Former Italy players Paolo Di Canio and Alessandro Costacurta argued over Thiago Motta’s Juventus during a TV show on Sunday: ‘Is it a joke?’
Juventus have collected three consecutive 0-0 draws, seeing their coach Motta be compared to his predecessor Massimiliano Allegri. The latter had earned ten points in the opening five Serie A games last season, while the Bianconeri have nine now.
The Serie A giants haven’t conceded yet this season, but former Lazio, Juventus, and West Ham striker Di Canio expected a better attacking production.
“It is all new at the beginning, but we are now praising the defence. It reminds me of something,” he told Sky Sport.
“We must be serious. We expected something more. Otherwise, it makes no sense.”
Allegri was criticised for his defensive playing style, but Motta’s results haven’t been too different.
Di Canio and Costacurta argue over Thiago Motta’s Juventus: ‘Is it a joke?’
“Any new coach first develops the defence and then the other. Come on. I don’t know what you expected,” replied Costacurta.
“The first thing a new coach does is organise the defence.”
“There’s a different organisation, but the results are the same,” Di Canio hit back.
“We are praising the defensive phase. I am not saying it’s not okay.”
“What did you expect? Six goals per game? Let’s talk about serious things; we are not at a bar,” replied Costacurta.
The argument continued with Di Canio insisting that Juventus should do more in the final third.
“Don’t even start with that! We saw the stats: less than one shot on target per game,” he said.
“Did you expect less? Is it a joke? This is not a bar; this is a serious thing. I didn’t expect five goals per game, but not even half a shot on target in five games.”
Nevertheless, Costacurta concluded that Juventus’ struggles are understandable and suggested that the Bianconeri will improve with time.
“I expected some normal difficulties as there was a new coach,” said the ex-defender.
“The best coach I’ve ever had [Arrigo Sacchi] could have been sacked after two months because he wanted to do certain things. It happens!”
Juventus’ next Serie A match is away at Genoa this coming Saturday.