Massimiliano Allegri’s Juventus have extended their unbeaten run and cemented the fourth spot, but the coach’s playing style still divides the Bianconeri fans.
Juventus had a terrible start to the season, collecting just two points in the opening four matches but would be on top of the table without considering those first games of the campaign. Massimiliano Allegri seems to have restored the club’s DNA with a very practical playing style based on defensive solidity. Juventus are unbeaten in the last 14 Serie A games by beating Spezia 1-0 at the Allianz Stadium tomorrow.
Alvaro Morata scored the winner in the first half, but the performance was far from impressive as Thiago Motta’s side came close to scoring the equaliser twice in the second half. Just like during his first spell in Turin, Allegri is being criticised by some Juventus fans for his defensive playing style.
The Italian coach hit back at criticism after a 1-1 draw against Villarreal two weeks ago, saying that he prefers to win games than be pretty. “I would prefer to see a Juve that is winning but less pretty. It’s a matter of taste,” he said.
The debate continued after Juventus’ win yesterday with fans who spotted Allegri telling his players to ‘move the ball and be patient until we find a hole [in Spezia’s defence].’ Many noticed how Allegri’s words ‘say everything’ about his idea of football.
Juventus sacked Allegri in 2019, hiring Maurizio Sarri, who was supposed to give the Old Lady a more spectacular playing style.
The Tuscan won the Scudetto but was also sacked after just one season. Both he and his successor Andrea Pirlo failed to bring a new identity to Turin, so Allegri was re-called in the summer. Juventus knew what they were getting by hiring Allegri again, but the Old Lady’s results in the second part of the campaign show that the Tuscan tactician is on the right path, although Juventus’ brand of football is currently nowhere similar to the ones of the top clubs in Europe.