Before launching into the usual flurry of compliments and criticisms, let’s focus on the absolutely not negligible fact: Juventus are in the Champions League Round of 16 with two rounds to spare. And it’s not cheap. Yes, it’s true, the group was more than easy, but tonight’s game was also in theory, then it wasn’t. So, especially in the Champions League, everything must be conquered and you don’t pass the round just because you are the strongest, in the end you must always demonstrate the values. On the field. And here we come to the match against Ferencvárosi. Yes, the first leg ended 1-4, but thanks to two authentic gifts from the unfortunate Dibusz who even in the Turin match, when he seemed to have redeemed himself, made only one mistake, but decisive, the one that gave Juventus the victory in the 92nd minute. . So, ultimately, it is always the episodes that decide and you must always show your technical superiority on the pitch. This was the match of Dybala’s maturity and rebirth, and instead it was the victory of fear and the confirmation that Joya has died. The Juventus number ten, empowered for the occasion and also awarded the captain’s armband, was unable to redeem himself, to find himself, to shine. For the lack of physical condition due to the urinary infection that has been carrying around for a while? Yes, sure, but I’m beginning to believe it’s not just for this. The more I look at it the more it seems to me a Juventus built to live without Dybala, a team in which Joya must be able to reinvent herself. Two midfielders, a game that leans heavily on the wings, two central strikers (one of which must adapt and read Ronaldo’s movements) and a spirit of sacrifice. Ideal identikit of Morata, not of Dybala. Ramsey even, not Dybala. And let’s forget about Paulo’s two goals in Hungary, those were two gifts, in this team idea, the number ten must find its space. And one of his great admirers says and writes it, just read my previous “Lions for Agnelli”, but even in the return against the Hungarians the numbers speak for themselves: 62 ‘by Dybala produced a shot and a half on goal; 30 minutes of Morata (who came in his place) produced a wonderful assist for Ronaldo, a post and a decisive goal. The numbers speak for themselves, and they cannot be denied. Little to say about Cr7, even in the wrong evenings in which few balls arrive, rest assured that the goal is found. It does so with a continuity that paradoxically is no longer news but is itself news. A consideration question, however, I ask you: is Juventus to be Ronaldo-dependent or to enhance Cr7 Juventus has stopped being itself by choosing to depend on its champion? I believe this is the question. The good news is that when the defense loses the pieces, the Minister of Defense is back, that De Ligt that many “connoisseurs” labeled as a bin and who instead is proving to be the best defender in the world. You know the praise they have given to Koulibaly and the fantamillioni that the “crazy oyster maker” wanted for him? Well, we’re talking about an immensely higher level here. Not to be overlooked is the commitment with which the Dutchman quickly learned Italian, he who in Ajax was the undisputed leader always dialoguing with his teammates and with the curve. Well, while waiting for the stadiums to reopen, he has already begun to command the Juventus defense by voice. Welcome back Mr. Minister.
And then there is Alvaro Morata. The best version of himself. Arrived in general skepticism (including myself), as a backup after the forbidden dreams Suarez and Dzeko. He arrived with the fame of those who do not have too much feeling with the goal, and instead, after 10 games he has already scored 7 goals (plus those canceled for offside by a fingernail); ready to sacrifice his extraordinary streak for the sake of the attack, for the sake of Ronaldo with whom he duets very well. That’s why I always ask myself, stubbornly, the same disturbing question: is it really just a physical problem for Dybala? Or has Paulo lost enthusiasm because he doesn’t feel at the center of the tactical project? And if that were the case, the questions that would open up would be many more. But for now let’s stop here and enjoy qualifying for the Round of 16 with two rounds to spare. Not a small thing these days …
Vincenzo Marangio – Radio Bianconera
Twitter – @enzomarangio
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