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Juventus’ impressive unbeaten run is bound to come to an end soon

By James Cormack

ALLIANZ STADIUM, TORINO, ITALY - 2022/03/06: Alvaro Morata of Juventus Fc celebrates after scoring a goal with team mates during the Serie A match between Juventus Fc and Spezia Calcio. Juventus Fc wins 1-0 over Spezia Calcio. (Photo by Marco Canoniero/LightRocket via Getty Images)
ALLIANZ STADIUM, TORINO, ITALY - 2022/03/06: Alvaro Morata of Juventus Fc celebrates after scoring a goal with team mates during the Serie A match between Juventus Fc and Spezia Calcio. Juventus Fc wins 1-0 over Spezia Calcio. (Photo by Marco Canoniero/LightRocket via Getty Images) /
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Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri has had ample opportunities to alter his default approach, but the wily veteran has refused to budge.

Examples of a more dynamic and progressive Bianconeri have proved fleeting, with Allegri’s work helping the Old Lady emerge as one of Europe’s stoutest defensive units since the start of November.

Allegri’s refusal to facilitate more ‘modern’ ideals has come as no surprise, however. Remember, this is a guy that once said: “You can’t always dine on lobster and caviar. Every now and again you have to be satisfied with a ham sandwich.”

I wouldn’t say it’s “every now and again”, mind. Juventini have been treated to a lifetime supply of dry ham sandwiches this season, but the recent efficacy of Allegri’s Juve can’t be denied. The Old Lady haven’t tasted defeat in Serie A since late November, and they’re in good positions to progress into the Champions League quarter-finals and Coppa Italia final.

Substance over style?

Massimiliano Allegri’s defence-first approach has stabilised Juventus. (Photo by Chris Ricco/Getty Images)
Massimiliano Allegri’s defence-first approach has stabilised Juventus. (Photo by Chris Ricco/Getty Images) /

Allegri’s efficiency has brought about an existential footballing debate in Piedmont regarding the balance between style and substance. Let’s have it right, Juventus have been close to unwatchable for large stretches this season. But as long as they keep winning, how can you complain?

The sport’s evolved considerably since Allegri first departed the club just three years ago. Just before his initial departure, you might remember a young and exuberant Ajax side blowing away an ageing Old Lady that looked a generation behind from a tactical perspective. In Italy, the influx of youthful, ambitious and Cruyffian-inspired managers has brought about a mini-revolution. The likes of Roberto De Zerbi (now at Shakhtar Donetsk), Alessio Dionisi and Vincenzo Italiano represent the archetypal new-age Italian coach. Their styles completely contrast the traditional, grinta-obsessed approach of Allegri. A dying breed.

While others have adopted styles that are more conducive to sustained success in the present-day – Stefano Pioli at AC Milan being the prime example – Allegri has opted to stand still. There’s little to no difference between the manager that left the club in 2019 to the one leading the rebuild in 2022.

The Juve boss remains as reactive and pragmatic as ever. As we noted, his side is built around a stern mid/low 4-4-2 block that relies on the magic of individuals in attack. The addition of Dusan Vlahovic aided Allegri considerably, as he now has another superstar to rely upon. Although, the manager’s defence-first approach means there will be games where the 22-year-old doesn’t get a look in. For example, Vlahovic didn’t register a single shot for the first time this season in the dire 1-0 win over Spezia last weekend.

But how can we criticise the boss? After all, Allegri’s bounced back superbly from a horrific start to leave Juventus in a great position to claim a once unlikely top-four spot in Serie A, progress deep into the Champions League, and return to the Coppa Italia final. As it stands, the Biancoenri appear to be heading towards a successful 2021/22 campaign.

Juventus are due a bad result soon

Sassuolo stunned Juventus, who had rode their luck in the games prior, back in October. (Photo by Marco BERTORELLO / AFP) (Photo by MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP via Getty Images)
Sassuolo stunned Juventus, who had rode their luck in the games prior, back in October. (Photo by Marco BERTORELLO / AFP) (Photo by MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP via Getty Images) /

However, I fear that Juve are about to run headfirst into a brick wall at a crucial point in the season. Outside of the 3-2 Empoli victory two weeks ago, the Bianconeri simply haven’t been very good for quite a while. They needed a stoppage-time Danilo header to equalise against Atalanta, an aggressive Torino were superior in the most recent Derby della Mole, while Spezia missed two gilt-edged opportunities to draw level last weekend.

Allegri and Juve have certainly rode their luck, none more so in the Coppa Italia semi-final first leg victory over Fiorentina, and such fortune is destined to run out soon.

Saturday’s trip to Sampdoria could be the game where the Bianconeri are stunned. Still plagued by injuries and potentially resting Dusan Vlahovic, don’t be surprised if the hosts grab an unexpected result ahead of Juve’s all-important Champions League round of 16 second leg against Villarreal.

It’ll feel like a result the Bianconeri were due, much like their last-gasp home defeat to Sassuolo back in October.

The vast majority of supporters, however, are happy to brush off stylistic inadequacies for what they believe is the perpetuation of the primary Juventus ideal: winning at all costs. But, you get the sense that one shocking defeat, or another early elimination in the Champions League, could ignite a serious backlash against Allegri, whose approach won’t change as long as he remains in charge. The situation is rather precarious.

And that’s why I’m concerned over the viability of this manager as the leader of the club’s rebuild. For now, though, he’s doing just about enough to keep Juventini onside.

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