit a fantastic goal, made three key passes, and looked a lot more threatening than he has in recent weeks. Hopefully that carries over for the rest of the year.

DUSAN VLAHOVIC - 5. Got into all the right places but simply couldn’t finish. The shot off the post was a difficult one, but some of the others were sitters, especially the one at the end of the first half. He took responsibility for his misses at the end of the game, but now needs to work to eliminate them.

SUBS

TIMOTHY WEAH - 5. ............

KENAN YILDIZ - NR. Made a key pass at the end of the game on Rugani’s miss but for some reason was played as a wing-back in place of Iling-Junior, severely limiting his ability to influence the game further forward..

JOSEPH NONGE - NR. Showed his youth in making that tackle on Osimhen. It’s a shame because he did show a few flashes, like the pass that started the move that led to the equalizer. He’s talented, but one has to hope that being hauled off like that isn’t going to hurt him psychologically.

ARKADIUSZ MILIK - NR. ............

DANILO - NR. ............

MANAGER ANALYSIS

At least from the start, there was very little Max Allegri could do that was different. His options in midfield were severely limited. The only other choice he could have made was to start Weah on the right and move Cambiaso inside, but given the disparity between the performance of the American and Miretti, it’s clear he made the right call.

 

His in-game moves were a little more awkward. Taking Miretti off the field first despite having comprehensively outperformed Alcaraz was an odd decision, but could have been motivated by fitness concerns, as he’d only played two minutes since the end of January. Removing Cambiaso, who had been playing relatively well, was also justified, as he’d been booked in the first half and had come a little too close to a second yellow for comfort by the time he was replaced.

 

 

But playing Yildiz as a straight wing-back was rather baffling. Yildiz is one of Juve’s most creative talents, and to play him so far away from goal when Juve was chasing the game seemed rather absurd. There is no reason to put one of your better attacking players in a defensive role in that situation. It was a deeply strange decision that basically extracted one of his own teeth up front.

 

But the problem I had more than anything else was pulling Nonge after the penalty. The narrative that Allegri has been more open to young players in his second tenure is seriously belied by that decision. Taking Nonge off in what, on its face, was a punitive decision and replacing him with a defensive player, captain or not, is horrific man management, and could be a heavy blow to the youngster’s confidence. It was uncalled for, especially as Nonge may need to be relied upon again until Rabiot and/or McKennie have returned.

LOOKING AHEAD

A huge head-to-head matchup with Atalanta is on the cards for next week, followed by a lunchtime kickoff against Genoa that is, frankly, a must-win game for Juve’s top-four ambitions.

 

Read more -> https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2024/3/4/24089691/napoli-juventus-2024-serie-a-matchday-27-final-score-result-match-recap-analysis-dusan-vlahovic

[Socrates 8430]

Juventus Player Ratings vs Napoli: Chiesa and Szczesny Late Heroics Not Enough

 

 

Juventus (3-5-2)

Wojciech Szczesny – 7

A solid effort from the Poland international who was unlucky to concede twice. On the first goal, it took a slight deflection to beat him, although he came close to parrying it away. He then did well to save Osimhen’s penalty but could do nothing about Raspadori’s rebound.

Daniele Rugani – 6.5

A decent showing from the Italian defender who did well to limit Kvaratskhelia’s threat and help Bremer in his battle against Osimhen

Gleison Bremer – 6

The Brazilian had to resort to dark arts in his titanic duel against Osimhen. He was hindered by an early booking, but still managed to keep the Nigerian at bay.

Alex Sandro – 6

The stand-in Juventus captain showed his experience on multiple occasions, smoothly dealing with difficult situations.

Andrea Cambiaso – 5

 ............

Carlos Alcaraz – 6

On his full debut, the Argentine started slowly but grew with the match. He eventually delivered the assist for Chiesa’s goal, but still has major room for improvement.

Manuel Locatelli – 6

 ............

Fabio Miretti – 6

An encouraging display from the Juventus youth product who started on a positive note, making himself useful in the buildup. However, he somewhat faded as the match progressed.

Samuel Iling-Junior – 6

 ............

Dusan Vlahovic – 5.5

The Serbian just couldn’t buy himself a goal when it mattered the most for Juventus. Wasted a free header early on, before watching a brilliant chip hit the post. His first half ended with a shot that whistled past the woodwork and then was much more quiet after the break.

Federico Chiesa – 7.5

The Euro 2020 winner was easily the best performer for Juventus. Unlike the last few weeks, he looked inspired and dangerous with the ball at his feet. Put Vlahovic through on two occasions, left Napoli defenders in his wake, and scored what a momentary equalizer with a clever low shot.

