Juventus: 6 targets for 2022

2. Reach the UCL quarter-finals

Juventus’ European exits have gradually gotten more embarrassing in the past three seasons. In 2018/19, they were overwhelmed by an electric Ajax side. A season later, defeat to Lyon put the final nail in Maurizio Sarri’s coffin. Then, in 2021, defeat to a spirited but ultimately sub-par Porto side on away goals proved the most humiliating.

For the past two seasons, the Bianconeri have been cast aside by seemingly inferior opposition in the first knockout round of the Champions League, and their recent collapses on the continental stage have been most indicative of their sorry demise.

This time, they’ve been drawn against Spanish outfit Villarreal. Now, despite their current league standing, Unai Emery’s side are better than what both Lyon and Porto were when they progressed at Juve’s expense. So, while succumbing to Villarreal would be a major disappointment, it wouldn’t be a humiliation, nor a surprise.

Let’s remind ourselves of the Juventus side we’re talking about here.

Nevertheless, defeat in the round of 16 would be another kick in the teeth for the Old Lady, who is coming so close to wearing a false set of new gnashers. Progression into the quarter-finals would resemble some progress for Allegri.

Continues onto the next slide…