Juventus: Don’t call the Serie A title race over yet
Juventus fans are likely feeling down about the Bianconeri’s chances of winning the Serie A title following their second 1-1 draw to Hellas Verona. In truth, Juve were woeful in the weekend fixture, looking like the team that lost 2-1 to FC Porto in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16.
The Zebras have high expectations each year, and the fans have grown accustomed to expecting the title. But winning 10 straight Scudetti is no short feat, and Juventini are starting to realize how difficult it is to be that great each and every year. And now with the competitors in Serie A improving, Juventus are at risk of falling behind this season.
Despite the nature of their recent performances, the Bianconeri aren’t out of the title race yet. Far from it. As disappointing as it is to see them look so lifeless on the pitch, we cannot discount the impact of injuries. Juventus are not at full strength. While this is not an excuse, it is an explanation and a reason to believe things will get better when players like Leonardo Bonucci, Alvaro Morata, Juan Cuadrado, Arthur Melo, and Paulo Dybala return.
Moreover, when Juve are at their best, they have shown they are capable of beating anyone. After losing 2-0 to title favorites Inter in Serie A, they eliminated their bitter rivals in the Coppa Italia to advance to the final. And who can forget their massive win over Milan at the San Siro?
Looking at the table, Juventus are mathematically still in the thick of the race. They sit in third, six points behind Milan in second and 10 points behind Inter. But as we all know, deficits can be cut quickly, especially when a turn-around in form is experienced by crucial players returning to health. Out of all the teams in the top five of the league, the Bianconeri have the best chances of improving specifically because how much they have suffered due to both injuries and the growing pains that come with both a young squad and a young manager.
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Do not fret, Juventini. The performances have been worth criticizing, and there are several players who truly do need to step up. But there is also a lot of talent in this squad, including the talent we haven’t seen in a number of weeks. It can all come together. Juve must fight for every win and cannot afford too many of these kinds of displays, but a draw with a tough side like Verona on the road is far from a deal-breaker.