The dust has settled on Juventus` frustrating 1-1 draw against Verona, a result that left fans and pundits alike scratching their heads, and perhaps a few fists shaking at the television screen. While the immediate post-match narrative often veers towards VAR decisions and referee blunders – and indeed, there were moments of contention – the seasoned observer knows that a truly elite team finds a way to win, controversies notwithstanding. As football analyst Paolo De Paola succinctly put it on Radiobianconera, the alibi of a missed numerical superiority simply doesn`t cut it.
Beyond the Whistle: A Question of Standards
Juventus, with its storied history and formidable squad, should not require a numerical advantage to overcome a team like Verona – a side that, prior to Saturday, hadn`t found the net in 200 minutes and was still searching for its elusive three points. To attribute the draw solely to officiating errors would be to grant a free pass where none is deserved, potentially fostering a culture of complacency among players. While coaches are naturally inclined to defend their team on controversial calls, the focus must swiftly return to what transpired on the pitch, entirely within the team`s control.
De Paola’s pointed remarks highlight a more profound issue lurking beneath the surface of the Bianconeri`s performances: a persistent defensive fragility. Despite a wealth of attacking talent, Juventus continues to concede goals that, for a club of its stature, seem almost… uncharacteristic. The return of a stalwart like Bremer to the defensive line offers some solace, yet the problem persists, leading us directly to the engine room of the team: the midfield.
The Missing Midfield “Filter”: A Tactical Conundrum
At the heart of Juventus` defensive woes lies a glaring void: the absence of a true midfield “filter.” This isn`t merely about individual tackles; it`s about the collective ability to screen the defensive line, break up opposition play, and prevent quick transitions. When this crucial component is lacking, the defense is exposed, vulnerable to almost every counter-attack.
According to De Paola, Manuel Locatelli often finds himself bearing the brunt of this responsibility, tasked not only with orchestrating play as a deep-lying playmaker but also with providing the defensive steel that the midfield desperately needs. It`s a dual role that, while showcasing his versatility, stretches him thin and leaves gaping holes elsewhere. Without another dedicated ball-winner or defensive presence, the opposition finds a relatively clear path to the penalty area, turning promising attacking movements into perilous defensive scrambles.
The Curious Case of Defensive Responsibility: From Attackers to Wingbacks
The issue extends beyond the central midfield, reaching into the wider areas and even the attacking third. Modern football demands that every player contribute to the defensive phase, a concept that, it seems, hasn`t fully permeated every facet of the Juventus squad. De Paola specifically called out players for their lack of defensive contribution. While the original commentary mentioned “Thuram” in a context that might be a misattribution (as no Thuram currently plays for Juventus), the sentiment is clear: certain offensive players are not consistently tracking back or engaging in defensive duties with the required intensity.
Andrea Cambiaso, for instance, was explicitly named. The message is unequivocal: when full-backs or wing-backs push forward, they must be equally diligent in recovering defensively. A lost ball high up the pitch, without immediate pressure or cover, can quickly turn into a catastrophic counter-attack. This lack of collective defensive diligence transforms promising attacking sequences into potentially devastating defensive capitulations. It’s the football equivalent of building a magnificent house, only to forget the foundations.
The Road Ahead: Confronting Fundamental Flaws
Juventus boasts an enviable array of attacking “firepower,” capable of creating moments of brilliance that often mask deeper structural issues. However, relying solely on individual genius to paper over cracks in the defensive framework is a precarious strategy. The Verona draw serves as a stark reminder that even against ostensibly weaker opposition, fundamental tactical discipline and collective effort are non-negotiable.
The path forward requires an honest introspection from the coaching staff and the players themselves. It’s about more than just winning the next game; it’s about shoring up the foundations, instilling a consistent defensive work ethic across all positions, and, crucially, finding that missing “filter” in midfield. Only then can the Bianconeri truly aspire to the dominance their history and squad quality demand, without resorting to the easy, albeit tempting, alibi of external factors.