Since taking over as the manager of the Bianconeri over the summer, former Bologna coach Thiago Motta has managed to get a firm grip of his squad fairly quick, transforming his side into a well-oiled machine.
The Old Lady currently find themselves in second within the league standings, only a single point separating themselves from coach Antonio Conte’s Napoli, as Juventus cruised past Genoa 3-0 on the road as Dusan Vlahovic silenced his critics with a brace, and Portuguese winger Francisco Conceicao slotting his first goal for the Bianconeri in the dying minutes of the match.
Fabiana Della Vella of La Gazzetta dello Sport highlights that despite having introduced more of an attacking mentality upon his arrival at the Turin-based squad, Motta has managed to retain the defensive principles that has always been a major part the roots of the Serie A giants’ success throughout their history.
Juventus have not conceded a single goal in 540 minutes of open-play within the Serie A, making them the best defensive team across all of Europe thus far.
The Bianconeri have proven to possess the ability to suffer and ride out waves of difficult moments throughout fixtures, a quality that has continuously proven to be essential in seizing the scudetto.
The stand-out player within the Juventus back-line has undoubtedly been former Torino center back Gleison Bremer, proving to be a pillar for Motta’s side as he featured in all seven matches across all competitions.
However, Federico Gatti has also been sharp and Pierre Kalulu has quickly impressed since joining Juventus on loan from Milan.
Furthermore, shot-stopper Michele Di Gregorio has been consistent in between the sticks as he is leading the standings with a total of five clean sheets since joining from Monza.
With a difficult challenge ahead in the mid-week as Juventus face RB Leipzig Wednesday evening in the Champions League at the Red Bull Arena, whom are currently the second best defensive team in Europe with only two goals conceded in the Bundesliga, it will be intriguing to see how both defensive walls approach the significant match.
Julian Faustini Ι GIFN
