Juventus faced a challenging start under new coach Thiago Motta, suffering a 3-0 defeat against Nuremberg in their first match. While the scoreline might appear alarming at first glance, it’s important to consider several factors. Nuremberg is already in competitive condition, as they are preparing for their opening league match on August 3. In contrast, Juventus has used their week in Germany to focus on intense physical training sessions.
Motta’s squad is only just beginning their season, with some players returning from European Championship breaks and others yet to join the team as they await reinforcements from the transfer market. Despite these challenges, there are clear areas for improvement as they look ahead to upcoming matches.
The team’s fitness levels are inconsistent, as those who joined the preseason earlier have had about a ten-day head start compared to latecomers. Juventus will have another opportunity to demonstrate progress when they meet Brest on August 3 in Pescara.
Post-match, Motta emphasized the need to enhance ball possession, suggesting it lacked dynamism. Indeed, the Bianconeri’s style of play appeared somewhat lifeless, indicating there is significant room for growth. The heavy defeat against Nuremberg was particularly disappointing given that Juventus could have reduced the damage in the final ten minutes if they had maintained their focus and composure.
Furthermore, the team’s ability to regain possession was not up to the required standards, making it evident that they still have a long way to go before fully adapting to Motta’s tactical vision. Improvement will not only depend on fine-tuning their game but also on developing better physical conditioning. Juventus must work diligently to bridge these gaps as they move forward in their preparation.