Juventus: Assessing possible attacking combinations for the 2021/22 season

A two-man attack in 3-5-2…

Unlike the 4-2-3-1, the 3-5-2 is what you would see successfully implemented all over Italian football. Italian managers are considered the masters of a three-man defence setup. With the help of this 3-5-2, Inter broke their trophy drought last season, winning the Scudetto by a margin of 12 points. No one can doubt the success the 3-5-2 has brought over the years.

As the structure denotes, the attacking formation is formed of only two forwards — now, that could be a tandem of two strikers or a pair of an out-and-out forward and a second/supporting striker. In this formation, the wing-backs normally provide the width, and one number six and two eights usually accommodate the balance in the midfield. Let’s take a look at how many combinations Juventus could use attacking-wise.

Ronaldo—Morata: The partnership of Ronaldo and Morata is what Juventus fans would want to see regularly on the pitch. They were Juventus’ top two goalscorers last season, with the former racking up 29 goals and the latter amassing 11 goals in Serie A 2020/21. Not only did Morata score 11 goals, but also he ended the domestic season with nine assists — one less than the leading assist-provider Juan Cuadrado.

Ronaldo and Morata had a commendable European Championship. The Portuguese phenomenon, who had won the Capocannoniere accolade for being the highest goalscorer in Serie A, went on to add five more goals to his tally for Portugal in Euro 2020 as he became the highest scorer in the competition’s history. We’ve seen a bond developing between Cristiano Ronaldo and Alvaro Morata. Now whether or not Allegri chooses to sustain that partnership remains to be seen.

Dybala/Kulusevski—Ronaldo/Morata: As mentioned earlier, a two-man attacking line could be made of either two centre-forwards or one playmaker and one finisher/striker. Juventus’ former manager Andrea Pirlo used Dejan Kulusevski as that second striker or playmaker extensively in his conventional 4-4-2 formation, which also consists of a two-man forward line.

Playing in the role, Kulusevski was influential and impressive — albeit not too convincing for some definitive reasons. As per the data presented by Transfermarkt, the 21-year-old garnered three goals and three assists while playing as a second striker for Juventus last season, signifying that he could be a fitting individual in that position. Otherwise, there is Paulo Dybala. Dybala reached the landmark of 100 goals for the club last season. Often considered equivalent to Lionel Messi as far as his playing style is concerned, a fully-fit La Joya could be an essential part of Allegri’s plans going into a new campaign. So, what attacking combination should Juventus use week in, week out?

The conclusion…

Juventus — following a nasty bump on the road — will be looking to get their hands back on the Serie A title this season. And they would want to do so by playing some alluring football. From what we have seen in pre-season, chances are high that Allegri would use the 4-3-3 more regularly, which fits both the team’s profile and what fans, in the majority, demand from their team.

This is the age of high-pressing football. Henceforth, Federico Chiesa should be one of the first names on the teamsheet. Dybala or Kulusevski? Let the gaffer make the choice! We have spoken of Allegri being pragmatic, and he would surely continue to chop and change the structure of the team. But, at the end of the day, it is the result of a match that would matter to Juventini. So, whether Cristiano Ronaldo plays on the wing or occupies the centre-forward position shouldn’t be the main concern.

With aspirations for the season skyrocketing, it should be about reaching the pinnacle of success.