Italian Champions Juventus made a brilliant start to the new season with a commanding 3-nil win over Sampdoria on Andrea Pirlo’s managerial debut.
The Bianconeri are rebuilding with the rookie manager after Maurizio Sarri’s sacking following their humbling Champions League exit to Lyon despite winning the Scudetto.
Juve legend Pirlo was looking stylish as usual and his team were similarly sleek and charming. Purposeful in possession, they played with intensity as opposed to the lethargy during Sarri’s reign.
Pirlo has reverted to the 3-5-2 shape that served them so well through their title-winning run. Crucially, the setup somewhat embodies the fighting spirit and winning mentality of the old lady.
It was a committed performance by the nine-time defending Champions from the first whistle who looked very comfortable in their shape and understood their roles in a possession-heavy style.
The midfield was fluid and mobile as Aaron Ramsey was running into space in attack and got his reward for a sparkling performance with the assist for Ronaldo’s third. The ex-Arsenal man registered six tackles and created six chances.
All of last season’s additions look settled now with Adrien Rabiot also playing with confidence. Weston Mckennie looks in good company and had an impressive debut while Arthur is yet to feature.
Serie A Young Player of The Year, Dejan Kulusevski, was confident on the ball and opened the scoring with a neat finish in the 13th minute, his first shot for Juventus on debut. Although a right-winger by trade, the Swede adds options into the squad with Serie A MVP Paulo Dybala, and Álvaro Morata also set to join.
Juan Cuadrado was settled in a natural wing-back role with Danilo slightly behind him at right centre-back looking inspired. Leonardo Bonucci is far more comfortable in a back-three and looks set to lead with his distribution from the back.
Matthijs De Ligt, who has improved massively in the Juve shirt, was not available against Sampdoria but remains an option at the back.
In truth, the chasing pack of Inter Milan, Atalanta, Lazio, AC Milan, Napoli and Roma have drawn ever-closer to Juve’s Italian crown, secured by only a point in 2019/20. The Old Lady is angling for a TENTH straight Scudetto.
The fight is up to the chasing pack but Juve look ready to do their thing again. Win, and in some style.
I see them getting smarter in their style of play because Pirlo is definitely the brainy one,and he’s going to take Juve to another level
They’ve had the best possible start for sure.