Juventus is back at the top of the Serie A standings, a position they have not occupied since the 2019-20 season when they last won the title under Maurizio Sarri. With six points from two matches, they have made a strong start, but the league standings in August don’t mean much; it’s too early to determine who will win the Scudetto. What truly excites fans is the team’s performance on the pitch, which has reignited a sense of pride among supporters after a series of disappointing seasons.
The match against Verona showcased some promising signs for Juventus, following their opening win against Como. The goals tell the story of their transformation. For example, Manuel Locatelli, who has spent the last few years primarily defending, was pushed forward under coach Thiago Motta. He won the ball from Duda and assisted Dusan Vlahovic, who had been unlucky in his debut. This time, Vlahovic scored twice, demonstrating his goal-scoring ability.
The second goal was equally revealing. It illustrated the flexibility of the squad, as Cambiaso, listed as a right winger, naturally drifted inside to create more passing options. He laid it off to Mbangula, a standout player from the opening match, whose cross was converted by Savona, another bright young talent making waves. Both goals were a result of aggressive forward play, contrasting sharply with the passive style of previous seasons. This shift towards a more dynamic approach reflects a deep-rooted change in Juventus’s playing style.
The team is infused with youthful energy, featuring players like 21-year-old Savona, 20-year-old Mbangula, and 19-year-old Yildiz, alongside Anghelé, who debuted recently. Young players are naturally eager and driven to succeed, and Thiago needed their spirit to break away from the stagnation of the past. The coach has quickly integrated them into crucial roles on the field, showcasing their abilities to transition from defense to attack effectively.
Historically, Juventus was known for their slow, methodical play. Under Thiago, the rigid positional boundaries have been broken down, allowing players to interchange roles fluidly, reminiscent of the famous “Total Football” philosophy of the 70s. This tactical fluidity has already started to pay off, as evident during the early moments of the match where they showed patience and discipline even when Verona applied pressure.
When it comes to defending, Juventus has been surprisingly solid, conceding the fewest shots among the top five leagues in Europe. This strength will raise concerns for Inter and other rivals, not just because of their six points and impressive goal difference, but especially due to the swift implementation of Thiago’s ideologies.
The absence of key players like Douglas Luiz, Thuram, Weah, Nico Gonzalez, Conceiçao, and Danilo during the match speaks to the depth of talent in the squad. Once they return, alongside potential new signings, Juventus will boast a team capable of significant attacking prowess, especially in tight games where individual quality can make the difference.
While August can be deceptive in football, with early excitement often turning to disappointment further down the line, there’s a strong feeling that this Juventus side will be talked about well into the spring. Their early performances suggest a bright future, steered by a coach who seems to be the right fit for this team during a pivotal rebuilding phase.