After conquering the Stadio Olimpico last weekend, Juve ensured they still have a chance of safeguarding their reservation on the bus for Europe next year. Goals from Milos Krasic and Alessandro Matri silenced the Romanisti on Sunday night, but before anyone starts booking their ticket to Lisbon or the like, let’s remember this is Juventus – the team that ‘lacks consistency in their DNA’.
Two points behind sixth placed Roma, and an eight point deficit to overturn on fourth placed Udinese, Juve have given themselves a fighting chance of qualifying for the Europa League, at the bare minimum, with the possibility of snatching that all-important fourth spot. Although still unlikely, while the Bianconeri welcome Genoa to Turin this weekend, the Zebrette and Giallorossi go head-to-head at the Friuli, giving Del Neri’s men a great opportunity to cut the gap further.
While ‘Circus Palermo’ continues to give us all great entertainment, Juve have quietly broken away from mid-table mediocrity and now can start to look up the table rather than down. Before I continue, another honorary mention must be given to my favourite patron, Maurizio Zamparini. This is the man who makes Charlie Sheen appear sane, with the key difference being that at least the American actor would be ‘winning’ rather than losing, as is the case in Sicily right now such is the ridiculousness of the ‘Zamp-man’s’ decision making. Good luck Delio Rossi!
Anyway I digress. With Juve back on track, unbeaten in three games for the first time since 2006 (or at least it feels that way), perhaps pushing Del Neri into a corner was a masterstroke, with the former Sampdoria boss coming out fighting. Where do you see them finishing this season? Is 4th place beyond them or can we start to realistically believe in Champions League football at the new stadium next season? One thing is for sure, I hope to see Alessandro Matri there in August for the start of the new campaign, such has been the impact of the prolific frontman.
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It would be great if we overhauled Udinese but I believe the Europa League is our realistic target for now.
This has been such a strange season, on paper there were times our line-up seemed mouthwatering but the results have been far from that - too much inconsistency.
I want us to win the Seria A so badly, because despite the Calciopoli, those two years there was only one team in Italy: Fabio Capello's Juve with Ibra, Cannavaro, Viera , Trezegol and the rest - and those titles must be regained.
I am optimistic that in 2-3 years we can get there, we have exciting and young players, perhaps we lack a top-class CB and top-class backs and the situation with Buffon must be sorted out asap.
But with our new stadium ready and the attractive players we have brought it -assuming Matri stays on- the future seems bright. Financially for sure as the revenue will rise with a new stadium's commercial gains , let's hope we are planning correctly footballing-wise as well
Posted by emeka on 04/08/2011
Am happy that we are back on track and i believe the key word hey is continuity,with that in our minds and the fact we play well i strongly believe we are heading for that fourth place we belong with the champions of the world.most importantly as we are moving to our ultra modern stadium we should shop for the best legs to carry this great club.FORZA JUVENTUS
Posted by austin on 04/10/2011
i think its possible for juve...i would love to see an attacking lineup of michel bastos matri rossi krasic, swift on the wings and a prolific striker in the middle adds to success....the back can be stronger but i dont think its the root of the problem...i think it was the inability to score goals...we went from trezguet ibra and a younger del peiro...nedved to iaquinta amauri toni matri...besides matri's performances...none of them can compare to these talents listed above...i would like to see more playmaking midfielders and strikers then backs at the moment...but i think with the new stadium revenue and european football...juventus is gunna rise again
Posted by Neverman on 05/02/2011
This whole Alberto Aquilani thing has made me lose a lot of respect for Juventus. They want to renegotiate a deal for less than what they already agreed upon when taking 'bert for the loan. He made the appearances required, played better than expected, and became an integral player to the Italian club. But now that it's time to pay up for him, they don't want to. In simple terms Juventus is renegging on a contract they already signed. I say we sell him back to Roma or over to Milan. Poor form from a club in poor form.
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After watching his first Serie A game as a youngster, Sumeet Paul has been an avid fan of Italian football ever since. Offering in-depth and opinionated views, coupled with a humourous element, he has a strong desire to become involved in sports writing. Pairing up his life's two greatest loves; football and talking, he would appreciate any feedback and general football conversation, you can email him at sumeetpaul7@googlemail.com or you can follow him on twitter @italiafooty
After watching his first Serie A game as a youngster, Sumeet Paul has been an avid fan of Italian football ever since. Offering in-depth and opinionated views, coupled with a humourous element, he has a strong desire to become involved in sports writing. Pairing up his life's two greatest loves; football and talking, he would appreciate any feedback and general football conversation, you can email him at sumeetpaul7@googlemail.com or you can follow him on twitter 
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