As Juventus warmed up on Monday night, I wasn’t alone in wondering, “What can I truly expect?” from the Bianconeri’s season opener against Como. This uncertainty stemmed not just from the choice of the starting lineup, the team’s lack of depth, or even the new manager at the helm, but from the overall ambiguity surrounding this squad, despite the significance of the match in the Serie A standings.
Well, Round 1 is officially in the books.
Admittedly, this match pitted Juventus against a newly promoted Serie A team, yet the dawn of the Thiago Motta era at Juventus began on a promising note.
Motta’s revamped Juventus was evident in their 3-0 victory over Como at the Allianz Stadium, where surprise starter Samuel Mbangula and Timothy Weah found the net in the first half, providing all the offensive support the team required. Andrea Cambiaso’s goal not only marked a third goal from three different players occupying wing positions but also capped off an impressive start to the Thiago Motta era—one that distinctly differs from the style of football seen over the past three seasons under the previous manager. Motta’s influence was felt in the starting lineup, his bold decisions, and everything his team executed on the field.
This was undoubtedly a positive beginning for multiple reasons. Juventus displayed sharpness in their attack and showcased many new movements and tactical approaches, in stark contrast to the outdated corto muso style observed during their last official home game.
Naturally, we felt optimistic after just one game last season as well. And we know all too well how that unfolded over the next nine months.
Regardless of whether it was a good or bad start, the first 90 minutes are merely a small part of a long season ahead.
Consider this: Motta demonstrated at Bologna that he is willing to make surprising choices regarding player selection. He has mentioned that there are around 20 starters on his team instead of relying on the same lineup when everyone is fit. One might assume Juve’s captain would start in the season opener, right? Not this time; it will be interesting to discern if this was due to precaution or a tactical decision. It’s also reasonable to expect Juve’s most expensive summer signing to be in the starting lineup, but instead, a 20-year-old made his Serie A debut while your new No. 10 transitioned inside to play as a true No. 10.
New club, new ideas, new methods … at least for one day.
It’s difficult to deny that this shift is refreshing, regardless of how you feel about Juventus’s summer mercato and the current state of the squad. (And yes, plenty of anger is justified, and I’m likely to share that sentiment with you.) However, witnessing a Juventus that previously surrendered possession to teams battling relegation just months ago now assert nearly 60 percent possession and complete 91 percent of their passes is a positive development.
You can only compete against those in front of you. While many challenges lie ahead since only one of 38 league matches has been played, this initial victory allowed Motta and Juve to showcase what this team can achieve when performing well.
As we anticipate some further activity in the transfer market to bring new talent to the squad, Motta proved that he can effectively utilize the players already at his disposal. For now, at least. The future remains uncertain.
However, this serves as a solid foundation, and I hope it marks the beginning of something remarkable.
RANDOM THOUGHTS AND OBSERVATIONS
- Pre-game thought No. 1: Is Steven Mbangula starting???
- Pre-game thought No. 2: Is Federico Gatti the captain???
- Pre-game thought No. 3: Out of eight substitutes, two are goalkeepers and two are newly promoted from the Next Gen. Who even needs depth, right?
- Pre-game thought No. 4: Thiago Motta was serious about his statement regarding this week’s training dictating his starting lineup for Juventus’ season opener.
- Post-game thought No. 1: SAMU MBANGULA!!!!!!!!
- Post-game thought No. 2: Undefeated with Thiago Motta as the manager of Juventus.
- Post-game thought No. 3: Undefeated when Thiago Motta appoints Gatti as captain.
- On a serious note, Mbangula certainly made a statement with his debut, proving he’s a name to remember. It’s a small sample size, but … HELLO KENAN YILDIZ!
- Yildiz’s first match as Juventus’ No. 10 went exceedingly well, didn’t it?
- I mean, I recognize that many expectations and pressures have been placed on Yildiz for this season and beyond, but witnessing him act as a crucial part of Juventus’ success against Como clearly indicates his role under Motta. It won’t matter if he plays as a traditional No. 10, like he did on Monday night, or if he drifts out wide (which he will), this Juventus team may succeed or struggle based on Yildiz’s performance.
- Yildiz partnering with Teun Koopmeiners in a few weeks? Yes, please!
- It’s always a positive sign when your new goalkeeper hardly has any shot-stopping to do in his first game. Great job, Michele.
- However, I want to give a shoutout to Di Gregorio for this reason: Check out the long ball he played to the left wing.
- Khephren Thuram is an absolute joy to watch. That guy is just plain fun.
- Timothy Weah seems to be on a streak of scoring stunning goals since joining Juventus. It’s just a few goals, sure, but they’ve all been spectacular! Now let’s hope his injury isn’t too serious…
- Dusan Vlahovic could have scored a hat trick if luck were on his side. (Seriously, what was up with that offside call on Andrea Cambiaso?) As expected, the same critiques of Vlahovic will resurface. He had 19 touches and five shots—quite a commendable ratio in my opinion—but now he needs to convert those chances, as he’s likely to get more opportunities than in previous years.
- Speaking of Cambiaso, his growth since returning to Juventus has been nothing short of outstanding. Another season under Thiago Motta promises great things.
- The last time Manuel Locatelli graced the Allianz Stadium, he faced boos during the friendly match against Next Gen Juventus. However, this occasion felt markedly different. His performance truly warranted the applause he received. (And surely, some ultras will claim credit for it.)
