Spalletti and Juve’s critical issues: reinforcements are needed in January

The goalless draw in the Mole derby brought Juve back down to earth. Not that the latest positive results had eliminated the perception of the problems to be solved, but the effects of Spalletti’s treatment against Torino were rarely seen. A real step backwards which opens up reflections with a view to the January transfer window and beyond: it is necessary to take advantage of the break to assimilate useful concepts to acquire a new identity as soon as possible, even if several players are not present at Continassa these days because they are busy with their national teams.

little quality

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Spalletti explained immediately after the Juve-Turin match that “some illogical play would have been needed”, since Baroni’s team had organized very narrow lines to defend their area and thus had taken away useful spaces for the creativity of the Bianconeri. The lack of quality in some phases of the match is an old theme, which is back in fashion after tormenting Spalletti’s predecessors who failed to find the right solution: from Tudor to Thiago Motta, even Allegri when Juve wanted to start again from the youth. In this sense, Yildiz can help out of the crisis, but it was the Turk who missed the key moments in the derby more than the others.

the attack doesn’t score

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David and Openda are still in the midst of a crisis: they haven’t scored goals for some time and at the moment they don’t even give the perception that they can unblock themselves to quickly find continuity in the scoring phase. The one who is giving a lot for now is Vlahovic, who is increasingly central and authoritative in taking control of the team and putting his face to it to explain the modest results. If the Serbian is deactivated (in the derby he took to the pitch gritting his teeth due to a bad back ailment) Juve will be in extreme difficulty for now, because at this stage they are unable to hold on to anyone else. Something could improve with Zhegrova’s return to the rotation, potentially someone with interesting numbers.

character

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In recent years there has often been talk about the lack of personality, or character. However, in a few press conferences Spalletti shifted attention to knowing the club and the Juventus environment which has particular pressure that must be managed. The new coach took Vlahovic as an example to demonstrate how compared to his teammates, David and Openda, the Serbian is making the difference in this difficult moment especially thanks to his knowledge of the place. The same can be said for Locatelli, Thuram, Cambiaso, Di Gregorio and also for Koopmeiners, who since Spalletti arrived seems like a new player simply because of the spirit he transmits to the group.

held

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The issue that will have to be addressed with a view to January is related to stability, considering that in some areas of the pitch the coach has few solutions. Especially in midfield, Spalletti’s choices are limited: Koopmeiners arm reduces the space for the defenders, but further shortens the coverage of the midfielders. Even more so with McKennie who is often spread out in the lane, in order to better structure the midfield hinge with Locatelli and Thuram. In the long run, however, reinforcements are needed, so as to be able to calibrate forces and be able to rationally manage replacements: Miretti’s return can provide help in midfield.