The secrets of Juventus’ comeback and how they can become title contenders in January

Juventus won the last six Serie A games, scoring 12 goals and conceding none, so Italian media look at the secrets behind their comeback and how they can become title contenders in January.

The Bianconeri had a miserable start to the season, winning just three of their opening nine matches and facing Champions League elimination in the group stage for the first time since 2013.

However, they have climbed the table thanks to six wins in a row where they scored 12 goals, conceding none.

Today’s edition of Tuttosport highlights three reasons behind their rebirth.

Players were sent to a training retreat after a 2-0 loss against Maccabi Haifa in the Champions League and those days have helped Allegri cement his ideas and unite the group. The Bianconeri sealed a 1-0 win in the Turin derby and have gone on to win the following five in Serie A, losing to Benfica and PSG in the Champions League.

Allegri has made a radical tactical change, deploying a three-man defence which has made Juventus more solid, helping some of the new signings, such as Filip Kostic and Gleison Bremer, thrive in a more friendly tactical environment.

Last but not least, the Italian tactician has given a chance to academy product Nicolò Fagioli, who struggled with playing time during the first two months. The Italy starlet has now scored two goals in nine appearances, earning his first call-up to Italy’s national team.

Despite their impressive results, Juventus remain 10 points behind table leaders Napoli, who they will meet at the Stadio Maradona on January 13.

It will be a crucial month for the Bianconeri who, as highlighted by Gazzetta, will likely see Paul Pogba return to action and could rely on Federico Chiesa full-time after his complete recovery from a knee injury.

Angel Di Maria is also expected to give a more consistent contribution after making just 10 appearances in the first part of the campaign, collecting barely 400 minutes on the pitch.

Clearly, the Bianconeri need Napoli to drop points to keep their Scudetto hopes alive. The Partenopei have been almost unplayable this season and are the only unbeaten team in Serie A.

Luciano Spalletti’s side will face Inter, Juventus and Roma in January, plus Salernitana and Sampdoria, while the Old Lady will meet Cremonese, Udinese, Atalanta, Monza and the Partenopei when the season resumes in January.