Juventus made a bold step in their quest for a treble at the end of the 2016/17 campaign. An early goal from Jose Callejon was canceled out by two penalties from Paulo Dybala and a third from Gonzalo Higuain.
Juventus Coach Massimiliano Allegri fielded Leonardo Bonucci after he was forced out on a handful of games on disciplinary issues. The Italian defender featured alongside his Azzurri partners Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli in a new 3-4-3 formation that allowed the team to push Mario Mandzukic and Dybala wide with Higuain being the main focal point of attack.
What this line-up tells competing teams in the league and Europe is the strength in depth available to the Turin club.
Juventus have strength in depth among top leagues in Europe
Players such as Juan Cuadrado, Alex Sandro, Claudio Marchisio, Mario Lemina, Daniel Alves, Daniele Rugani and Sturaro did not make the line-up. These are seasoned players that would make the starting eleven of most teams in Europe but the tight fixture in February and the deciding days in March forced them out of the squad but the team still won against a Maurizio Sarri side that featured the full strength of its squad.
Gonzalo Higuain scored against his former side again and had so far justified the 90 million euros Juventus paid for his services in the summer of 2016.
If “El Pipita” continues his goal scoring run, he would help Juventus in Europe and add up to his collections considering he has never been European champion.
Juventus would need luck in the UEFA Champions League
Champions are sometimes lucky in the game of football, and favorable draws help teams get to the latter stages of competitions.
The problem with Juventus is not being afraid of teams that winning the coveted crown. After four consecutive losses that stem back from 1996, the Turn side would need to ride with additional luck even if they make the final.
With formations that have been used so far this season in the form of (4-3-2-1, 4-3-3. 4-2-3-1) and the current adoption of Conte’s perfected 3-4-3, Juventus can match any football club on the planet and lift the flag of Serie A to the optimum point in the footballing world.
Juventus would look to extend its lead in the league as they travel to face Udinese at the Friuli, a game they hope to win due to the form of second-placed AS Roma.
