While Juve's main concern this season isn't the Europa league, the European competition is helping Delneri build his team. So now that Juventus has played and won their first competitive match against Shamrock Rovers in Europa League qualification, Delneri will have a lot of positivies to look at. But Juventus hasn't qualified yet, they'll need to play the return leg at Modena, and all they need to do is not lose by more than one goal.
Juventus started well right away, in the third minute Amauri combines with Diego to complete a give and go which penetrates the frozen Irish defence leaving Amauri to finish with his left for the first goal. A perfect example of how Delneri wants Diego to work as a "trequartista", or number 10. Every opportunity Juventus created was filtered through Diego, just like Delneri did with Cassano at Sampdoria and Doni at Atlanta. Amauri was a dangerous presence up front and the wingers, Martinez and Lanzafame, constantly changed sides every five minutes, disorienting the Irish fullbacks, and maybe themselves a little too considering their average performance.
In the second half Amauri scored again, an offensive push which passed through Diego and finished with Amauri. The Italian/Brazilian headed the ball downwards across the goal, to hit the far post and bounce into the back of the net for the final goal. While Juve came close again, and Diego could've earned a penalty, the scoring stopped with Amauri's second in the 74th minute. The Shamrock Rovers were dangerous from set pieces, using their physicality and strength to get close to a goal in their home stadium, but Juve held out well to win 2-0 away from home, hopefully ensuring their qualification to the Europa League.
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Niccolo,
Juve were expected to win this game but Irish team played with a fighting spirit. 2-0 is a great score; Juve should be through unless there’s a total collapse like last season against Fulham or B. Munich. I don’t expect that to happy because none of Zebina, Grygera, Grosso or Cannavaro is starting.
Cannavaro is gone but Juve must try to offload the other 3 defenders. The previous management made a grave mistake by handing these players a long-term contract with a decent pay because now they don’t want to leave so no club is willing to offer them similar or even close enough of a salary.
I am not a fan of Amauri- he can be too static but at least he finally did something useful and scored twice. I thought Diego was the main reason along with Buffon why Juve started last season with 4 consecutive wins as he scored goals and assisted on others early on while Buffon saved many shots.
Hi Rami,
I agree with you on the point that Amauri can be very static at times, I actually prefer Trezeguet to Amauri. As for the defense, I think Juve should convince their older players to move on and finish their career elsewhere.
hi Niccolo,
After seeing Inter tonight (who were missing some key starters), I doubt Juve can mount a serious challenge for the Serie A title unless at least 2 or 3 players of quality are added.
Inter have a large squad that can again challenge on 3 fronts (Serie A, Coppa Italia and Champions League).
As I mentioned in our exchanges regarding Eto’o, Inter should be strong because they have confidence, are continuing their winning cycle and frankly Mourinho is a great motivator but not the best coach.
I agree with you completely Rami, Inter seem extremely powerful for this upcoming season. Juve will need to push for a Champions League spot and a good run in the Europa League.
Niccolo,
You summed it up perfectly for Juve’s realistic objectives: qualify to CL and perhaps win the Europa League.
Going back to Inter, I think they have one issue if they let go of Maicon (no prob offloading the distraction Balotelli) but they might need to replace Maicon unless Davide Santon is 100% fit.
I think Mourinho is a better motivator and a greater manipulator of circumstances than Rafa Benitez. Any ‘decent’ coach can succeed with Inter. They just have a very big and talented squad. Frankly, Roma & Milan are closest contenders but both teams have key players who are too old for a long season (Totti & Nesta).