In Sunday’s early fixture, Juventus secured a hard-fought victory against a resilient Frosinone side, initially taking the lead, falling behind, and ultimately emerging triumphant with a late winner.
Dusan Vlahovic’s brace, coupled with defender Daniele Rugani’s decisive goal from a tight angle following a late corner, propelled the hosts to break their four-game winless streak. With the final whistle imminent, Juventus secured the win, extending their lead over AC Milan in third place to four points.
In his post-match remarks, coach Massimiliano Allegri shed light on the reasons behind his occasional frustration during the game.
“We need to reassess our defensive approach. Over the last seven matches, we’ve conceded six goals in the first half alone, indicating a concerning trend. Today, it was far too easy for our opponents to score.
“On the second goal, Rabiot’s injury left us vulnerable, and we should have been more astute in halting play.
“In the first half, our defensive shape was inadequate. We found ourselves stretched too thin, particularly under their high press. Although we showed more aggression in the second half and forced them to retreat, a match lasts for 90 minutes, and we must maintain defensive solidity throughout.
“We need to redouble our efforts and revert to the defensive standards we’ve previously demonstrated. It’s imperative that we reverse this negative trend, especially as these three points are crucial in our pursuit of a top-four finish.”
Both midfielders, Adrien Rabiot and Weston McKennie, sustained injuries during the match. McKennie, who provided assists for Vlahovic’s goals before being substituted, has now accumulated a team-leading seven assists for the season.
“We possess additional players within our squad who have played pivotal roles. While Rabiot and McKennie have made significant contributions, their availability for the upcoming matches remains uncertain. Nonetheless, we are confident in assembling a well-suited team to deliver a strong performance in our upcoming fixture against Naples next week.”
“Dusan’s performance has been commendable. Previously, he displayed signs of frustration and eagerness to score. However, he has now exhibited a more composed demeanor and consistently remains engaged in the game, which is a noteworthy development.”
Federico Chiesa’s recent performances have regrettably reflected a continued period of inconsistency, coinciding with ongoing speculations regarding his future.
“There are no concerns. His training regimen has been intermittent lately, necessitating a return to optimal fitness. While his presence on the field has been sporadic, he remains a crucial asset for the team, and his significance will become evident as the season progresses.”
The club’s sporting director, Cristiano Giuntoli, reiterated the satisfaction of the hierarchy with Allegri’s performance.
“I am content because our collaboration with the club is proceeding positively. Our alignment on various matters is evident. However, our focus needs to remain on the current circumstances. My contract extends until 2025, marking nearly a decade of service to Juventus. This tenure is a source of pride for me. I approach my duties with affection, zeal, and unwavering commitment to the club, its owners, and the team.
My emotional attachment to Juventus is profound, although whether it is advantageous or otherwise remains uncertain. We have embarked on a journey, initially under the leadership of the former president, Andrea Agnelli, and Federico Cherubini. This trajectory persists under the guidance of Giuntoli, alongside Manna and Scanavino. Our objectives are shared, yet my immediate priority is securing qualification for the Champions League, a pivotal financial objective for the club. Plans for the future will be evaluated by the club accordingly.”