Substitutes

Timothy Weah – 5

 ............

Kenan Yildiz – 5.5

Ironically, the young striker’s highlight was denying Osimhen from scoring in the final minute with a good piece of defending. Not much on the offense though.

Joseph Nonge – 4.5

The teenager’s blunder cost Juventus dearly, needlessly stomping Osimhen inside the box. Allegri immediately hauled him off afterwards, but the damage was already done.

Arkadiusz Milik – N/A

Danilo – N/A

 

Read more -> https://cultofcalcio.com/juventus-player-ratings-vs-napoli-chiesa-and-szczesny-late-heoircs-not-enough/

[Socrates 8430]

Vlahovic has Juventus regret: ‘I have to take those chances’

 

 

Dusan Vlahovic practically apologised to Juventus after missing scoring opportunities in the defeat to Napoli. ............

 

 

The Serbia international had several huge situations and was unlucky with a couple, as one header skimmed the far post, a chip bounced off the inside of the upright and he fired another over the bar.

 

“I will honestly regret them all. If I want to become what I want to become, to take that extra step up in level, then I have to take these chances. There is nothing else I can say”.

 

“I had opportunities to win the match, I worked so hard during the week and did everything to be prepared, but it just didn’t happen tonight.” ............

 

“When I do not follow my intuition, that is where things go wrong. At first I wanted to control, but then I decided to hit it first time and 9 times out of 10 I score those. In that moment, I thought the opponent would go into a sliding block and so I had to take it first time. ............

 

 

“The team played really well, we did everything the coach asked of us, but if I converted one of those chances, I think the game would’ve been very different.

 

“I want to thank my teammates, as I saw their faces in the locker room and we really gave our all. It was a strong performance, I know that if I had scored, it would’ve been another game.” ............

 

Read more -> https://football-italia.net/vlahovic-has-juventus-regret-i-have-to-take-those-chances/

[Socrates 8430]

Allegri: Juve losses part of the growth process

Coach’s comments after the Bianconeri lose 2-1 away at Napoli

 

 

 

Juventus’ current run of indifferent form shows no sign of abating after they dropped more points, this time in a 2-1 defeat away at Napoli. The hosts had dominated possession, but the Bianconeri were guilty of wasting a number of chances and in the end they paid for it.

Speaking to the media after the game, coach Massimiliano Allegri remained upbeat about finishing in the top four, his original target for the season.

“The lads played very well, we had good scoring opportunities and didn’t take them. This is all part of the growth process, finding greater balance in the big games.

“We are in a good position, we have 11 matches remaining to achieve our objective.”  ............

 

“Without McKennie and Rabiot, Alcaraz did really well in his first real game. Miretti has 60-odd games under his belt already, so is more experienced.

“I don’t think Napoli had many really clear-cut chances in front of Szczesny, whereas we did not make the most of our opportunities. We also got pig-headed trying to break through the centre rather than spreading it to wide areas.

“It is a regret that we leave empty-handed, but experience of playing at this level makes the difference. We should’ve been more wide awake in certain situations.

“It was one of the youngest Juventus starting XIs of all time, I think, and that means we are working well. Our objective is to help these young players to grow so that they will be ready next season.”

The winning goal came after Victor Osimhen’s penalty was saved and three Napoli players attacked the rebound with Giacomo Raspadori tucking it in.

“I am more sad than angry, they started the run from deep and we ought to do better. Szczesny saved a bad penalty, it would’ve been better to put it out for a corner.

“Now we have a head-to-head with Atalanta and we need to pick up points.” ............

Read more -> https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2024/3/4/24088476/napoli-2-1-juventus-serie-a-match-recap-reaction-allegri-comments-kvara-chiesa-raspadori-osimhen

[Socrates 8430]

Italian press ratings for Juventus after Napoli loss: Chiesa Top, Vlahovic Flop

 

 

Despite a valiant effort, Juventus returned to Turin empty-handed following a 1-2 defeat at the hands of Napoli.

 

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scored the opener late in the first half through a deflected shot.

 

Federico Chiesa replied in the 81st minute with a clever low drive that crept past Alex Meret.

 

However, it proved to be a short-lived equalizer, as Joseph Nonge gave away a late spot-kick that Victor Osimhen squandered. Yet, Giacomo Raspadori reacted first to pounce on the rebound. ............

