While it seems as if the campaign started yesterday, we have now reached the winter break which will interrupt this unusual season for almost two months.
Thus, Juventus will play their last official match of 2022 when they host Lazio at the Allianz Stadium.
Due to the timing and the current standings in the league, this match is of the utmost importance, especially for the Old Lady.
So here are three reasons why this weekend’s tilt will be crucial for the Bianconeri.
rise or fall
At the end of round 14, Juventus sat fourth in the table, a respectable position considering where they were just a few weeks ago.
However, there are only four points separating Lazio in second place and their cross-town rivals Roma in seventh, with the Bianconeri sitting uncomfortably in the middle.
So while a win over the Eagles will see Max Allegri’s men end the year in third place (perhaps even second if Milan drop points against Fiorentina), a loss could sink us to seventh.
long layoff
As mentioned above, the negative result will allow those behind Juventus to overtake them in the table.
Now surely this drop would not be a deathblow for the Bianconeri as there will be another 23 rounds to play after the restart; however, the timing for such a setback will be devastating on the morale level.
Every time a team drops points, the players and coach will be quick to remind us that there is always the next one. But this time, the next one won’t take place until January.
So being forced to sit on our hands for 50 days while staring at a nasty league table is certainly a depressing thought for fans and players alike.
Confirming revival
In the last five rounds of Serie A, Juventus have posted the most impressive winning streak since Allegri’s return, racking up five wins without conceding a single goal.
However, a section of fans and pundits believe that this run has painted a more optimistic picture than reality itself, pointing to the fact that Juve had scored ugly victories against Torino, Lecce and lastly Verona, while even having luck during the first half of the Derby d’Italia.
However, a win over Maurizio Sarri’s flank would act as confirmation of the club’s recent revival and further motivate the team to extend their winning streak once the season restarts in January.
