Juventus: 3 keys to success against Chelsea in Champions League

2. You can’t win by the “defence, defence, and defence” approach against Chelsea

Ever since Allegri returned to his throne at Juventus, his pragmatic way of playing football has exhibited in Bianconeri’s tepid performances. Andrea Pirlo was pragmatic, but Allegri’s beliefs in regard to managing a football game are much more stubborn than those of the former Juventus midfielder.

When Juventus hosted AC Milan this season, the Rossoneri had 56% possession to Juventus’ 44%. Like AC Milan, Chelsea are a team that likes playing an expansive brand of football with a firm hold on overall possession. But, as shown in the game against Manchester City, Thomas Tuchel’s men stumble when they are forced to chase and regain possession of the ball.

At the weekend, Chelsea had 40% possession against Manchester City and had to do all the ball hunting by themselves. Lack of possession meant the lack of opportunities for Chelsea in front of goal, with the Blues having no attempts on target from four shots over the ninety minutes of the play.

Every team has some vulnerabilities; oppositions just have to assess those soft spots and then force a blow at the right moment. It is highly unlikely that Juventus, going against the norm of Allegri’s footballing dogma, will be playing a possession-based game against Chelsea. Yet, keeping a good share of the overall possession could be a key to Juve’s success at Allianz Stadium.