Socrates 8629 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 135215 messaggi Inviato March 10 Thiago Motta: ‘Juventus 4-0 defeat not on same level as Empoli exit’ Thiago Motta insists the 4-0 home defeat to Atalanta is ‘not on the same level’ as their Coppa Italia exit to Empoli, so he does not feel the need to apologise to Juventus fans. Mateo Retegui’s penalty paved the way for one-way traffic in the second half, as Marten de Roon, Davide Zappacosta and Ademola Lookman shredded the defence for a 4-0 result. ............ “I think we started a game that we knew was going to be complicated, against a team that wanted to make the most of our mistakes,” Thiago Motta said. “After the penalty, without getting into the details of how debatable it was, that was a painful moment. We are a young team, we tried to pour forward and get back into the game, but that left gaps at the back. “We struggled psychologically with that first goal and got unbalanced, giving Atalanta even more space to run into with players like Lookman and their wing-backs. After a defeat like this, we are sad, we are disappointed, but at the same time this talk of the Scudetto that you dragged us into will no longer be talked about. ............ Juventus had more possession this evening, but a disastrous comparison in the xG scores, not to mention the 4-0 result. These teams had played out a 1-1 draw in Bergamo back in January. “It was a completely different game, as in Bergamo Atalanta played in a different way and took the game to us. Today we saw especially after the first goal that we tried to push forward and made mistakes, which made it easier for a side that is so strong on the counter-attack,” continued Thiago Motta. ............ Juventus had not lost a Serie A home fixture by four clear goals since October 1967, when losing the derby with Torino 4-0. It was possibly even worse than the Coppa Italia quarter-final elimination to Empoli on penalties, because La Dea completely dominated the Old Lady, but the coach did not see it that way. “It is a defeat we do not like, but I do not put it on the same level as the defeat to Empoli. They are different situations. Our team started well and then after the penalty incident, the game changed,” insisted Thiago Motta. ............ Thiago Motta had been Gian Piero Gasperini’s player at Genoa to revitalise his career, but he was taught a valuable lesson by his mentor this evening. . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/thiago-motta-juventus-4-0-not-same-as-empoli/ Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 8629 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 135215 messaggi Inviato March 11 Anger, insults and a shocking walkout – How the Allianz Stadium reacted to Juventus demolition The home supporters at the Allianz Stadium were forced to bear witness to a horror show, as Atalanta mauled Juventus by four unanswered goals. The Bianconeri entered the contest in the hopes of securing their sixth straight league victory, which would have consolidated their Champions League hopes and kept their Scudetto hopes alive. However, all of these aspirations were left in tatters as La Dea reigned supreme in Turin on Sunday. ............ The Old Lady’s weak showing prompted an angry reaction from the stands, as the supporters were constantly heard hurling insults at the players, the manager, and the hierarchy. ............ After conceding the fourth goal, the Curva Sud ultras decided to stage a shocking walkout, something we haven’t witnessed in recent memory. These organised supporters have been vocal in their protest against the club in recent weeks. They had already staged a protest last week following the Coppa Italia elimination to Empoli. ............ After the contest, only a small section of the supporters was left at the stadium, so the players tried to offer them a shy greeting and thank them for their support, but the fans were having none of it, with many replying with some unpleasant words, like “shame on you”, to say the least. . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/anger-insults-and-a-shocking-walkout-how-the-allianz-stadium-reacted-to-juventus-demolition/ Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 8629 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 135215 messaggi Inviato March 11 Juventus Suffer Worst Defeat at Home in Nearly 60 Years The recent run by Juventus had rekindled their hopes of entering the title race, but they crashed and burned against Atalanta on Sunday, losing four-nil. Michele Di Gregorio prevented the score from getting even worse on multiple occasions. The Bianconeri hadn’t been beaten so severely at home since October 22nd, 1967. Torino bested them with the same result a few days after the passing of Gigi Meroni. Nestor Combin scored a hat-trick. The last time Juventus conceded four goals at home was in a game versus Parma in 2011. They found a consolation one in that match. They also did it in the Champions League against Bayern Munich on December 8th, 2009. ............ The Scudetto hopes were always feeble, as they have never been consistent enough to be a threat. Even if Inter somehow took their eyes off the ball due to the Champions League, Napoli and Atalanta are just more organized and reliable. ............ . Read more -> https://cultofcalcio.com/juventus-suffer-worst-defeat-at-home-in-nearly-60-years/ Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 8629 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 135215 messaggi Inviato March 11 (modificato) Thiago Motta calm in the face of the storm: “If you expect me to throw a bottle…” Juventus coach Thiago Motta insists he’s not willing to make a scene following the thrashing defeat at the hands of Atalanta. ............ Juve were simply shambolic from start to finish, and were arguably lucky not to concede more goals, as Michele Di Gregorio had to produce some spectacular saves, especially at the end of the first half. But while Motta had a major outburst when his side was eliminated from the Coppa Italia by Empoli, this time, he maintained his usual serene demeanour, insisting he’s not a fan of theatrics. “We had a difficult match against a strong team. We started very well, then we suffered the penalty episode,” said the 42-year-old in his post-match interview. “If you expect me to throw bottles or make a scene, that’s not part of my character. I’m a serious and honest person, with the obligation to start the week off right now. You’ll never see something from me that I don’t really feel, that I make a scene because someone has to see it. “I’m sad, but from tomorrow we’ll have to have the strength to start again and think about the next match, unite the locker room more, not talking about a friend of a friend.” ............ “Internally we have always maintained balance. Now we are thinking about the next match, this is difficult to digest but it is part of our job. ............ We respect everyone’s, even the fans who are free to express their opinions.” ............ “Atalanta deserved it, we started the game well and the penalty incident is questionable. Then everything became more difficult, we went too far in attack, losing our balance against a team that was waiting for our mistakes. “We knew it, the first goal we conceded made it even harder. Afterwards, we didn’t have the chance to react because they controlled the game and exploited our mistakes.” . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/thiago-motta-calm-in-the-face-of-the-storm-if-you-expect-me-to-throw-a-bottle/ Modificato March 11 da Socrates Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 8629 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 135215 messaggi Inviato March 11 How John Elkann reacted to Juventus’ dismal loss to Atalanta Juventus’s dismal home loss to Atalanta at the weekend left everyone associated with the club thoroughly embarrassed. ............ It has been difficult for many to come to terms with the heavy defeat, and even John Elkann, who was watching the fixture, shared his displeasure. Although he was not in town, the Agnelli family leader was on a business trip but still tuned in to watch the match. Elkann was far from pleased with the outcome, expressing his disappointment in the team’s performance. ............ Despite his discontent, Elkann does not believe that it is time to change the manager or make drastic alterations to the squad. However, he did express that he had expected a much better performance from the team, especially considering their recent form and the stakes of the match. Losing the winning streak was particularly embarrassing for the club, and it is unclear how the players will recover from such a heavy defeat. ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/how-john-elkann-reacted-to-juventus-dismal-loss-to-atalanta/ Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 8629 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 135215 messaggi Inviato March 13 What Thiago Motta told the team after the heavy loss to Atalanta Juventus suffered a significant blow to their confidence and title ambitions when Atalanta defeated them at the weekend. Prior to that fixture, the Bianconeri had been in strong form, winning five consecutive league games. They were expected to continue their good run or, at the very least, secure a point at home against La Dea. However, Atalanta humbled Juventus, delivering a disappointing performance for the team, which resulted in a much-needed period of reflection. To recover from the heavy defeat, Juventus manager Thiago Motta granted his players a day off on Monday. ............ Motta then called for total commitment from every member of the squad for the remainder of the season. The manager urged his players to give their best on the pitch, emphasising the importance of each individual’s contribution. ............ The upcoming match against Fiorentina presents another tough challenge for Juventus. It will be difficult to beat Fiorentina if the team is not back to their best form, but the players are determined to regain their momentum. ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/what-thiago-motta-told-the-team-after-the-heavy-loss-to-atalanta/ Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 8629 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 135215 messaggi Inviato March 13 (modificato) Capello notes Juventus’ ‘first mistake’ and gives verdict on Motta’s future Former coach Fabio Capello argues that Juventus made the ‘first mistake’ during the transfer market and insists Thiago Motta should remain at the helm only if everyone is ‘pulling in the same direction.’ ............ “The first question I ask myself is this: who decided to let Federico Chiesa go without much ceremony, and then Danilo as well?” Capello wrote. ............ “Was it solely the coach’s decision, or was the club involved? If it was entirely Motta’s choice, then his responsibility is even greater because those were two key players, also in terms of leadership. For me, the first mistake was made there, in the transfer market decisions. “On the pitch, Juve has so far displayed a slow, predictable style of play. It’s true that the team dominates possession, but without posing much danger in the opponent’s half,” continued the ex-coach. “Another mistake has been the management of Dusan Vlahovic. The connection between him and Motta never really clicked that spark that could have benefited the team while also maximizing the potential of a great finisher like the Serbian striker. ............ “I don’t understand why many of our clubs don’t focus on building a strong Italian core,” he wrote. “It’s extremely important. Instead, certain clubs seem to look abroad first. You see foreign players signed for huge fees who end up underperforming.” ............ “I get the feeling that Juve’s players are mentally struggling, but it has nothing to do with the fans’ boos—this is normal at a big club, and I experienced it myself at Milan,” Capello concluded. However, not everything should be thrown away. Just a week ago, thinking about the Scudetto wasn’t unrealistic, and there’s still time to turn things around. Then, the final judgments will be made. If everyone, absolutely everyone, is pulling in the same direction, then it’s right to give Motta more time. Otherwise, it’s better to part ways.” ............ . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/capello-juventus-first-mistake-motta-future/ Modificato March 13 da Socrates Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 8629 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 135215 messaggi Inviato March 13 Juventus coach Thiago Motta takes responsibility for 4-0 loss in dressing room speech Thiago Motta took responsibility for a 4-0 loss against Atalanta during a dressing-room speech at Continassa on Tuesday. The Bianconeri returned to training on Tuesday after a 4-0 home loss against Atalanta on Sunday. It was the biggest home defeat since 1967 for the Bianconeri. ............ Motta addressed the team in a dressing-room speech yesterday, which was also attended by CEO Maurizio Scanavino and sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli. ............ Motta took full responsibility for the defeat but demanded ‘enthusiasm and intensity’ in the last ten games of the season. ............ Their next game is against Fiorentina at the Stadio Franchi, but the Bianconeri have other key games remaining, including away meetings with Bologna, Roma and Lazio. . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/juventus-thiago-motta-responsibility-4-0-loss/ Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 8629 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 135215 messaggi Inviato March 14 Preview: Fiorentina vs. Juventus - prediction, team news, lineups After suffering an historic home defeat last week, Juventus aim to keep their top-four ambitions on track when they visit Fiorentina on Sunday. Beaten by four goals in Turin for the first time since 1967, the Serie A giants are amid a crisis that the Viola will be keen to capitalise on at Stadio Franchi. Match preview ............ After the club's worst Serie A home loss in almost six decades, an inevitable inquest was held in the media and beyond, with Thiago Motta's job apparently at risk if Juventus now suffer back-to-back league defeats for the first time in a year. Before heading to Florence on Sunday, Juve have won their last two top-flight away fixtures - against Como and Cagliari - and they have only been beaten once on their travels around Italy this season. Furthermore, following an eventful 2-2 draw in December's reverse fixture, the Turin club have lost just one of their last eight meetings with the Viola; so, at least precedent will be on their side. ............ Team News In addition to three long-term absentees, Juventus will again be without Douglas Luiz this weekend, while Nicolo Savona, Jonas Rouhi and Francisco Conceicao all remain doubts. After bagging a brace in the reverse fixture, Khephren Thuram is set to feature in central midfield, but it remains to be seen who will start up front. Recently preferred to Dusan Vlahovic, French forward Randal Kolo Muani was named February's Serie A 'Player of the Month'. While Vlahovic has averaged one goal every 162 minutes for Juventus - with a shot conversion rate of 15% - during his spell at Fiorentina, the Serbian averaged one every 146 minutes and had a shot success rate of 19%. ............ Fiorentina possible starting lineup: De Gea; Pongracic, Mari, Ranieri; Dodo, Adli, Cataldi, Ndour, Gosens; Beltran, Kean Juventus possible starting lineup: Di Gregorio; Weah, Gatti, Kalulu, Cambiaso; Thuram, Locatelli; Yildiz, McKennie, Gonzalez; Kolo Muani We say: Fiorentina 1-1 Juventus Fiorentina have not only scored the joint-most Serie A goals during the first 15 minutes this season (seven) but are also the only team yet to concede in the opening quarter-hour. The Viola could make another fast start against ailing Juventus - a club reviled by their fans following decades of one-way transfer dealings - but that might not prove enough to secure a much-needed win. . Read more -> https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fiorentina/preview/preview-fiorentina-vs-juventus-prediction-team-news-lineups_567904.html Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 8629 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 135215 messaggi Inviato March 14 Motta to change his defence for Fiorentina game after Atalanta defeat Juventus suffered a disappointing defeat in their most recent league match against Atalanta, a result that brought an abrupt end to their five-game winning streak. Before this loss, the Bianconeri were beginning to build momentum and were tipped to get back into the title race. However, the loss to Atalanta has significantly altered the outlook for Juventus season. ............ Their next match against Fiorentina is one of the most important games of the season, and Juventus cannot afford to replicate the poor performance they showed in their loss to Atalanta. ............ To ensure a more solid performance, Juventus are expected to make some changes to its squad ahead of the Fiorentina match. Head coach Thiago Motta is focused on strengthening the team’s defence, which was a significant weakness in their previous outing. Motta plans to make a defensive change by replacing Lloyd Kelly with Pierre Kalulu in the starting lineup. Kalulu, the French defender, will be paired with Federico Gatti at the heart of the defence, while Kelly will be relegated to the bench. ............ Kalulu and Gatti have developed a strong partnership this season, and their familiarity with each other has often led to solid defensive performances when they play together. This move is expected to strengthen Juventus’ backline and ensure they are better prepared to face Fiorentina’s attacking threats. ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/motta-to-change-his-defence-for-fiorentina-game-after-atalanta-defeat/ Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 8629 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 135215 messaggi Inviato March 15 Juventus ultras abandon the team for away game at Fiorentina Juventus ultras groups confirmed they would not travel to Florence to support the Bianconeri in a key game against Fiorentina: ‘You don’t deserve us.’ Juventus are fighting for a top-four finish in Serie A after facing Champions League and Coppa Italia eliminations. ............ “At home, the silence will be louder than ever. And away in Florence, we won’t be there because you don’t deserve us,” Juventus ultras groups wrote on Instagram. ............ “There are no more words to describe this disgrace! You will never have us the way you want! We are Juventus.” Juventus players faced a toxic environment this past Sunday when they lost 4-0 to Atalanta at the Allianz Stadium. Several fans left their seats nearly 20 minutes before the full-time whistle, with La Dea already leading 4-0. Fans in the stands also insulted the team, urging them to “show some balls” or “go to work.” ............ . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/juventus-ultras-abandon-team-fiorentina/ Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 8629 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 135215 messaggi Inviato March 15 Official: Fiorentina vs Juventus will be played, but Serie B game postponed Fiorentina-Juventus will regularly be played on Sunday at the Stadio Franchi in Florence, but the Serie B game Pisa-Mantova has been postponed due to adverse weather conditions. Florence’s Mayor Sara Funaro confirmed on Saturday that Sunday’s Serie A match between Fiorentina and Juventus will go ahead as planned. “There is no reason why it should not be played,” Funaro said. There were concerns that the game could be postponed due to adverse weather conditions and heavy rainfall in Florence and its surroundings. ............ However, the weather improved on Saturday, and the red alert in the Tuscany capital ended at 14:00 local time (13:00 GMT). The level of River Arno is under control in Florence, but the situation in Pisa remains critical. ............ Fiorentina-Juventus will go ahead as planned, with kick-off time at 18:00 CET (17:00 GMT) on Sunday, March 16. ............ . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/fiorentina-juventus-played-serie-b-postponed/ Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 8629 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 135215 messaggi Inviato March 15 (modificato) Fiorentina vs Juventus: Preview and Prediction Fiorentina will be hoping to get their season back on track with a big win against Juventus at the Artemio Franchi Stadium on Sunday. The visitors must claim all three points to maintain their top-four position, while the hosts need a win to stay in the race for a European spot. The home team are eighth on the points table with 45 points in their 28 outings. Fiorentina were on course for a top-six finish, but a run of just one win in their last five games has derailed their momentum. ............ The visitors are currently fourth on the points table with 52 points in their 28 outings. The Bianconeri are nine points behind the league leaders, Inter Milan, and only a miracle can help them close that gap. More importantly, they are just a point clear of fifth-placed Lazio and cannot afford to drop points. After a run of five straight wins in Serie A, Juventus suffered a massive 4-0 defeat at the hands of Atalanta at home, and they will be eager to return to winning ways. ............ Team News & Tactics Fiorentina ............ Probable Lineup (3-5-2): de Gea; Pongracic, Mari, Ranieri; Dodo, Adli, Cataldi, Ndour, Gosens; Beltran, Kean Juventus The visitors will be without the services of Douglas Luiz, while Nicolo Savona, Jonas Rouhi, and Francisco Conceicao are a major doubt for this one. Juventus will stick with the 4-2-3-1 formation, where Michele Di Gregorio will be in goal. Timothy Weah and Andrea Cambiaso will feature as full-backs, while Federico Gatti will pair up with Piere Kalulu at the heart of the defence. The back four will be looking for a clean sheet, and they will receive significant support from Khephren Thuram and Manuel Locatelli, who will form the double pivot in midfield. They will look to control the tempo of the game. Weston McKennie will reprise the no. 10 role, while Kenan Yildiz and Nico Gonzalez will start out wide on the flanks. Randal Kolo Muani will lead the line for Juventus against Fiorentina on Sunday. Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Di Gregorio; Weah, Gatti, Kalulu, Cambiaso; Thuram, Locatelli; Yildiz, McKennie, Gonzalez; Kolo Muani Key Stats Juventus’s 4-0 defeat against Atalanta was their heaviest home defeat in Serie A since 1967. The Old Lady have won their last two away games, while they have only lost once away from home this season. Out of 85 home league meetings with Juventus, Fiorentina have managed to win only 28 times, with their most recent triumph dating back to May 2022. Fiorentina have experienced a turbulent run in 2025, recording four wins and four defeats in their last eight Serie A matches. La Viola have reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA Conference League for the third straight season after overturning a first-leg deficit against Panathinaikos. Player to Watch Moise Kean ............ Prediction Fiorentina 2-2 Juventus Both teams are heading into this fixture on the back of a defeat in the league. These three points are very important for both sides, and they will certainly give it their all. While Juventus will hope to get things back on track after a heavy home defeat, they might not be able to get the desired result against Fiorentina. The Hard Tackle predicts a 2-2 draw. . Read more -> https://thehardtackle.com/round-up/2025/03/15/fiorentina-vs-juventus-preview-and-prediction/ Modificato March 15 da Socrates Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 8629 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 135215 messaggi Inviato March 15 Motta on his Juventus future: The club has ‘wholeheartedly put its faith in me’ After their disastrous defeat against Atalanta where they were battered 4-0 at home, Juventus now turn their attention to Fiorentina, their last game before domestic football pauses for the first international break of 2025. Before the match, coach Thiago Motta spoke about tactics, his players, and, as rumors circulate about a potential change at the helm, his future. ............ “At a time like this, you have to remain calm to weigh up the situation correctly: I’m the first person to question myself,” Motta said. “I know full well that it falls to the coach when things don’t go well, but I remain focused on tomorrow’s game. We have a duty from now until the end of the season to try and get as many points as possible.” ............ “My future? That’s not the priority: right now, we’re focused on playing a great game against Fiorentina and getting the best possible result,” Motta said. “I can say, though, that I am delighted with the support of the owners in recent days. The club has wholeheartedly put its faith in me.” ............ “It will be a tough contest as it always is in Florence,” Motta said. “They are fresh from their UEFA Conference League victory, which will have boosted their confidence. We will be up against a great team with quality players who know how to approach big matches. If you’re Juventus, every game is important and tomorrow’s match against Fiorentina is the most important because it is our next one. We will need to be ready to compete in every area of the pitch. Every duel will be crucial in trying to win the game. Tomorrow we will have a great opportunity to prove our worth. The first leg match was one of the best we have played this season, but we did not manage to win it. Tomorrow we will have to demonstrate the best version of ourselves on the pitch.” ............ . Read more -> https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2025/3/15/24386559/juventus-thiago-motta-cristiano-giuntoli-2025-serie-a-matchday-29-match-preview-press-conference Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 8629 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 135215 messaggi Inviato March 15 Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 8629 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 135215 messaggi Inviato March 16 Two Key battles in Fiorentina vs Juventus: Kean & Fagioli meet their past While the contests between Fiorentina and Juventus are often synonymous with players meeting their past, this one has a slightly different beat. On most occasions, those who made the move from Florence to Turin are the ones who grab the headlines (the likes of Roberto Baggio, Federico Bernardeschi and Federico Chiesa). But this time, it is quite the opposite. ............ On the other hand, the revitalised Moise Kean and Nicolo Fagioli are the ones making the noise this time around. The Italian duo will be keen to prove their worth after being shown the door by the club that witnessed their first steps in professional football, especially the midfielder whose wound remains fresh. So let’s take a closer look at three key battles that could prove elemental in Sunday night’s fixture, with the two former Juventus stars taking centre stage. Nicolo Fagioli vs Teun Koopmeiners With Fagioli asserting the centre role in Raffaele Palladino’s 3-5-2 formation, a clash with Teun Koopmeiners is almost inevitable. ............ Robin Gosens vs Timothy Weah This will be an interesting battle on the wings between the savvy German and the speedy American. Both players have the ability to cause havoc when they surge forward, but can also be caught when they go too deep in their forays. ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/three-key-battles-in-fiorentina-vs-juventus-kean-fagioli-meet-their-past-opinion/ Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 8629 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 135215 messaggi Inviato March 16 Fiorentina vs. Juventus match preview There are 10 games to go in the 2024-25 season. Ten more chances for Juventus to, somehow, try and salvage something out a season that has certainly had its moments of major disappointments — especially over the last month. ............ So now Juve head to a stadium in which there will be no love lost, no warm welcome by any stretch of the imagination and certainly no easy task ahead of them in Florence. What Juventus’ answer to their blowout loss to Atalanta remains to be seen as they get set to face Fiorentina on Sunday evening at the Franchi. But what we do know is that they can’t count on Lazio giving them any sort of reprieve and dropping points for a fourth time in the last month even if they are facing one of the most in-form teams going in Serie A these days. That means Juve’s trip to Florence has suddenly become a whole lot more important than most of us probably viewed it before things kicked off last weekend against Atalanta. ............ They could respond in the same kind of way they did when they lost to Napoli in Naples last month and begin another winning streak, one that allowed them to move into fourth place in the table and even have small hopes of a surprise late-season Scudetto push. Or they could basically do what they’ve done over the course of much of this season and just take another step back when things were starting to look like they might be turning for the better. The thing is, though, Juve are going to be playing a team that has had plenty of their own difficulties in recent weeks. Remember the first couple of months of the 2024-25 campaign when Fiorentina were in the top four and had a stretch in the fall of nine wins in 10 games? Well, that feels like a long, long time ago for Fiorentina supporters. As much as the wild win over Panathinaikos in the UEFA Conference League Round of 16 was a thrilling one, it’s also one that came at a time in which La Viola’s league struggles have been impossible to ignore and have put Raffaele Palladino’s future into question just like Thiago Motta’s has at Juventus. In the 10 league fixtures since Juve and Fiorentina played to a 2-2 draw in Turin a couple of days after Christmas, Palladino’s squad have just four wins. In their last five Serie A games, Fiorentina have won just once — and that came two weeks ago against a Lecce side that is currently sitting in 16th place. ............ TEAM NEWS Thiago Motta has recovered three players ahead of the trip to Florence, with Francisco Conceição, Nicolo Savona and Jonas Rouhi all returning to training earlier this week. ............ Even though it’s now been a couple of weeks since he returned, there still seems to be a chance that Pierre Kalulu — arguably Juve’s best defender since Bremer’s injury in October — will start on the bench in favor of more Lloyd Kelly minutes. All signs point toward Kenan Yildiz having recovered from the stomach illness that forced him to be subbed off at the half during last weekend’s loss to Atalanta. As has been the case the last couple of weeks, Andrea Cambiaso is the only Juventus player who is one yellow card away from suspension. ............ JUVENTUS PLAYER TO WATCH Considering the fact that the former Viola player on the Juventus roster that Fiorentina fans love to hate seems very unlikely to start against his old club, the man who will be leading the Bianconeri line seems fairly easy to figure out. Since his red-hot start to life at Juventus in which Randal Kolo Muani scored five goals in his first three games wearing bianconero, the 26-year-old Frenchman has cooled off. ............ Seven games in all competitions Six starts Two assists Zero goals A grand total of 11 shots taken Well crap That’s not great. Averaging less than a shot and a half a game is not great at all. ............ No matter how you feel about how well Kolo Muani is or isn’t playing now that we’re entering the second full month of his time at Juventus, it’s pretty easy to say that he remains one of the biggest goal threats for this squad knowing how Dusan Vlahovic has now been relegated to a bench role. ............ So, if Kolo Muani is to get back to his goal scoring ways, he’ll certainly be doing against a team that will be no slouch at the back by any means. MATCH INFO When: Sunday, March 16, 2025. Where: Stadio Artemio Franchi, Florence, Italy. Official kickoff time: 6 p.m. in Italy and the Central European time zone, 5 p.m. in the United Kingdom, 1 p.m. Eastern time, 10 a.m. Pacific time. . Read more -> https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2025/3/16/24384589/fiorentina-juventus-2025-serie-a-matchday-29-preview-team-news-schedule-how-to-watch Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 8629 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 135215 messaggi Inviato March 16 Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 8629 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 135215 messaggi Inviato March 16 Nicolo Fagioli-inspired Fiorentina humiliate Juventus in Florence Juventus suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat to Fiorentina this evening, as Nicolo Fagioli reminded the Old Lady of what they are missing. Having been embarrassed at home in their previous match by Atalanta, this game was crucial for Juventus manager Thiago Motta, who needed a victory to prove he was worthy of continuing in the role for another season. ............ From the start, Fiorentina played with great confidence, applying pressure and making life difficult for the visitors, who lacked the belief and cohesion needed to respond. It didn’t take long for La Viola to open the scoring as Robin Gosens found the back of the net. Many would have expected the second goal to take longer to arrive, but Fiorentina doubled their advantage just three minutes later. Nicolo Fagioli provided an excellent assist to Rolando Mandragora, further highlighting what Juventus had allowed to slip away. ............ Juventus struggled to regain control of the match as Fiorentina, full of confidence, dominated possession and launched attack after attack. Juventus, on the other hand, seemed unsure and lacking in organisation. Despite their desperate need for a strong halftime team talk, Motta’s words appeared to have little effect. Fiorentina extended their lead almost immediately after the break, with Fagioli again providing the assist, this time for the goal scored by Arthur Cabral. ............ With nothing working for Juventus and Motta seemingly out of answers, the manager’s future now looks even more uncertain. It seems only a matter of time before his position is questioned, with this defeat serving as another blow to his tenure at the club. . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/nicolo-fagioli-inspired-fiorentina-humiliate-juventus-in-florence/ Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 8629 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 135215 messaggi Inviato March 16 Juventus 0 - Fiorentina 3: Initial reaction and random observations Somebody please wake us up from this nightmare. In a way, there was a line of thinking that Juventus’ blowout loss to Atalanta last weekend — the kind the club hasn’t suffered since the late 1960s — was either rock bottom or something very, very close to it. Little did we know Juve would go out and sink even lower seven days later. Another Sunday, another blowout involving Thiago Motta and Juventus. But just like last Sunday, it wasn’t the kind of blowout that many of us enjoyed the first couple weeks of the 2024-25 season. Instead, a week after Juventus went out and lost 4-0 to Atalanta at the Allianz Stadium, Motta’s squad followed that one-sided result up with a 3-0 defeat at the hands of a Fiorentina squad that entered the day both on short rest thanks to the UEFA Conference League and very much in a bad spell of form domestically. ............ So now, with results earlier in the day, Juventus have Motta’s former side, Bologna, ahead of them in the standings in fourth place after absolutely hammering Lazio 5-0 earlier in the day. That means Fiorentina’s former manager, Vincenzo Italiano, has now guided Motta’s old squad into a higher position in the table on the same day that Fiorentina claims just their second win over Juventus in their last 11 meetings in all competitions. ............ But the same old problems that have haunted Motta and Juventus all season were on display once again on this night. Throw in a defense that looked totally out of sorts both before and after Fiorentina took the lead and you had the recipe for essentially a repeat of what happened against Atalanta. And absolutely none of it was actually good. Juve had 68% possession at the half — cool. Twice as many passes completed as Fiorentina — great. It doesn’t matter at this point. I don’t care what the numbers say because it’s all painting a picture that isn’t adding up to wins or even being competitive when they step onto the field. Juventus are currently a team that is fielding a starting lineup that has players out of position in attack and a defense that is about as patchwork as patchwork gets. The highest-paid player in Serie has been relegated to a bench role. One of the best young talents in Europe is seeing somebody like Nico Gonzalez get continuous starts even though he has been playing poorly for weeks, if not longer. It’s all bad — and things aren’t showing that they are going to get better. So, at some point, you need to ask yourself when is it enough. ............ Yet, the combined score of the last two games: Not Juventus 7, Juventus 0. At this point, I don’t know what rock bottom will actually be for this Juventus squad. That’s because the last two weekends have proven that no matter how bad things are, they can always potentially get worse. What that means for Motta’s job, who the heck knows. ............ RANDOM THOUGHTS AND OBSERVATIONS Remember that five-game winning streak in Serie A? Yeah, that was cool. I miss that. So now it’s not only Lazio as a competitor for the top four, but also Bologna and the giallorossi side of Rome? God, this is EXACTLY what Juventus needed on top of getting their tails whipped once again. ............ Do I think Thiago Motta is still Juventus’ manager by the time the international break ends and they’re taking the field against Genoa at the Allianz? I really have no idea at this point. At this point, you can’t really look at Juve and think to yourself “Yeah, all good here.” I didn’t really understand Motta’s starting lineup choices. I definitely didn’t understand his substitution choices. You’re in need of goals and don’t bring on some of the attacking talent you have on the bench? ............ Randal Kolo Muani attempted two shots. One was off target, the other one was blocked. Based solely on how Andrea Cambiaso walked off the field, guessing it will be a few weeks even after the international break until we see him again. That ankle issue he had a few months ago is back and it doesn’t look good this time. ............ Teun Koopmeiners continues to be the mystery that keeps on mystifying. I have no idea what’s happened to the Koopmeiners who was one of the best players in Serie A last season. He is a shell of himself right now, and it’s all just a struggle to think about what needs to happen for him to start to even show signs of turning for the better. Same goes for Nico Gonzalez. I don’t know why he’s still in the starting lineup. I really don’t. ............ Read more -> https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2025/3/16/24387135/juventus-fiorentina-2025-serie-a-matchday-29-final-score-result-initial-reaction-random-observations Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 8629 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 135215 messaggi Inviato March 16 Giuntoli: ‘Juventus will emerge from difficulties together with Thiago Motta’ Juventus director Cristiano Giuntoli admits this is the first time they’ve had two such ‘below par’ performances in a row, but insists they will ‘emerge from this’ with Thiago Motta. ............ Unusually, director Giuntoli was the first to the media room after the final whistle, rather than the coach. “At these moments, we must stay united and emerge from difficulties together,” Giuntoli said. “We are clearly disappointed, the season had ups and downs, but not two games in a row so below par. We are very sad, but convinced we can emerge from this all together.” With Thiago Motta? “Certainly.” ............ “We started this project from scratch, lowering the age of the squad, lowering the salary bill, so knew that there would be difficulties and a lack of experience. “A Champions League place is still within our reach and we must remain united, concentrated to achieve that objective, emerging from a delicate situation.” ............ “In these situations, we try to analyse what happened over the last two weeks. Don’t forget that after the game with Verona, the media tried to say we were in the Scudetto race, so we need balance and not to go from the stars to the gutter. We must calmly analyse the situation.” ............ Even club legend Alessandro Del Piero in the Sky Sport Italia studio pointing out there was no fight or reaction. “The team had the best defence in Serie A until a couple of weeks ago, so that means we have lost some of our balance, that is psychological and tactical balance,” insisted Giuntoli. ............ “The coach will work on the tactical and psychological issues during the next two weeks, so we will try to get the situation back on track.” Read more -> https://football-italia.net/giuntoli-juventus-difficulties-thiago-motta/ Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 8629 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 135215 messaggi Inviato March 17 Thiago Motta refuses to give up, but here’s what’s keeping him in his job Despite another harrowing defeat, Thiago Motta has no plans to evacuate, and Juventus aren’t planning to wield the axe just yet. The Bianconeri were hoping to bounce back from their humiliating 0-4 demolition at the hands of Atalanta on the previous weekend, but Fiorentina ended up piling more misery on their most hated rivals by putting three unanswered goals past an almost unrecognizable team, lacking quality, character and determination. ............ “We need to improve how we handle difficulties, because at the first sign of a tough situation we struggle to react, and this happened again today. We need balance, both in defence and in attack, and we have to work to regain the solidity we had before,” Motta told the press after the contest. “Leaving? It would be too easy, and I never choose the easy way out. Our goal remains Champions League qualification, we’ll find a way to get back to winning ways from our next game.” ............ Now this situation begs the following question: Why have Juventus decided to stick with an under-fire manager who has clearly lost the plot? Well, according to several sources in the Italian media, the answer is rather simple: Money! As we all know by now, the Bianconeri aren’t enjoying their most prosperous years, neither from a sporting nor economic perspective. And while Motta’s first season in Turin has been miserable by all means, at least his wages remain affordable. ............ Nevertheless, sacking the 42-year-old would require a certain exit package for him and his squad, while a reputable replacement would almost certainly command larger wages. Now one might argue that missing out on the Champions League would be even more costly, but that is not how the management is viewing it, at least for now. . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/thiago-motta-refuses-to-give-up-but-heres-whats-keeping-him-in-his-job/ Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 8629 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 135215 messaggi Inviato March 17 Del Piero sees ‘serious issue’ in Juventus’ loss against Fiorentina Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero believes the ‘serious issue’ in a 3-0 loss against Fiorentina was the Old Lady’s lack of reaction: ‘No one can be at peace.’ ............ “It’s difficult for me to comment; I’m emotionally involved,” Del Piero said. “The serious issue is that there was no reaction. This was a night that did not reflect the Juventus spirit at all. You can lose but with your head held high. Today, no one, neither on the bench nor in management, can be at peace or say they gave everything. There was no reaction on the field, none on the bench.” ............ Juventus coach Thiago Motta refused to resign, and director Cristiano Giuntoli confirmed that the club are convinced to continue with the ex-Italy international at the helm. “The substitutions were three defenders; there must have been a reason, but this is a broader issue, a matter of mentality,” Del Piero continued. “There is no reaction here, nothing at all. Credit to Fiorentina, who faced difficult moments and came through them. Teams go through tough times, and Fiorentina handled theirs by coming together with their coach. Seven goals conceded in two matches. There’s not much else to say about Juventus.” Bologna’s win over Lazio on Sunday saw the Rossoblu climb to the fourth spot, leapfrogging the Bianconeri. Juventus are now one point below a Champions League spot. ............ . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/del-piero-serious-issue-juventus-fiorentina/ Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 8629 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 135215 messaggi Inviato March 17 Santarelli slams Motta and says he “should be fired tonight” Journalist Alessandro Santarelli has argued that Thiago Motta’s tenure as Juventus manager should come to an end following their defeat to Fiorentina. After Juventus’s humiliating 4-0 loss at home to Atalanta in their previous league fixture, fans had expected a much-improved performance this time around. However, the team’s low confidence after the Atalanta game was apparent, and Santarelli believes that it is the responsibility of a manager to instil belief in his players, especially when under pressure. ............ Santarelli, clearly frustrated with the team’s ongoing struggles, compared the current Juventus side unfavourably to the one managed by Andrea Pirlo. In his view, even Pirlo’s Juventus was more competitive than the team Motta has overseen. ............ “We are faced with the worst coach to have been with Juventus in the last 20 years. Because he is presumptuous, because of how he has divided the dressing room and because he has not understood that Juve is not Bologna. “At least Pirlo knew what Juventus was. Motta should be fired tonight because he has made this team look embarrassing. The other one I am calling into question is Giuntoli, who chose the wrong coach and made the wrong transfer campaign.” ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/pundit-slams-motta-and-says-he-should-be-fired-tonight/ Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 8629 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 135215 messaggi Inviato March 17 (modificato) Di Gregorio insists Juventus players still back Motta Michele Di Gregorio admits he doesn’t know what Juventus lack, but insists players still ‘follow’ coach Thiago Motta. ............ “We feel bad, just like we did after the Atalanta match,” Di Gregorio said at a post-match press conference. “We are the first to suffer, to be disappointed, and to know that performances like the last two are not enough; they are not up to Juventus’ standards. But we also know that the way out is through work, sticking together as a team, working and working. That’s all that matters because, in situations like this, it’s hard to pinpoint precisely what’s missing. We need to approach it from every angle.” ............ “The director (Giuntoli) spoke to us and, as always, tried to give us energy and a push to start again. Feeling sorry for ourselves is useless in football, just as it is in life. We need to react,” said Di Gregorio. ............ “We didn’t speak after the match because, after games, it’s best not to talk. We need to analyse ourselves both individually and as a group.” ............ “It may feel that way, but giving up is not a word we consider,” the goalkeeper argued. “To some, it might seem like that. But the team will not give up. These are difficult, challenging moments, no doubt. What are we missing? I don’t know. I will rewatch the match several times if needed. We will talk and understand and listen to everyone because we are a team. We need to figure out where the difficulties lie. Now, there is a break, and we will have time to reflect. When we return, we will all talk and regroup.” ............ “Of course, we follow the coach, what he tells us, his ideas,” said the ex-Monza keeper. “This is the moment to come together—the staff and the coach. Everyone united because all share the disappointment and frustration. By the coach, by the staff. We need to work; I have always faced difficulties this way. And in tough times, I have always worked even harder.” ............ . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/di-gregorio-juventus-players-back-motta/ Modificato March 17 da Socrates Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
