Bianconeri keeper Michele Di Gregrio has conceded a whopping seven goals in his past two matches, which has left pundits and Juve boss Igor Tudor scratching their heads about the Italy international’s form.
Conceding three during their thrilling Derby d’Italia success was followed by two mistakes in the Champions League stalemate, with second-choice shotstopper Mattia Perin ready to take over the gloves.
Under pressure Di Gregorio, who arrived on a season-long loan from AC Monza before signing a permanent deal in July, primarily excelled between the sticks last term. He was one of only a handful of solid signings made by former head coach Thiago Motta.
His consistency and range of skills attracted mighty Manchester City, but he let in five goals against Pep Guardiola’s makeshift side during their FIFA Club World Cup mauling.
The 28-year-old Inter Milan academy graduate redeemed himself with a world-class display and 10 spectacular saves in his next match, when Real Madrid ran riot but found beating Di Gregorio a difficult task.
Having been purchased for just €14.3 million (US$16.8m) was a savvy piece of transfer business for Juventus, with Manchester City eyeing him up during the summer. Di Gregorio had turned down a Premier League move to Nottingham Forest the previous summer in order to join the Turin titans.
Perrin has played a bit-part
With 47 Juve appearances last term, under Motta and Tudor, his form during pre-season waivered but he kicked off the Serie A campaign with back-to-back clean sheets against shot-shy opponents.
Stoppage time goals saved Juve against Inter and Dortmund, and avoided too much scrutiny on Di Gregorio. Although the knives are out for Di Gregorio as fans and pundits have been critical of the keeper.
Twice against Dortmund he conceded at the near post, which throws up Tudor potentially tweaking his starting line-up to give Perrin a chance between the sticks if mistakes recur.
Lowly Hellas Verona, who have only scored once yet have been solid in two of their three Serie A matches, would seem to be the best bet to give Perin a run-out.
Next week’s trip at Atalanta, who the Bianconeri beat pre-season to lift silverware, needs a solid shotstopper and throwing Perrin into the cauldron without any competitive minutes is risky.
Di Gregorio is under the spotlight for the wrong reasons, which jeopardises playing his first international for Italy.
Safe pair of hands needed at Juventus
Tudor, a former center-back during his Juventus playing days, clearly needs to delve into the winter transfer market to bolster his defense but having a safe pair of hands between the sticks is essential.
As Tudor tends to stick with his favorites, rarely rotating the squad, Perin has patiently waited for his opportunity to play. Should Di Gregorio continue to be wobbly then surely he will be dropped for the Atalanta showdown, with former Italy international Perrin given his chance.
Perin joined the Bianconeri from Genoa in June 2021, but only sported the Juve jersey 56 times with only 24 Serie A appearances.
Maybe Perrin will be part of a new dawn that is on the horizon for Juventus, who remain unbeaten since July’s narrow Real Madrid defeat, with a possible tactical change from Tudor’s favored back three and only one target man.