On Wednesday, Thiago Motta will mark his 42nd birthday. It is likely that he will dine at a wonderful restaurant in Turin with his wife, savoring the exquisite cuisine Northern Italy has to offer, a region he is quite familiar with.
Furthermore, he will celebrate knowing that his Juventus team is currently the only club in Serie A to win their first two matches, placing them at the top of the league standings.
Admittedly, it’s just the initial 180 minutes of a new season, but it does feel quite pleasant, doesn’t it?
Juventus rounded off their consecutive Mondays to kick off the Motta era with a second consecutive 3-0 victory. This time, the latter part of the Monday night football spectacle featured Hellas Verona, the only other team that could have matched Juventus with six points from their opening two matches. Dusan Vlahovic scored a goal on either side of halftime, while Nicolo Savona, another Next Gen product, made his debut for Juve by also finding the net. Consequently, Juventus has emerged as the sole Serie A club to achieve a perfect 2-for-2 start to the new season after the first two weeks.
The players have thoroughly adopted Motta’s style of play, and the outcomes — even on nights that didn’t start smoothly, like Monday at the Bentegodi — are clearly reflecting that. It’s undoubtedly an impressive beginning, particularly considering that some major summer signings are either currently injured, freshly signed, or still waiting in Bergamo for their situation to improve.
To summarize, after their first two matches under Motta, Juventus is:
- Leading the table.
- The highest-scoring team in the league.
- Possessing the best defense in the league, having allowed just one shot on goal.
- Performing exceptionally well.
Indeed, as a longtime supporter of Juventus who has witnessed rapid declines in performance, I find myself quite thrilled by this limited sample size. While the competition currently isn’t reflective of what awaits Juventus in September and October, the early results are undeniably promising. It marks a positive change, and Juventus is finally executing what we’ve long hoped for against local teams in their opening back-to-back encounters this season.
Moreover, what makes this victory even more remarkable is that Hellas Verona recently demolished Antonio Conte’s Napoli 3-0, and it’s worth noting that the Bentegodi Stadium has not always been a fortress for Juve. While the start wasn’t ideal, once the halfway mark of the first half passed, Juventus found their rhythm.
The rest, as the saying goes, is history—Thiago Motta got to celebrate the goals alongside Carlo Pinsoglio.
Fully aware that this Juventus squad was comprised of several Next Gen players with minimal Serie A experience and still missing key contributors, Motta’s accomplishments should not go unrecognized. These could easily have been Monday nights where Juve dropped points, creating an unsettling atmosphere heading into the first significant match of the season against Roma this weekend.
Instead, they have made a powerful start and must be filled with confidence as they approach the final match before the first international break.
That’s not a statement we could confidently make after the second match of the season in recent years. We have seen 3-0 victories followed by rather disappointing performances. However, this time, the shortcomings did not occur. It was a repeat of the solid performance we witnessed just a week ago in Turin.
I mentioned this last week, but it bears repeating: Thiago Motta is leaving an exceptionally positive first impression. For this reason, I hope he indulges in all the Brasato al Barolo he desires during his birthday dinner. Enjoy, Mister; you have earned it.
RANDOM THOUGHTS AND OBSERVATIONS
- The away kit, which is quite yellow, becomes more acceptable when accompanied by a Juventus victory.
- Juventus remains undefeated this season whenever Federico Gatti dons the captain’s armband.
- Against Hellas Verona, Juventus completed 619 passes, a feat that feels like it would have taken Juve an eternity last season.
- The average age of Juventus’ starting lineup last Monday against Como was 24.5 years.
- The average age of Juventus’ starting lineup this Monday against Hellas Verona dropped to 24.1 years.
- In his first two games with the main squad, Samuel Mbangula has already achieved a goal, two assists, and a penalty won. Let’s just finalize that contract extension, Cristiano.
- What Mbangula has accomplished in these two starts was something we all anticipated, right? Naturally!
- Mbangula has two assists in two matches this season, putting him halfway to matching Filip Kostic’s total for all of last season.
- Mbangula and Kenan Yildiz are currently tied for the early lead in assists in Serie A, which is pretty impressive.
- Yildiz’s assist on Vlahovic’s goal was exceptional, particularly due to how the goal unfolded. If Manuel Locatelli hadn’t applied pressure to the ball as he did, that goal wouldn’t have materialized. Yildiz delivered a perfect pass, and Vlahovic finished impressively, flanked by defenders, to put Juve ahead. Kudos to everyone involved.
- Speaking of Locatelli, he seems revitalized under Thiago Motta’s management. This serves as a reminder that booing a player during a preseason friendly at their home ground may not be wise. It’s worth waiting to see how a player coming off a challenging season performs with a fresh start under a new manager. Just my thoughts.
- It appears that Vlahovic will persist with that peculiar run-up during his penalty attempts. But as long as you keep scoring, Dusan, we’re completely fine with it.
