Juventus have lost two games from two in the Champions League and face their worst nightmare: being eliminated from the competition in the group stage, writes Lorenzo Bettoni at the Allianz Stadium.
Despite being one of the most storied clubs in Europe and the most winning club in Italy, Juventus won their second and last Champions League in 1996, losing five finals since. Their biggest dream has turned into the most bitter nightmare over the last 25 years. Now they are facing a far worse situation.
Max Allegri’s men have lost their opening two group stage games against PSG and Benfica, who now have six points, having both beat the Bianconeri and Maccabi Haifa. On Tuesday, the Old Lady’s boss repeated that his side would need 10 points to make it through the group stage, so, if his count is correct, his side can no longer afford mistakes on European nights.
They desperately need to win the next two against Maccabi Haifa and beat Benfica (away) or PSG in the final game of the group stage in Turin, picking up a draw in the remaining match. It’s an arduous task, especially considering what Juventus have been offering lately.
The Serie A giants have only won two games from six in Serie A and have 10 points, four less than leaders Atalanta, Milan and Napoli. Their primary striker Dusan Vlahovic has scored four goals in six appearances across all competitions but just one from open play.
They’ve been severely hit by injuries. Angel Di Maria has been dealing with muscle problems and has only made three appearances so far.
The other big signing of the summer – Paul Pogba – won’t be back until January after deciding to follow a conservative treatment for a meniscus injury in August, to then change his plans and agree to undergo surgery last week as the club had suggested a month earlier.
Federico Chiesa will also be back in 2023 or, in the best-case scenario, just before the World Cup break in November. The Italy international is still recovering from a severe knee injury suffered in January.
The signs are not good, Allegri is under increasing pressure and his team doesn’t seem to have a clear identity. Tonight, Benfica came to Turin to win and deserve to return to Portugal with three points, despite a positive start from the Old Lady who opened the account through Arek Milik.
Allegri saw Benfica as Juventus’ main opponent to go through and his prediction was correct. Trouble is, the Bianconeri were not up to the task tonight and deservedly lost the game.
There are issues also off the pitch as the Serie A giants are expected to announce a €250m loss for 2021-22, so qualifying for the last 16 is a crucial target to boost their finances. Juventus players left the pitch after apologising to their fans in the Curva, knowing they could no longer afford mistakes to avoid the biggest European disappointment, which would have consequences not only on the pitch.
@lorebetto
Better for the 7/9 to exit and bottom of the group where they truly belong. They have never been a big side in terms of Europe and now having a coach from the Victorian era, the sky is the limit for all things 1Mbps, square back coma calcio champagne.
Send Allegri home.Enough with these circo team.
allegri need to be sack immediately
Allegri OUT NOW
This team is in the gutter with no direction
Weird! I genuinely thought it was all var’s fault!
They are still in the run, bit if they don’t sack Allegri, no CL football next year
What a ridiculous club.
Can they even afford to sack Allegri?
He earns 9M a season and would cost 40M to get rid of him.
They will be back as always. It takes time.
It took the Milano clubs 10 years to get back up to standards.
It should be noted though that PSG and Benfica are BIG clubs and would have been tough games. I guess what i am saying is its not like they are losing to minnows. The reality is you can lose your first two games and progress depending on other results of course.