Juventus 1-1 Sampdoria 14.12.2014

By tdf, December 15, 2014

The 1-1 draw at home to Sampdoria was a testament to the timeless adage ‘a game of two halves’. So complete was our control during the first period, so intense our attacking waves and with our opponents penned into heir own half, often with ten men behind the ball; I was expecting an avalanche of goals after our elder Frenchman put us ahead with a top drawer header. However it was not to be…

Perhaps the intensity of our midweek do or die match against Atletico had frayed a few nerves in the ranks? Maybe the absentees are more missed than we had hoped? Whatever was to blame, we ended the match rather fortunate to take one point, let alone three for the win. Was it not for a superb save from Santo Buffon we could well have found ourselves in hot water.

The crisp, confident at times, beautiful to behold one touch passing of the first 50 minutes deserves praise. I have witnessed the surge towards far quicker offensive movement since the change from 3-5-2 to 4-3-1-2 and am already certain it is the correct step in the evolution of our squad. With Chiellini, Asamoah, Barzagli, Pirlo and and match sharp Vidal and Llorente, we could prove not just dominant but also entertaining. Yet as the second half against Sampdoria demanded we accept, we remain in transition.

At times, our shooting was atrocious. Pereyra was guilty (as always) of profligacy, and had a poor game in general. Marchisio – deployed in the regista role – also forgot his shooting boots. Yet most worryingly of all, the midfielder who plundered 18 goals from midfield last term and has long been consider the warrior of the team appears still lethargic, off the pace physically and out of sorts mentally. Indeed, Arturo Vidal has dropped from a phenomenal talent making his mark at both ends of the field in every match he fights, to a despondent soldier still looking for a return to his former sterling standards after a period in the sick ward due to war wounds.

The swashbuckling Chilean with mischief in his eyes and the stars at his feet seems a distant memory and was last seen prior to his knee operation in May of this year. Rushed back into action at the world cup sooner than everyone other than his countrymen would have hoped, Arturo did not look at all comfortable in Brazil. He returned to the ranks after the international adventure and was soon after back in the treatment room. Persistent problems with the right knee continued to concern club and country up until recently when he has found a run of games, and whilst he continues to find himself in useful positions, he is clearly not (yet) finding top gear.

I am very much in support of seeing the youngsters given a chance but only when conditions are opportune. Drawing 1-1 at home to a team high up the table and in fine form, who are attacking us in our own back-yard, putting us on the ropes, searching for the winner, is not the time to give the kid Coman a run-out. No, this was the perfect time for Pirlo to appear on the field, put his foot on the ball, replace the knackered Marchisio, and make use of the space appearing as our opponents surged forward.

Still, given the tactical evolution Allegri is bringing to the fore and taking into account the absentees, the blame for this failure to earn victory falls much more at the feet of the players than the manager. For we created so many chances, with Romero denying us with several solid saves other than which our own profligacy was the culprit.

Ratings

Buffon- No chance on the goal conceded and performed a world class save to deny Manolo his second. 7.

Bonucci- You can see he enjoys taking on a stronger leadership role at the back in absence of Chiellini and Barzagli, and I dare say he is maturing, making less errors and maintaining order in the rear-guard. His passing was of a good standard, solid in his defensive position. 7.

Ogbonna – Kept it simple, marked, covered and fought well enough. Perhaps could be slightly more adventurous when finding himself in possession, for the opponents know he is always going to look for Bonucci or Marchisio. This may well be on direction from Allegri. He was ball watching for the goal we conceded, leaving Evra with a tough choice of two foes to guard against. 6

Evra- Took his goal brilliantly, offered support on the flank yet suffered in the second half with the arrival of Gabbiadini. With Pogba out of sorts, it left more work for the elder statesmen of the squad. Unfortunately the fullback was caught out of position for the beautiful strike which condemned us to a draw, although it must be noted that Ogbonna’s positioning was suspect, leaving Evra forced to try cover potential channels for two. Angelo seemed to be following the ball, rather the player in front of him, whereas Evra was following the players . 6.5

Lichsteiner – His attacking game relies upon support in midfield. With Vidal lethargic and out of sorts, Stephan had too much work to do single-handedly, yet toiled like a trojan as always. Rock solid at the back. 7.

Marchisio – Delightful corner for the goal. Showed intelligent distribution throughout to keep the game flowing quickly. Appeared to lack energy, perhaps still recovering from his illness midweek. He can play in the regista role, but is a country mile away from Pirlo in terms of creativity. 7

Pogba- Not exactly burn-out but certainly a lull, slump, trough of a showing from the young champion who has been nothing short of imperious in recent weeks. We can allow him that, such is his galactic talent, and hope he returns to his finest for the siege of Cagliari next weekend. 6.5

Vidal- Whilst hardly a pale imitation of what he once was, the warrior remains on the comeback trail. Still finding his rhythm, showing glimpses of his true talent in fits and spurts. Timing runs into the box has been his forte in the final third since joining the club and there are definite signs that his reading of the game is returning to his previous majestic levels. However, the execution when he finds himself in a goalscoring position is wide off the mark presently. I can only suspect that he is yet to feel totally comfortable, yet to bear that impish smile from ear to ear. Just a matter of time…we hope. Simply put, he was off the pace. 6.

