Despite the supercomputer forecast that Juventus were ninth favorite to win the cash-rich competition, a look down their squad was a reality check that now head coach Igor Tudor has to deal with.
Tudor, who only lost once in his nine Serie A games as interim boss, ended up with two defeats and two wins at the Club World Cup.
It was a gentle introduction for the 47-year-old Croatian to life as a permanent manager, especially as he was fully aware that he was the club’s second choice behind Antonio Conte.
A thumping 5-0 triumph over Al-Ain FC saw the Bianconeri hit cruise control. Although a hefty win was expected against the UAE minnows in their opening group game. The fact that Manchester City netted a 6-0 triumph over Al-Ain FC vindicated that it should have been a stroll.
Morocco heavyweights Wydad AC, who have never succeeded outside Africa, were expected to be goal fodder despite only losing 2-0 to City. They gave Juve some nervous moments, fully exposing the Italian team’s defensive flaws but failing to punish them. A flattering 4-1 result in the bag instilled some self belief into Tudor's troops.
The manager mixed things up for their showdown against mighty Manchester City, who fielded a makeshift starting line-up. Tudor also opted to rest key players, but that tactical approach backfired with a embarassing one-sided affair against wily coach Pep Guardiola to taste a bitter 5-2 reversal.
Yildiz and Vlahovic friction
Kenan Yildiz’s superb performance was Juve’s only positive from the tie, with the Turkish talent setting up Dusan Vlahovic to bag his second strike of the competition.
As Vlahovic kept scolding 20-year-old Yildiz, there was obviously some friction between the pair. No nonsense Tudor left Vlahovic on the bench for the last 16 match against Real Madrid, with the Serbia striker sorely missed.
Kolo Muani, on loan from Paris Saint-Germain, was the sole target against the Spanish giants. Yet he didn’t even muster a shot on target.
Winger Francisco Conceicao, despite being hauled off midway through the second half, ended up being the only Juve player to force shotstopper Thibaut Courtois into action.
Even Yildiz, who looked sharp in the first half but as he was man-marked out of the contest after the turnaround was substituted, failed to make an impact.
Vlahovic was greatly missed
How Juve missed the hard work and goal-scoring prowess of Vlahovic, who is currently playing hard ball over the final year on his highly lucrative contract.
Vlahovic’s steep salary demands have put off any club willing to match his €12 million (US$14.1m) annual wage. AC Milan, Fenerbachce and an undisclosed Saudi Pro League side want to land the 25-year-old, but offer him a reduced pay packet.
Strikers have been on the Bianconeri’s extensive summer wishlist for some time. Expensive acquisitions like Jonathan David and Viktor Gyokeres have been touted, with a relentless stream of lesser names linked with the club.
Samuel Mbangula, Arkadiusz Milik and Timothy Weah are all expected to leave during the summer. Paving the way for new faces.
Tudor also has loanees to try to lure back to Turin. FC Porto’s Conceicao would be an asset, but surely the jury is out on Muani as he fails to deliver outside the Italian top tier.
Lack of scoring opportunities
Juventus were pretty blunt against City and Real, showing a massive flaw in their squad that needs to be swiftly addressed, and greatly missed their top earner Vlahovic.
An ideal replacement for Vlahovic seems to be 21-year-old Spanish international Samu Aghehowa, as he could eventually be sold for a profit given his age and prolific record.
He was a goal machine in the Portugal Liga last term, and scored twice at the Club World Cup for Porto. His winter transfer window price tag of a whopping €100m (US$117.8m) has halved, although the club are in no hurry to sell their 21-year-old prized asset.
Vlahovic’s notable lack of involvement against Real may have kicked off being frozen out of playing under tough cookie Tudor. Juve have a history of forcing players out. The then head coach Thiago Motta ensured that striker Federico Chiesa as well as defensive duo Danilo and Dean Huijsen departed.
Huijsen haunted his former team-mates
Juve could have done with all three last night, particularly as the impressive Huijsen faced his former team-mates having been recruited by Real from AFC Bournemouth.
Despite Juve managing just two shots on target against Real, which was largely expected given the star-studded squad that La Liga possess, was surprisingly narrow although that was only down to the exploits of keeper Michele Di Gregorio.
The 27-year-old turned down the chance to join Liverpool last season, but if Manchester City follow up their keen interest with a big bid then the club and Di Gregorio may be tempted. He prevented the Bianconeri being slaughtered by Real, pulling off 10 impressive saves.
He was beaten by a header, and Juventus conceded 10 Serie A goals last term. Yet something else that needs swiftly fixing by Tudor.
While Tudor returns to Turin with his motley crew, and two pretty dire back-to-back defeats, new Real boss Xabi Alonso continues to work his magic to extend his unbeaten run to four FIFA Club World Cup games. How Tudor must envy the high-profile squad that Alonso has inherited.
Success is Juve's next goal
Damien Comolli, Juve's general manager, explained at the post-match press conference: “There is disappointment because we hoped to progress and we had the quality to do so, but this tournament has been a valuable journey of growth and learning.
“The team has really solid foundations in place. The lads need to realise how good they are and that they can achieve success. What we want to do in this transfer window is obviously try to improve the squad, but we’re starting with a strong group.
“We must get over the disappointment and focus on next season, with the obsession to do better every day.”