Juventus fans were glad to wake up this morning to discover that Giorgio Chiellini’s calf strain was just that: a contusion, and nothing more serious, despite his history of injuries to that particular muscle. 

 

The Italian international - who caught some flak for returning to Vinovo too early - isn’t the only Bianconeri to be on his way back: Mehdi Benatia keeps repeating on social media that he’s better, while Patrice Evra should be good to go soon, having missed the start of the season courtesy of a late return to camp (on August 7th) and a knock to his knee. 

 

Their imminent return should keep the Bianconeri committed to three at the back, at least in the medium term. While it is reasonable to suggest that Coach Max Allegri’s objective is to return to a four-man setup, he’s not obsessed about it, and may not stick to it even if it is used this weekend against Udinese. 

 

It’s a flexible formation, allowing the defenders to push forwards, the full-backs to attack and the midfield to pass, and not just be a collection of tacklers. 

 

Even with Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Barzagli tired and Daniele Rugani injured, then, the Bianconeri are set to stick with this setup, one that Coach Allegri insists isn’t as dogmatic as popular culture makes it out to be: whether he uses a 3-4-1-2 or a 3-4-2-1, the Italian still has the wingbacks (or a midfielder) tracking back and acting like a fourth defender, or the likes of Barzagli, Benatia and Rugani accompany the attack on the right.