Pereyra- Continues to find brilliant positions and provide quick fire link-up play, but his shooting remains wayward. If only Allegri and the coaching staff can fine tune his accuracy when striking the ball for goal, we could have a classy player on our hands. 6.5

Morata – Huffed and puffed but failed to blow the house down. The Spaniard’s electric pace and eagerness to shoot with power and great technique is a welcome addition to the ranks. Still finding his place in this squad, yet very promising signs are now regular. 6.5

Tevez- Extremely well marshalled by the Samp defence and midfield, Carlitos found himself up against several opponents whenever aiming for goal. A couple of snapshots could have proven more dangerous on another day. Fought immensely hard for the cause and will be eager to get back in the goals next outing. 7

We came up against a Sampdoria side in great form, very organized and determined and once they smelt blood, their confidence levels rose sharply. They showed very little as an attacking force until the introduction of Gabbiadini, who not only drew the game with a wicked shot from outside the box, but could of won it with a similar effort. He made far more of an impact on the match than any of three players Allegri brought into the fray in the second half when seeking to re-assert control and grab the victory.

Not just on this showing, but on what I have seen so far this season, Gabbiadini looks a much more established asset than Coman or Giovinco. Which becomes an interesting subject to discuss when you consider that Giovinco is certain to be shipped out during the winter mercato and it has been rumoured of late that Manolo may be heading to Naples. With 8 goals and 2 assists from 14 games this term, there is clear improvement to be noted in the left footed striker’s development.

Whilst his value appeared around 10m in 2013, it would now likely be closer to 15m. Yet I doubt Samp will let us take up the remaining 50% for 7.5m (a mere 2m profit on their original investment). Could they replace his goals for 7.5m? Potentially, but in January that task becomes harder with proven goalscorers running at a premium in the market.

This conundrum could well be why Beppe and Paratici are willing to see him sold to a third party. If Napoli come calling with 18m or offer some interesting players, Samp may be persuaded. But will we?

What seems to be apparent is that the major area in need of improvement in the Juve squad is the attack. Whilst Tevez has been in phenomenal form, the same cannot be said of his colleagues up top. The Argie has 9 goals to his name, and the closest to him in the club capocannieri stakes are Morata and Vidal with 4 a piece, which tells its own story…

Coman, at just 18 years old, needs to be given time and trying to find his feet in a tough encounter against top four Sampdoria defending a 1-1 draw in numbers and causing us problems at the back is hardly fertile ground for a youngster. He will have many more opportunities.

Our younger Spaniard, Alvaro Morata, is in for the long haul (at least for this season) and his pace and directness are already sparkling and exciting the fans. Against teams more eager to committ players forward, he will prosper.

His elder countryman Fernando Llorente has worked damn hard, found his new role tough going and is yet to find the net on a regular basis. Tasked with playing with his back to goal, his paltry strike rate comes as no surprise. The question is whether the lion-king is content to play such a role? From one perspective it is a crying shame that we do not operate ia system which delivers fine crosses into the box for the big chap to latch onto, for this is his forte. We play to feet far more than in the air. And Allegri deploys the striker as a link-up player, to receive the ball outside the box and find on-rushing midfielders bursting into the box. It will be interesting what happens in January, for I would not be surprised to find him departing the club. Mainly because he is 29 and playing out of his natural role. I personally hope he remains for he has class and goals in his boots, if only we are to unleash him as a prima punta.

Giovinco represents a close to certain sale. He has had the chances since his costly return to the club in 2012, but not taken anywhere near enough of them to warrant more playing time in the current squad. With his contract expiring in 2015 and little interest from club or player to extend, la formica atomica will be wearing different colours before the Winter transfer window closes. With Seba I do not feel it is a case of talent, which he has in abundance, I consider the issue of his relative failure at Juve to be a case of mentality. His form at Parma was nothing short of wonderful. I hope that he finds similar success at a club where he feels comfortable and content (as long as it is not at Roma!). Miccoli II?

Joining him in the departure lounge will surely be fans favourite Simone Pepe. Back from injury, yet only managing a handful of minutes on the field and ten appearances on the bench, surely it is time for Simone to be moved on. As a flying winger, there is really no need for him to remain in the squad when our tactics focus on the central midfield and movement of Tevez. And with his contract expiring next Summer, he is surely set to leave to seek playing time at the earliest convenience to all involved.

Two are surely on their way out. Which leads onto the pondering of replacements.

Gabbiadini has already been mentioned. I would be very happy indeed to see him enter the ranks, yet perhaps his development is better served playing regularly at Sampdoria. He seems too interesting a player to lose for the sake of a few million. So if push comes to shove, I would rather we overspent slightly, or inserted some kind of clause in the deal to ensure we have a reasonable option on his future.

We also have stakes in the Sassuolo duo Zaza and Berardi.

Zaza needs more time and I believe the deal we have with his club is that we can purchase the player for 15m next Summer, not in January. Also, we have no desperate need for a prima punta, as Llorente and Morata can play that role.

Berardi is the interesting option. His disciplinary issues have improved, yet remain an issue. His form has been fine, very good even, for a 20 year old, although is his progress as a player entering maturity better served as a bit part player at Juve or remaining with Sassuolo? I prefer the latter.

It seems sensible for the replacements in the squad to cover the holes left by Seba and Simone to come from elsewhere…for even Manolo will be vying for playing time as a second string player if he arrives. He is too young, as are the others mentioned, to move from the starting line-up of a serie a side to the Juve bench.

We played brilliantly for more than a half against a side brimming with belief and fervour. The new system continues to please and excite, and we are making more goalscoring chances than for many moons.

With Vidal to find his form, Pirlo, Barzagli, Caceres, Asamoah and Romulo to gain fitness and enter the squad, Chiellini to end his suspension, we should be jolly and ambitious with 1^st spot in the table and progression to the knock-out stage of the champions league achieved. Beat lowly Cagliari next weekend and we gain the crown of Winter champions.

On another day, we could have put five past Sampdoria. We take this one on the chin, doff our hats to Sinisa and his squadron for weathering the Juve storm and performing at their maximum, enjoy a week of training to recharge the batteries and come out flying against Zeman’s faltering side, hopefully gathering momentum in the process for the SuperCup outing against Napoli.

Forza Juve.