Juventus defender Daniele Rugani confessed to struggling for breath after scoring a dramatic 95th-minute winner against Frosinone, emphasizing the significance of the goal in ending the team’s recent struggles.
Rugani’s strike secured a crucial 3-2 victory for the Bianconeri, their first win in five matches. The Italian defender’s teammates erupted in celebration, highlighting the team’s relief after the challenging period.
“I was overcome with emotion and couldn’t breathe for nearly half a minute,” Rugani admitted to DAZN. “However, I’m immensely happy to have contributed to the team’s victory and put this difficult phase behind us.”
Prior to the Frosinone clash, Juventus had managed a meagre two points in their previous four outings.
“These setbacks can occur even after a strong five-month run,” Rugani acknowledged. “Within a fortnight, you risk jeopardizing all the progress. We were fortunate today, but this needs to be a turning point for us.”
Addressing Juventus’ recent defensive vulnerabilities, Rugani pinpointed a decline in “mentality, cohesion, and defensive grit.” He emphasized the importance of collective defending, citing their past success in this area.
“We mustn’t forget how difficult it is to score against us when we defend as a unit. We achieved this consistently for five months, and we can replicate it again.”
Regarding Federico Chiesa, who was substituted in the second half and reprimanded by coach Allegri for his positioning in the first half, Rugani expressed confidence in the Italian winger’s improvement.
“Ending a difficult spell isn’t easy, but I believe Chiesa is progressing,” Rugani stated. “He performed well in training this week, and his spirits seemed high. Therefore, I’m confident he will contribute positively in the upcoming weeks.”
Juventus secured second place with this victory, six points behind leaders Inter, who hold two games in hand.