 

La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport
Szczesny 6
Rugani 5.5
Bremer 6
Alex Sandro 6
Cambiaso 5
Alcaraz 5.5
Locatelli 5.5
Miretti 5.5
Iling-Junior 5.5
Chiesa 7
Vlahovic 5
Weah 6
Nonge 5
Yildiz 6
Milik N/A
Danilo N/A

 

Tuttosport
Szczesny 7
Rugani 6
Bremer 6.5
Alex Sandro 6
Cambiaso 5.5
Alcaraz 5.5
Locatelli 5
Miretti 6
Iling-Junior 5.5
Chiesa 7
Vlahovic 5
Allegri 6
Weah 6
Nonge 4.5
Stars 5.5
Milik N/A
Danilo N/A

 

Il Corriere dello Sport
Szczesny 6
Rugani 6
Bremer 6.5
Alex Sandro 6
Cambiaso 5
Alcaraz 5
Locatelli 6.5
Miretti 5
Iling-Junior 6
Chiesa 7
Vlahovic 4
Allegri 6
Weah 5,5
Nonge 4
Yildiz N/A
Milik N/A
Danilo N/A

 

Calciomercato.com
Szczesny 6.5
Rugani 6
Bremer 5.5
Alex Sandro 6.5
Cambiaso 5
Alcaraz 5.5
Locatelli 6
Miretti 6
Iling-Junior 6
Chiesa 7
Vlahovic 5
Allegri 6
Weah 5.5
Nonge 5
Yildiz 5.5
Milik N/A
Danilo N/A

 

Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/italian-press-ratings-for-juventus-after-napoli-loss-chiesa-top-vlahovic-flop/

[Socrates 8430]

Ferrara highlights ‘serious’ Juventus mistake in loss to Napoli

 

 

Former Napoli and Juventus defender Ciro Ferrara highlights that Bianconeri players made a ‘serious’ error in their loss at the Stadio Maradona as they were outrun by Giacomo Raspadori when Wojciech Szczęsny saved Victor Osimhen’s penalty kick.

 

Juventus suffered their third loss in the last six Serie A matches on Sunday night, losing 2-1 at the Stadio Maradona in Naples. ............

 

The ex-Sassuolo star was quicker than any other Juventus player and latched onto the rebound before any other opponent. Even Giovanni Di Lorenzo and André Zambo Anguissa got on the ball before the Old Lady’s defenders and Ferrara harshly criticised the Bianconeri because of that.

 

 

“I think there was a serious error after the penalty save,” Ferrara told DAZN during Sunday’s post-match show.

 

“Taking a point home from the Stadio Maradona would have been important for Juventus’ mood.” ............

 

Read more -> https://football-italia.net/ferrara-highlights-serious-juventus-mistake-in-loss-to-napoli/

[Socrates 8430]

“Wasn’t enough.” Bremer breaks silence after Juventus loss to Napoli

 

 

Gleison Bremer has broken his silence following Juventus’ defeat to Napoli in their recent Serie A fixture. The Bianconeri needed a victory to remain in close contention with Inter Milan, but they faced difficulties at the Maradona Stadium, a venue where they typically struggle. ............

 

The Brazilian defender, however, emphasizsed that the team gave their best effort, attributing the loss to a day where things didn’t go in their favor.

 

He tweeted:

 

“We tried but the field says it wasn’t enough.

“I’m proud of this group.

“We continue to give our best.” ............

 

Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/wasnt-enough-bremer-breaks-silence-after-juventus-loss-to-napoli/

[Socrates 8430]

McKennie could be forced to play through pain for Juventus against Atalanta

 

 

Juventus currently faces an emergency in their midfield, which comes at an inopportune time in the season. The Bianconeri are confronting Atalanta when they are grappling with a lack of form, having recently suffered a defeat to Napoli, making this upcoming match a crucial fixture that they must win.

 

Juve is experiencing a shortage of players in the midfield, potentially leading them to field a lineup where Manuel Locatelli stands out as the most experienced player. ............

 

Weston McKennie emerges as a viable option, having recovered from an injury sustained in the game against Frosinone. As he gradually returns to fitness, Juventus might consider asking him to play through any lingering pain in the upcoming Atalanta game. ............

 

Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/mckennie-could-be-forced-to-play-through-pain-for-juventus-against-atalanta/

[Socrates 8430]

SERIE A PREVIEW | JUVENTUS V ATALANTA

 

 

A feisty fixture is on the menu this weekend as second-placed Juventus face top-four chasing Atalanta at the Allianz Stadium. 

Juventus endured a dip in form since drawing 1-1 with Empoli in January as the stalemate was followed up with consecutive defeats against Inter and Udinese. The dropped points from the matches helped league leaders Inter to go clear at the top by 15 points and the Bianconeri’s distance from third-placed Milan was reduced to just a point. ..............

 

Currently sitting in 6th place in the league standings, Gian Piero Gasperini’s men are five points away from the fourth-placed Bologna and are three points clear of chasing pack Napoli. .............

