Following the Bianconeri’s poor performance in Florence, Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri was heavily punished for two different reasons.
Obviously the first cause is his team’s hollow display, while the second is his post-match comments, where he appeared to lose the Champions League clash against Paris Saint Germain three days before kick-off.
Was it some kind of tactical maneuvering and part of the pre-match mind games, or just a genuine observation by the coach?
Regardless, the Bianconeri players have a battle going at Le Parc des Princes, and while the mission against Leo Messi, Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and company will be extremely difficult, here are three keys that can help the Old Lady’s cause.
possession football
This is surely easier said than done, but Juventus cannot afford to leave the initiative to the Ligue 1 champions as they did against Fiorentina. With all due respect to Viola players, none of them are world class.
If the Bianconeri succumb to possession of the ball against Christophe Galtier’s men, the French will leave us in their wake.
In Leandro Parede and Fabio Miretti, Allegri has players who can hold the ball up and hopefully produce some decent plays.
closing the gaps
Keeping all the PSG stars at bay is an almost impossible task. Nonetheless, Juventus should return to their Italian roots by closing the gaps and allowing incredibly fast players like Mbappe and Achraf Hakimi little room to dash.
Perhaps Allegri should go back to a three-man backline to mimic the hosts’ formation and bolster the backline.
Sand
Although the tactical aspect is undoubtedly important, it is useless on the big stage if the team lacks the right mentality.
Once they step onto the pitch, Allegri’s men must remember that they represent one of the most prestigious clubs in world football. With all due respect to PSG, their history pales in comparison to the great achievements of the Old Lady.
So let’s hope the players show some determination, courage and self-confidence, even if their coach’s words weren’t the biggest source of inspiration.
