At the start of 2023/24 Serie A season, Juventus seemed rejuvenated in comparison to last year, proving to many individuals that they have the necessary caliber within their squad to be contenders for the title.
Coach Massimiliano Allegri managed to implement aggressive, front-foot defending, a more positive approach towards goal, and provide a new role for star attacker Federico Chiesa up-top with Serbian international Dusan Vlahovic.
As a result, the adjustments on the pitch made by the Italian tactician enabled the Bianconeri to hit the ground running early on in fine fashion, having maintained an unbeaten record in the opening first four fixtures of the season, as well as Vlahovic and Chiesa amassing four goals each thus far.
However, the bright start to the 2023/24 term filled with tranquility lasted shortly as drama spiralled out of control within the Juventus camp in a similar fashion to last season as a result of the plusvalenza case. From the doping incident of Frenchman Paul Pogba, to the betting scandal involving Italian prospect Nicolo Fagioli, Juventus found themselves starring within the headlines across all of Italy.
With the Bianconeri currently a main focal point within the topflight Italian league across various levels, the Get Italian Football News team had Tuttojuve journalist Massimo Pavan provide his insight on the current circumstances regarding Juventus.
Massimo Pavan was first asked to express his thoughts about rising star Nicolo Fagioli being handed a seven-month ban after pleading guilty to being involved within the betting scandal as he wagered on Juventus games in which he took part of, openly admitting to having a gambling addiction to the juries:
“Nicolo Fagioli is experiencing a very difficult time. He definitely made a mistake and will pay with a heavy disqualification. I think it will be a great opportunity for him to think about the mistakes and try to start again in order to come back stronger than before, it will be hard but he can do it. The real fans are with him .”
In addition, Pavan was asked whether Juventus will make a move for central midfielders in the upcoming January transfer window as a result of both Pogba and Fagioli being unable to take part of the squad for a lengthy period of time:
“In January, Juventus will definitely have to do something. Much will depend on the position in the standings and the distance from the leaders. They will definitively move towards signing a midfielder. Perhaps Khephren Thuram but it will be difficult, or Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg who is expensive, and possibly Udinese’s Lazar Samardzic. Then we will see in attack, but I would call back Matias Soule from his loan spell with Frosinone if he shows the progress of the last weeks from here on.”
Furthermore, Pavan provided his perspective on Juventus possibly reigniting their pursuit of Sassuolo winger Domenico Berardi as he has been in incredible form so far this season, attaining five goals and one assist in seven matches-played and having scored two goals in the most recent international window with the Azzurri:
“Certainly Domenico Berardi could also return to the list. A lot will depend on how much Sassuolo is asking, I would never spend 30 million on players who are almost 30 years old, it seems crazy to me.”
Finally, Pavan previewed the Bianconeri’s up-coming fixture against Milan at the Stadio San Siro, a significant fixture as the Juventus sit in third with 17 points, level with Napoli and Fiorentina, as well as only being three points ahead of sixth-placed Roma. Clinching all three points would enable Allegri’s side to move only one point behind of the Rossonerri and two points adrift from the Beneamata:
“With Milan it will be a difficult, almost an impossible game. Danilo’s absence is heavy, Rugani should play but hopefully he won’t make mistakes. Difficult to name a possible protagonist, I would like Kostic who seems to be on the upswing. It will be fundamental to defend well and take advantage of free kicks. As of today, Milan is favoured to win and Juve must make a half miracle to bring home a positive result.”
Julian Faustini Ι GIFN
