Juventus defender Federico Gatti (4) celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 1-0 during the match. [+] The 31st Serie A soccer match between Juventus and Fiorentina was held at Allianz Stadium in Turin, Piedmont, Italy on April 7, 2024. (Photo by Matteo Bottanelli/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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It was typical Max Allegri, with a minimalist approach that did the job well enough.
After defeating Lazio 2-0 in the first leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final, Juve welcomed Fiorentina to the Allianz Stadium looking for their first league win since late February. In fact, going into the game against La Viola, Juve had only won one of their nine games after a terrible run that saw them fall from title contenders to third place.
With Bologna and Roma gradually catching up, Allegri knew he needed a win. Despite the Italian team's performance in this season's European competitions, which will likely see Italy qualify for an additional Champions League spot next season, Allegri believes the team has slumped since losing to Inter in the derby. I understood that I had to stop what I was doing. “Italy in early February.
Leading up to the match, Juve had faced Lazio twice in recent days, with very contrasting results. The league match in Rome was a close match between the two teams, but Lazio won thanks to a late goal from Adam Marusic. A few days later, the two sides met again, and this time the home side Juve were in much better form, winning 2-0 and taking a big step towards reaching the Coppa Italia final for the second time in three years.
But will Juve play Fiorentina in the version they saw against Lazio in Serie A, or in the cup? By the end of the match, it was neither. Juve won thanks to defender Federico Gatti's opening goal (surprisingly his fourth of the season), and although the Bianconeri had a few goals ruled out for offside while on top, they struggled in the second half. It was a completely different match.
Juventus finished the second half with the following statistics. 1 shot on goal. 16% possession. They have completed 0 crosses and 41 passes (compared to Fiorentina's 311). Even by Allegri standards, this is extreme minimalism.
While Fiorentina were looking for an equalizer, Juve had a goal advantage and at times found themselves stuck in their own penalty area in the final 15 minutes. No matter how you look at it, this team is going through something of a crisis, with Vincenzo Italiano having won just one of his last six league games. Still, Juve hung on for dear life, playing like a local team against a team ranked 10th in the table.
According to the Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, Allegri was not satisfied with the way his players slumped in the final stages of the match, but it could be argued that this question was not directed by him. This has been a common theme throughout his second stint as manager, giving possession to smaller teams and looking to counterattack.
However, Allegri is not entirely to blame when it comes to this match. Juve had ample chances to double their lead in the first half, only for several goals to be canceled for offside. Furthermore, Dusan Vlahovic was guilty on several occasions of not playing with teammates in a better position than the Serbian player. By half-time, Juve should have been leading by two or three points. In the end, it was only Wojciech Szczesny's performance that prevented Juve from dropping Mopre points.
This is a hugely important win for Juve, keeping Bologna and Roma level with Bologna towards the end of the season. However, almost three years after taking over, it is clear that Allegri's Juve side have neither an identity nor a style of football. At times they don't even look coached, which is all the more frustrating considering Juve have only played once a week this season.
Rumors are growing that Juve are set to sign Thiago Motta from Bologna at the end of the season. If Allegri can win this season's Coppa Italia and finish in the top three, the Tuscan will leave with his head held high. But it is clear that a man with his experience is not suitable for Juve. Because they are not the club Allegri stepped foot in 10 years ago.