In the new 2015 Serie A year, Juventus still find themselves topping Serie A. Forza Italian Football brings you a review of all that has happened in Juventus’ dominant 2014 year.
Juventus continued in the same vein this campaign as last, not relinquishing top spot since climbing there on week four; and that in spite of the unrest of triple Scudettto winning coach Antonio Conte departing just days into the pre-season.
Juventus have lost just once in Serie A in 2014, conceding just seven, but more importantly finally look as though they could make a significant impact in the Champions League when the competition resumes in February.
Admittedly questions arose after defeat to Olympiakos on matchday three, however, the character shown to defeat the Greek champions next time out in Turin and brush aside Malmo will provide great confidence.
The only stain on Juventus’ season so far was the penalty shoot-out defeat in the Supercoppa Italia to Napoli.
Transfer Hit & Flop
Rarely does a club have a transfer window as successful as Juventus’. With former Udinese player Roberto Pereyra arguably the outright success with his speedy integration into the first-team, Spanish youngster Alvaro Morata has also looked as though the long-term health of the Juventus juggernaut is in good hands.
Oddly, of those to arrive this summer the man who struggled most to adapt to life in Turin was the highly decorated and experienced Patrice Evra. However, as the side transitioned from Conte’s 3-5-2 to Massimiliano Allegri’s 4-3-1-2, the Frenchman has begin to find his feet.
The Coach
To succeed in the Champions League, a switch of formation seemed necessary but difficult to implement. However, the change of coach and appointment of Allegri probably eased that transition.
Allegri inherited a squad in which, in many ways, a slight regression could have been plausible given recent achievements. However, the 47-year-old has displayed an ability to make the side adaptable to switches in formation and style as they navigated their way past the Champions League group stages as well as continuing to set the pace in Serie A.
Best goal — Andrea Pirlo v Torino
With timing, importance and quality of strike all being considered, there was no better contender for the standout goal of 2014 for Juventus as Andrea Pirlo’s Derby della Mole winner in November.
As cross-town rivals Torino ran Juventus closer than they had for a number of years, the Granata looked as though they would be celebrating a hard fought 1–1 draw at the Juventus Stadium, but only for Pirlo’s class to shine through.
With time ticking away the ball broke to the veteran Italy midfielder some 25 yards from goal and without breaking stride, Pirlo unleashed a powerful low drive past the helpless goalkeeper as Torino fans lamented what could have been.
[youtube]http://youtu.be/BmoNV7eu7aI[/youtube]
Follow Kevin Pogorzelski on Twitter: @rabbitrabbiton
