Soporific but pragmatic, Juventus could regain the lead in Serie A for the first time in 3 years

Despite the good spoils collected since the start of the season (9 wins, 1 loss, 2 draws in 12 matches), it is difficult to detect any evolution in the pragmatic style of play proposed by the coach Massimiliano Allegri. Rarely spectacular, the Bianconeri struggle to make their supporters jump.

A few statistics are better than a long speech to illustrate the Turin game. In twelve matches, Juventus have scored 19 goals, 10 fewer than Inter, making them the 7th attack in the elite. A figure which can be explained by the few shots on target taken (4.3 per match, 8th in the elite) and below-average ball possession (48.8%, 12th in the elite).

Furthermore, only three players from the Turin core have scored more than one goal: the disappointing center forward Dusan Vlahovic (4), and Federico Chiesa in renewed confidence (4) and the replacement striker Arkadiusz Milik (2).

Despite this, Juventus performs and accumulates points day after day thanks to formidable efficiency. Of the 9 victories won by Juve this season, 5 (including the last 4 matches) have been by a single goal.

A loot which can be explained by a newfound defensive solidity. There Old lady conceded only 7 goals, one less than Inter (6). It’s not much especially when we know that the data is ‘distorted’ by the debacle against Sassuolo (4-2). The Bianconeri and their goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny have in fact stacked 8 clean sheets since the start of the season.

If it is strongly handicapped in the midfield by the suspensions of Paul Pogba (doping) and Nicolo Fagioli (sports betting) and that it is undermined by a series of injuries (notably that of the captain Danilo), Juventus has so far been able to count on an additional advantage compared to its opponents.

Excluded from European competitions, Juve can concentrate solely on the championship. A luxury that the Allegri gang knew how to exploit to their advantage during this first part of the championship and which could prove decisive in the long term.