How Juventus rediscovered their defensive solidity
Juventus have kept four successive clean sheets since then, registering victories
against Milan, Manchester City, Palermo and Lazio.
There are three main factors that helped Juventus to rediscover their defensive solidity.
STARTING LINE UP – At the beginning of the season many Bianconeri supporters hit out at Allegri for trying out too many formations. The 48-year-old manager changed his starting XI 13 times in as many games, partly due to injuries and bans. He initially opted for his favorite system (the 4-3-1-2), before switching to the 3-5-2, the 4-3-3, the 4-4-2 before returning to the 3-5-2.
This system seems to provide the Old Lady with more balance between attack and defense, while Allegri’s recent low turnover has increased the team’s harmony and the player’s morale.
MARIO MANDZUKIC – Yes, Mario Manduzkic. The former Atletico Madrid star is not only a classic, static centre-forward but he’s also an aggressive runner who doesn’t give opponents any respite. The Croatia International’s work is keeping a lid on the opposition's pressure, with Andrea Barzagli, Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci involved in less challenges than at the beginning of the season.
CLAUDIO MARCHISIO - The 29-year-old skipped the first games of the season due to a muscle injury, but it is a fact that when he is on the pitch, Juventus never lose (10 victories, 2 draws). In addition, the Old Lady allowed just four goals in the 12 games in which Marchisio was deployed, while they conceded an average of one goal per game when the product of the club’s Academy was out of action.