 

 

Team News

 

Massimiliano Allegri will have to start Arkadiusz Milik upfront for the match as Dusan Vlahovic is set to miss the game after getting his fifth booking of the season against Napoli.

 

Southampton loanee Carlos Alcaraz is ruled out for two weeks as he has suffered a hamstring problem.

 

Weston Mckennie, Adrien Rabiot, Moise Kean, Mattia De Sciglio and goalkeeper Mattia Perin are out of this contest with respective injuries. .............

 

 

Predicted XIs

 

Juventus (3-5-2): Szczesny; Rugani, Bremer, Sandro; Weah, Cambiaso, Locatelli, Miretti, Iling-Junior; Milik, Chiesa.

 

Atalanta (3-4-1-2): Carnesecchi; Scalvini, Djimsiti, Kolasinac; Hateboer, de Roon, Ederson, Ruggeri; Pasalic; De Ketelaere, Miranchuk.

 

Read more -> https://www.getfootballnewsitaly.com/2024/serie-a-preview-juventus-v-atalanta/

[Socrates 8430]

Weston McKennie partially returns to Juventus training

 

 

 

Juventus has received a minor boost ahead of their upcoming match against Atalanta as Weston McKennie participated in some training drills. The American midfielder, who has been dealing with an injury for at least a week, missed their last game. With an ongoing injury crisis in midfield for Juventus, McKennie’s return is eagerly awaited to provide additional options..............

 

McKennie was involved in some training drills during Juventus’s latest training session, raising hopes that he will complete additional sessions before the upcoming game against Atalanta. .............

 

Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/weston-mckennie-partially-returns-to-juventus-training/

[Socrates 8430]

Preview: Juventus vs. Atalanta BC - prediction, team news, lineups

 

 

After a run of one win from six, Juventus aim to retain their grip on second place in the Serie A standings when they meet Atalanta BC on Sunday evening.

 

La Dea's recent resurgence was halted by successive defeats, before recording a midweek draw in Europe, so both sides will be keen to get back on track this weekend.

 

Match preview

Losing for the fifth time in a row at Stadio Maradona, Juventus were beaten by struggling Serie A champions Napoli last week, when any remaining hope of a late Scudetto challenge surely faded.

 

Although Federico Chiesa's 81st-minute leveller pulled Juve back into contention, Giacomo Raspadori then struck as stoppage time approached, leaving the visitors empty-handed once again: they now trail league leaders Inter Milan by some 15 points.

 

In the process of winning only one of their last six league matches, Max Allegri's men have been unusually open at the back, and they last kept a clean sheet in late January.

 

Once renowned for grinding out one-goal wins under safety-first Allegri, Juventus have conceded some avoidable goals to struggling sides such as Frosinone, Udinese and Hellas Verona, killing their momentum at a crucial stage of the season.

 

Inter have clinically exploited Juve's series of slip-ups to open a sizeable gap at the summit, and third-placed AC Milan are now breathing down the Bianconeri's neck, sitting just one point behind.

 

Shortly after the international break, they meet Lazio in a two-legged Coppa Italia semi-final, so some silverware could still be brought back to Turin; if Juve are to retain second spot in Serie A, though, they will need to improve on a dire recent record against Atalanta. ..............

 

Team News

© Reuters

 

Juventus face a selection crisis on Sunday, as several first-team regulars will be missing, or at least lacking full fitness.

 

Most acutely, the hosts' midfield is affected, as Adrien Rabiot (toe) and Carlos Alcaraz (hamstring) are ruled out and Weston McKennie may not make it back from a dislocated shoulder.

 

Top scorer Dusan Vlahovic must serve a suspension, while fellow forward Moise Kean and long-term absentee Mattia De Sciglio will also be unavailable. Therefore, Arkadiusz Milik and Danilo are among several men hopeful of being promoted from the bench. .............

 

Juventus possible starting lineup:
Szczesny; Gatti, Bremer, Danilo; Cambiaso, Miretti, Locatelli, McKennie, Kostic; Chiesa, Milik

 

Atalanta BC possible starting lineup:
Carnesecchi; Scalvini, Djimsiti, Kolasinac; Zappacosta, De Roon, Ederson, Ruggeri; Koopmeiners; Lookman, De Ketelaere

 

 

We say: Juventus 2-1 Atalanta BC

No fewer than nine of the last 14 league meetings between Juventus and Atalanta have ended in draws, but La Dea's midweek exertions may tip the balance in Juve's favour on this occasion. Despite being hampered by absences, they may be meeting Gasperini's men at just the right time.

 

 

 

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