Full-Time 2nd Edition - International Break/Juventus vs Lazio Preview
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International Break
With this week being the international break for all of the major soccer leagues across the globe, clubs have had some time to regroup ahead of their next matches. Juventus is one of those many teams. The international break is the period where players are called up to compete for their respective national teams, and club teams are put on halt. This week's international break was for nations competing to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. This stretch could not have come at a better time for the Bianconero. Juventus has been struggling mightily in their domestic league of Serie A, struggling week after week to get the results they so desperately need. This break will allow the few players who weren't called up to rest, but more importantly for coach Massimiliano Allegri to square away some of the problems that have been plaguing his side.
Many of The Old Lady's players were called up to represent their respective countries this week. Young superstar winger, Federico Chiesa, was one of the players to headline those selected to the Italian national team. Joining him were veteran center-backs Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio "El Capitano" Chiellini. In addition, newly acquired midfielder Manuel Locatelli and winger Federico Bernadeschi were also called to action. The Italians looked to book a trip to Qatar, however their efforts were stifled after only managing a 1-1 draw to Switzerland. The Italian's celebrations have temporarily been put on hold, causing much anxiety amongst fans of the Azzurri. After failing to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, it would be a near catastrophic blow to Italian football if they failed to make it this time around. The pressure is higher than ever for this team as they are coming off a European Championship victory this past summer. With tons of young talent and a healthy balance of experience as well, it seems that complacency will serve as the biggest test for the Italians.
Juventus vs Lazio Look Ahead
As the international break winds to a close, Juventus prepare for a clash against Serie A rivals Lazio. Lazio are currently sitting at 5th in the table, while Juve are in just 8th position. This matchup will be one of the most important tests for Allegri's Juventus, as a win and 3 points is vital to get back into the hunt. This will be easier said then done however, as Lazio are a well rounded team led by former Juventus coach Maurizio Sarri. The midfield will be a crucial aspect in determining the outcome of this game, on both sides of the ball. Juventus has been desperate for some sort of creativity or fluidity from its midfield, but oftentimes they are left with a spiritless and disjointed group of players. It is necessary to have a midfield that can provide opportunities for the forwards in the attacking phase of the game. Especially with coach Massimiliano Allegri opting to employ a 4-4-2 formation most games, quality passes and creativity are essential to the success of the team. Unfortunately, time and time again Juventus's group of midfielders have failed to provide the necessary spark that is needed going forward against the opponent. Whether it's sloppy passes, turning the ball over or the blatant lack of creativity, Juve are continuing to try and remedy the recurring problem in the midfield.
On the flip side of the coin, Lazio are a team with arguably the strongest midfield in Serie A. Luis Alberto and Serbian international, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, are the focal points of this Lazio midfield. When both players are playing at top form, the Lazio attack is able to move swiftly up and down the pitch. The attacking presence of this Lazio team will be a huge test for the Juve defense. Juventus has prided themselves on stern, solid defending for decades but this season has had its fair share of blunders. From dangerous back-passes to poor goalkeeping, Juve have had to iron out some kinks in the defense throughout this 2021 campaign.
Led by former Juventus manager Maurizio Sarri, Lazio will be seeking a victory just as much as Allegri's Juventus. A win and 3 points will be enough to propel Lazio into the top four, for the time being. While a victory is pivotal for Juve to keep their aspirations of Serie A glory alive. Many of the players still remain from Sarri's stint as Juventus manager, and they surely have got plenty of reason to want to beat their old coach. After all, Sarri once was quoted describing the Juventus team as "uncoachable". Sarri will also be out to win, as he received his fair share of flack from fans and the Italian media during his time in Turin. With all the talent on these rosters, the backstories that have been brewing and the Serie A throne hanging in the balance, next weekend's clash in Rome may be one for the ages.
Final Thoughts
There are a handful of players that need to provide a meaningful performance next weekend. At the very top of the list is the Spaniard, striker Alvaro Morata. Morata has his roots in the club and has given us some memorable goals in the past. However, since returning to the club on loan from Atletico Madrid, Morata has been anything but consistent. Although he manages to score a modest amount of goals, his downfall is the chances he misses. These aren't "half-chances", but clear-cut and decisive misses. It seems that Morata has been unsure of himself when he has the ball at his feet, not knowing when it is time to pass or pull the trigger. This can be a catastrophic issue when you are a striker, who's main purpose is to put the ball in the back of the net. Furthermore, the amount of times that the Juventus striker has been called offsides is borderline criminal. A bundle of important, game-defining goals have been ruled out due to Morata's inability to simply stay onside.
The next offender that has made the list is French midfielder Adrien Rabiot. Rabiot has roughly two and a half seasons of mediocre performances under his belt with Juventus. Patience is beginning to run thin within the club surrounding the Frenchman's play on the field. Rabiot has been a frequent starter in the midfield since being acquired from PSG a couple years back. With flashes of talent, it is exciting to imagine the potential he has locked away. The problem becomes whether or not that potential can ever be unlocked permanently. Rabiot is a tall, big-bodied midfield player, who is confident on the ball and has good pace. What devalues him are the continuous showings of below-average performances. Too many times we will see Rabiot turning the ball over, failing to supply a clean pass or letting a defender get through him. With rumored interest from Premier League club Newcastle United, it is time for Rabiot to begin showing what he has to offer. Previous coaches over the past several seasons may have tolerated this inconsistency, but Allegri is not as forgiving. He must prove that he is worth the nearly seven million euros he is grossing per year. If he can't do that, then it might be time for the midfielder to pack his bags.
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