Juve Urged to Improve Scoring Form in Serie A
Juventus faced off against Napoli with hopes of ending their scoring drought that has plagued them in recent Serie A matches. Unfortunately, their struggles in front of goal continued as they played out their third consecutive scoreless draw on Saturday night. Despite showing promise in their midweek Champions League victory over PSV Eindhoven, Juventus managed only two shots on target against Napoli and failed to truly test the opposition.
Thiago Motta, Juventus’ manager, expressed his disappointment with the result, emphasizing the need to do more to secure wins. He acknowledged the defensive challenges posed by Napoli but stressed the importance of being more clinical in the final third. Motta highlighted the team’s quality and potential to break down stubborn defenses through changes in tempo and long-range shots.
In an attempt to shake things up tactically, Motta made a bold decision to substitute star striker Dusan Vlahovic with winger Timothy Weah. Vlahovic, who has been relatively quiet in recent games, was replaced to provide a different attacking dynamic. Motta clarified that the substitution was not due to injury but a strategic move to unlock Napoli’s defense.
Despite the disappointing result, Motta praised summer signings Teun Koopmeiners and Pierre Kalulu for their positive contributions. Koopmeiners impressed with three key passes in a new wider role, while Kalulu showcased his defensive prowess in his first start at center back. Motta commended their attitudes and highlighted Manuel Locatelli’s strong performance against Napoli.
One player who has surprised many with his recent starts is Weston McKennie, who was on the brink of leaving Juventus in the summer. McKennie’s inclusion in the starting lineup coincides with Douglas Luiz’s struggle for consistent playing time. Motta praised McKennie’s versatility and ability to impact both attack and defense.
As Juventus continue to search for goals and victories in Serie A, Motta remains optimistic about the team’s potential. With strong players like McKennie, Vlahovic, and the new signings, Juventus has the talent to turn their fortunes around and compete at the highest level. The focus now shifts to improving their finishing and unlocking defenses to secure crucial wins in the upcoming fixtures.