Juventus must be wary of giant-killing Hellas Verona

I’m sorry, but this Hellas Verona side just aren’t talked about enough.

Following a critic-defying ninth-place finish in Serie A last season, Verona have continued to silence those who foreshadowed the Gialloblu succumbing to ‘second season syndrome’ in 2020/21.

The job Ivan Juric is doing is nothing short of remarkable. The Croat’s niche and specialised system has been imperative to their rise in the top-flight. Essentially, they’re a pragmatic iteration of Gian Piero Gasperini’s Atalanta, with a man-oriented back three unique stapes of both sides.

It’s Juric’s distinct methods that have ensured Verona’s safety – and some – this term despite an exodus of talent departing in the summer. Sofyan Amrabat returned to Fiorentina after emerging as a key spoke Juric’s wheel during his loan stint at the club, while defensive revelations Marash Kumbulla and Amir Rrahmani exited for Roma and Napoli respectively.

Thus, Juric was forced to swiftly rebuild. Although, he’d have to do it with £13m worth of talent and a bunch of loanees brought in from all over the continent.

But yet, somehow, they sit here today as the Randy Orton of Calcio. Legend Killers, Giant Killers, call them what you will, they’ve evolved into the pests of the division. And it’s all down to the meticulous mind of Mr. Juric.

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Juric’s brilliance

Verona’s current ninth-place standing needs to be contextualised. Simply put, it’s an incredible achievement considering the make-up of the side and the talent-pool Juric is working with.

The Croatian boss has implemented a rather unique 3-4-2-1 following the Gialloblu’s ascent to Serie A in 2019, with compactness and discipline in defence heavily emphasised within his system. As I noted above, Verona’s back three tend to defend in a man-oriented fashion, meaning they’ll man-mark their particular assignment as opposed to blocking space (zonal) or combining the two (defenders occupy zones but man-mark anyone who enters).

It’s certainly a unique, high-risk approach, although their tendency to defend in a deep, compact block means some of the risk (gaping holes between defenders and huge spaces to exploit in behind) associated with the system is mitigated.

Nevertheless, Verona’s meticulous defensive structure combined with dangerous outlets on the flanks and mercurial talent in attack has seen them evolve into the aforementioned Giant Killers of Serie A. Their capacity to execute a low block all while providing a distinct threat in transition means they’re built to beat sides that monopolise possession.

Verona have taken points off Roma, Lazio, Milan and, of course, Juventus already this season as well as beating Napoli (emphatically) and Atalanta. Table-topping Inter were the only top seven side to taste victory against Juric’s plucky Gialloblu after the first round of fixtures.

How Juventus avoid another upset?

Juric’s pragmatism means that some facets of his game plan are difficult to predict. Although, I expect Verona to press a little higher than they typically do on Saturday night as a result of Juve’s susceptibility to commit errors in the build-up phase in the face of a coherent press.

Perhaps the Croatian boss will look to target Rodrigo Bentancur in this regard too.

Nevertheless, Verona’s pressures in the attacking third are poised to be increased from their average of 28.3 per 90 minutes (joint-15th in Serie A) in this one. Pressing may well prove to be a key playmaker for the visitors.

Speaking of which, a concerted effort has to be made by Andrea Pirlo to slow down both Mattia Zaccagni and Antonin Barak. The pair function as the two attacking midfielders in Verona’s 3-4-2-1 and typically enjoy marauding through their respective half-spaces – Zaccagni on the left, Barak on the right. While Zaccagni is the name on everybody’s lips regarding a big move away in the summer, Barak has emerged as an underrated star in Verona.

In a team revered for their rigidity and tactical astuteness, Verona’s attacking midfield tandem provide a much-needed tinge of innovation and unpredictability.

Thus, half-space protection will be key to shunning the visitors’ most creative assets. Fortunately, Juve’s narrow pressing shape is adept at blocking access to such zones, while their ability to track Nicolo Barella’s midfield surges across two legs in the Coppa Italia will give them the confidence to execute a similar game plan on Saturday.

Need for fluidity

Nevertheless, the ultimate key lies in Juve’s attack. Verona will likely cede control for large swathes and look to hit the Bianconeri in transition through Zaccagni and Barak, as well as wing-backs Davide Faraoni and Darko Lazović.

The Bianconeri will have to be patient, with their technical security and counter-press key. When facing up against a deep block, it’s imperative that you sustain attacks and suffocate the opposition in their own third. Don’t give them any respite.

Rotations and interchanges, meanwhile, have to be prominent to disorientate Verona’s man-marking back three, with Weston McKennie set to be key in exploiting the void left in-behind – even if he plays in the pivot. The third man becomes so important against opposition like this.

Finally, the horizontally compact nature of Verona’s block means that Pirlo will be crying out for efficiency from the flanks. Juan Cuadrado will be sorely missed, no doubt, but Federico Chiesa and Alex Sandro proved their worth with their deliveries into the box in the 3-0 victory over Crotone last Monday.

The pair will need to produce a similar performance in this regard on Saturday night if Juve are to open up a resolute Verona.

Overall, however, a gritty war of attrition is destined.