And now it’s gone… the completely depressing unbeaten streak that no Juventus fan will ever miss or fondly look again on.
In regular circumstances, an undefeated run is meant to be a optimistic indicator of a wholesome standing in addition to a supply of pleasure for the membership’s supporters. And but, this was neither of these items. If something, it regularly degenerated right into a banter theme, with rivals and neutrals having fun with amusing on the expense of an Outdated Girl who turned too cautious to pursue victories, preferring to accept the consolation of attracts.
The Bianconeri have been placing on uninspiring showings because the begin of the season which noticed them falling quick so far of their minimal goal, which is a Prime 4 end, whereas their high summer time signings are trying like distant family of the gamers who delighted Atalanta and Aston Villa followers (amongst others) in earlier campaigns.
So if anybody on the membership was nonetheless hoping to cling on to what was arguably essentially the most unimpressive unbeaten run in soccer historical past in some depressing try to masks the membership’s ever-growing points, Saturday’s defeat has mercifully introduced an finish to this charade.
(Photograph by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Pictures)
Whereas we are able to speak all day lengthy about Antonio Conte outwitting and outmanoeuvring Thiago Motta in each nook, the competition on the Maradona highlighted the placing distinction between the 2 golf equipment by way of mentality, showcasing why one in every of them is main the Serie A charts whereas the opposite has been massively underachieving.
Let’s contemplate Giovanni Simeone our Exhibit A: The Argentine has been decreased to an virtually forgotten determine in Naples. Nonetheless, even when he takes the sphere with just a few minutes left on the clock, you could possibly virtually see need bursting out of his eyes. Il Cholito fought for each ball as if his life was on the road, even latching onto the ball along with his head whereas laying on the bottom.
Simeone’s show depicted your prototype Conte crew, one which leaves no stone unturned of their vigorous quest for glory.
Quite the opposite, Juventus gamers – except for a number of like Federico Gatti and Manuel Locatelli (regardless of his mistake) – are more and more trying like soulless nine-to-fivers who’re merely completely satisfied to do the naked minimal whereas refusing to go the additional mile and displaying little to no sense of urgency.
On the finish of the day, we are able to speak about techniques, expertise and methods all day lengthy, however with this average-Joe mentality, Juventus are unlikely to go anyplace, as well-known membership mottos like “fino all tremendous” and “profitable is all that issues” not resonate with this mediocre version of the membership.