Juventus are coming. The Juve boys are coming. They have Inter Milan in their crosshairs, and are ready to pull the trigger. As the Serie A is about to get back into full flow, it isn't Pogba, Dybala or the attackers who will be the key to Juve becoming champions again...it's those dudes at the back.
The hallmark of Juve's success under Conte and now Allegri, has been that backline. Barzagli, Bonnucci, Emperor Chiellini and Gigi Buffon have formed the foundation with which Juventus have been the kings of Italy. They work well together, have a great understanding, and are very tough to break down. A combination of defensive skill and and incredible bravery to prevent any goals at all costs is exemplary.
Even when Juventus had their bad start this season, it was not due to their defensive frailties, unlike Chelsea. The boys at the back did their job, but the attack wasn't firing. Allegri was having to figure out how to work in Mandzukic and Dybala into this new setup after the huge losses they had. But Chiellini and co. have been doing their job all season, but now that Juventus are back clicking again, they will need to be at their very best.
I get that the aim of football is to score goals, but it become really hard to win games if you keep conceding a a high volume. It puts far too much pressure on the strikers, and it reduces morale when you're having to always get yourselves back in a game. Having the defensive foundation that is dependable, breeds confidence in the team and allows the players to have greater belief that they can win a game. Also, there's nothing better and more fulfilling than winning whilst keeping a clean sheet.
This has been a very open Serie A and the gap in quality has been narrowed this season. Teams still believe that they can take Juventus and are not as invincible as they have been in previous seasons. That is why the rearguard have to remind them of their dominance. If they keep on leaking goals, it allows others to believe that they can be taken down. But by maintaining the great wall of Turin, that is where Juventus can find their way back as the impenetrable force that we've come to know.
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