- Wow, Bremer was a formidable presence in defense tonight. His adaptation to a four-man backline seems to be going quite well.
- After 173 minutes, Michele Di Gregorio finally had to make a save as a Juventus player, and it was a commendable stop on a close-range effort.
- Nicolo Savona?! Nicolo Savona!
- It’s fantastic for a young player who has been with Juventus since the age of eight to score in his first-ever Juventus start. Thiago Motta’s magic touch is evident once more.
- Lorenzo Anghelè?! Lorenzo Anghelè!!
- Jonas Rouhi?! Jonas Rouhi!
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Celebrating Thiago Motta’s 42nd Birthday with a Perfect Start: Juventus Leads Serie A
A Day of Celebration: Thiago Motta Turns 42
On January 28, 2023, football fans around the world celebrate the 42nd birthday of Thiago Motta, a former professional footballer whose career spanned across several top clubs, including Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain, and Inter Milan. Motta, who is now making strides as a coach, has left an indelible mark on the football world. As we honor his contributions, we also look at how Juventus is currently dominating the Serie A league, making this birthday celebration even more special.
Thiago Motta’s Impact on Football
Thiago Motta is recognized not just for his skills as a player but also for his tactical acumen as a coach. Here are some key highlights of his career:
- Clubs Played For: Juventus, Genoa, Bologna, Inter Milan, and Paris Saint-Germain.
- International Career: Represented the Italian national team, earning 30 caps.
- Coaching Career: Transitioned into coaching post-retirement, demonstrating a keen understanding of the game.
Juventus: A Strong Start to the Season
As we celebrate Motta’s birthday, we also witness Juventus’ remarkable performance in the current Serie A season. The club has taken the lead in the standings, showcasing impressive form and teamwork. Below is a snapshot of Juventus’ current position and performance statistics:
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 22 |
| Wins | 18 |
| Draws | 2 |
| Losses | 2 |
| Total Goals Scored | 54 |
| Total Goals Conceded | 19 |
Key Players Contributing to Juventus’ Success
Juventus’ success in the Serie A is attributed to several standout players who have consistently performed throughout the season. Here’s a look at some key contributors:
- Dušan Vlahović: The prolific striker has been crucial in attack, scoring vital goals.
- Federico Chiesa: Known for his agility and creativity, Chiesa has been a game-changer on the wing.
- Adrien Rabiot: Dominating the midfield, Rabiot’s defensive skills and playmaking abilities have been critical.
Celebrating Motta and Juventus: A Perfect Match
The coincidence of Thiago Motta’s birthday with Juventus leading the Serie A provides a unique opportunity for football enthusiasts to reflect on both the past and the present of Italian football.
Here are some ways fans can celebrate this occasion:
- Watch Classic Matches: Revisit classic Juventus matches from Motta’s playing days to relive those unforgettable moments.
- Host a Viewing Party: Gather friends for a Serie A viewing party, celebrating Juventus’ current form while reminiscing about Motta’s impact.
- Social Media Tributes: Share your favorite Thiago Motta moments online using hashtags like #HappyBirthdayMotta and #ForzaJuventus.
Benefits of Following Serie A and Iconic Players Like Motta
Engaging with Serie A not only enhances your love for football but also provides several benefits:
- Improves Tactical Understanding: Studying players like Motta can deepen your appreciation for the tactical nuances of the game.
- Community Engagement: Being part of a fanbase fosters connections with like-minded individuals who share your passion.
- Inspiration: Learning about players’ journeys can inspire your own personal or professional challenges.
Case Study: Thiago Motta’s Transition to Coaching
Thiago Motta’s transition from player to coach is a remarkable journey that many aspiring athletes can learn from. After retiring from playing, he took up coaching roles, demonstrating his commitment to the sport. Here are some key takeaways from his journey:
- Continuous Learning: Motta sought knowledge by taking coaching badges and learning from established coaches.
- Building a Philosophy: He developed a unique coaching philosophy emphasizing possession-based football.
- Player Management: Motta focuses on understanding his players’ strengths and weaknesses, tailoring his approach accordingly.
First-Hand Experience: Fans Share Their Thoughts
Juventus fans and football enthusiasts share their thoughts on celebrating Motta’s birthday and the club’s current form:
“Thiago Motta was an inspiration during his playing days. It’s exciting to see Juventus carrying on the legacy of great Italian football!” – Marco, Juventus Fan
“Watching Juventus play with such flair and skill reminds me of the days when Motta was part of the squad.” – Lucia, Serie A Enthusiast
What’s Next for Juventus and Thiago Motta?
As we celebrate Thiago Motta’s birthday and Juventus’ current success, the future looks promising for both. Juventus aims to maintain its top position in Serie A, while Motta continues to evolve as a coach, potentially leading his teams to future triumphs. Fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming matches in the league and hope to see more iconic moments unfold.
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