- Juan Cabal showcased several impressive moments — one notably should-have-been assist on Vlahovic’s disallowed goal featured a spectacular cross — but there were some concerning risks taken in defense.
- The same can be said for Bremer’s passing from the back. It’s a familiar scenario since he is not Leonardo Bonucci, yet the turnovers resulting from poorly executed long passes were the only drawback to Bremer’s evening.
- Juventus’ starting lineup had an average age just above 24. It’s hard to recall when the team last fielded such a youthful squad, aside from a few heavily rotated Coppa Italia matches.
- Three goals, three points, and a clean sheet on the opening night? That’s more than satisfying, everyone. Wishing you all a pleasant day. I certainly had one.
- Dominant First Half: Juventus set the tone early in the match, scoring two goals within the first 30 minutes.
- Defensive Solidity: The defense, led by captain Leonardo Bonucci, kept Como at bay, ensuring a clean sheet.
- Emergence of Young Talents: Players like Moise Kean and Fabio Miretti showcased their abilities, promising a bright future.
- Enhanced Team Cohesion: Motta’s emphasis on teamwork and communication is likely to improve on-field chemistry.
- Development of Young Players: With a focus on nurturing talent, young players can expect more opportunities to shine under his guidance.
- Attractive Style of Play: The commitment to an attacking style will not only entertain fans but can also lead to better results.
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A Promising Start: Juventus Begins the Thiago Motta Era with a 3-0 Victory over Como
Overview of the Match
On a spirited day in Turin, Juventus kicked off the Thiago Motta era with an emphatic 3-0 victory against Como. This win not only served as a morale booster for the team but also showcased the strategic prowess of their new head coach, Thiago Motta. The match was marked by impressive performances from both seasoned players and emerging talents, hinting at a promising season ahead for the Bianconeri.
Key Highlights of the Game
Scoring Breakdown
| Minute | Goal Scorer | Assist |
|---|---|---|
| 12′ | Moise Kean | Federico Chiesa |
| 29′ | Juan Cuadrado | Filip Kostić |
| 75′ | Fabio Miretti | Weston McKennie |
Thiago Motta’s Tactical Approach
Thiago Motta’s coaching style is already making waves. His philosophy emphasizes possession-based football, tactical flexibility, and an attacking mindset, which was evident in this match. Here are some tactical elements that defined Juventus’ performance:
1. High Pressing and Ball Recovery
Juventus implemented a high press strategy, disrupting Como’s build-up play and quickly regaining possession. This allowed them to dominate the midfield and create several goal-scoring opportunities.
2. Fluid Attacking Movements
The forwards displayed fluidity in their movement, with players frequently interchanging positions. This unpredictability made it difficult for the Como defenders to mark them effectively.
3. Compact Defense
The team maintained a compact shape when out of possession, minimizing spaces for Como to exploit. The coordination between the back line and the midfield was commendable, ensuring that Como struggled to create clear chances.
Player Performances to Note
Several players stood out during the match, contributing significantly to Juventus’ success:
Moise Kean
The young striker opened the scoring with a well-placed shot, showcasing his finishing ability. Kean’s movement off the ball also created space for his teammates, making him a constant threat.
Federico Chiesa
Chiesa’s pace and dribbling skills played a vital role in stretching the opposition’s defense. His assist for Kean’s goal exemplified his ability to create opportunities.
Juan Cuadrado
The experienced winger not only scored a goal but also provided defensive cover, illustrating his versatility. Cuadrado’s work rate was a key component of Juventus’ success on the flanks.
Benefits of the Thiago Motta Era
As Juventus embarks on this new chapter under Thiago Motta, fans can expect several benefits:
Practical Tips for Fans: Supporting Juventus in the Thiago Motta Era
Here are some practical tips for fans looking to support Juventus during this exciting new phase:
1. Engage with the Community
Join fan clubs or online forums to engage with fellow supporters. Sharing insights and experiences can enhance your connection to the club.
2. Attend Matches
Whenever possible, attending games at Allianz Stadium can provide an electrifying atmosphere that supports the team and boosts morale.
3. Stay Updated
Follow Juventus’ official social media channels and website for updates on player performances, match previews, and behind-the-scenes content.
First-Hand Experience: Fan Reactions Post-Match
After the match, numerous fans expressed their optimism regarding the Motta era:
“The players looked revitalized and motivated. It’s a fresh start, and I can’t wait to see how the season unfolds!” – A dedicated Juventus supporter.
“Motta has brought a new energy to the squad. The way we played today was exhilarating!” – Another fan commented following the victory.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Juventus?
With the promising start under Thiago Motta, Juventus fans are eager to see how the team will perform in upcoming fixtures. The next matches will be crucial in establishing their standing in Serie A. Key upcoming fixtures include:
Upcoming Fixtures
| Opponent | Date | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| AC Milan | October 8, 2023 | Serie A |
| Napoli | October 15, 2023 | Serie A |
| Inter Milan | October 22, 2023 | Serie A |
Conclusion
With the promising start of the Thiago Motta era signaled by a 3-0 victory over Como, Juventus fans have much to look forward to this season. The combination of tactical innovation, player development, and a united fanbase will be pivotal in the Bianconeri’s quest for success in Serie A and beyond.
