5 predictions for Juventus' 2021-22 Serie A campaign 

Juventus will be looking to reclaim their Serie A crown
Juventus will be looking to reclaim their Serie A crown

#3 Juventus to boast the best defense in Serie A

Bonucci and Chiellini are the lynchpins of Juventus' defense
Bonucci and Chiellini are the lynchpins of Juventus' defense

Much of Juventus' success in the last decade was founded on an ultra-solid defense that did not gift many opportunities to opposition attackers.

The backline was marshaled by the battle-hardened veteran duo of Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci, who guided the Turin giants to titles after titles.

However, the club's focus has deviated in recent years to a more esthetic style. It led to the appointment of Mauruzio Sarri in place of Allegri in 2019.

Juventus subsequently placed their focus on technically-gifted defenders like Matthijs De Ligt rather. They changed from the rugged, no-holds-barred defending that had brought them unprecedented success.

The result of this was the the Bianconeri lost their defensive solidity under the management of both Sarri and Andrea Prilo. The club failed to post the best defensive record in Serie A in each of the last two seasons. The previous eight years saw them have the strongest defense in the league.

The reappointment of Massimiliano Allgeri would likely see Juventus return to basics in defense. Furthermore, Euro 2020 showed us that Chiellini and Bonucci still have what it takes to marshall a defense at the highest level.

This could in turn translate to Juventus boasting the defensive solidity that they have been associated with in the last decade.


#2 Federico Chiesa to continue his upward trajectory at Juventus

Fedrico Chiesa had a spectacular debut season at Juventus
Fedrico Chiesa had a spectacular debut season at Juventus

Federico Chiesa came through at Fiorentina and was one of the few players to impress in a side that regularly underperformed despite the quality at their disposal.

Chiesa's form meant it was only a matter of time before a bigger club came calling. And it came as no surprise when last summer Juventus sanctioned his two-year loan purchase with an obligation to buy.

The 23-year-old impressed in his debut season in Turin, scoring 15 goals and providing 11 assists from 46 games in all competitions for the Bianconeri.

He continued his fine run of form at the just-concluded European Championship. Chiesa was one of the most important players as Italy stormed their way to a second continental title.

Chiesa's display at Euro 2020 has raised his profile and brought him increased attention from casual fans who were previously unaware of his abilities.

There will be added pressure on him to step up to the plate in his sophomore season at Juventus. But the Italy international has the talent to consequently increase his output.


#1 Cristiano Ronaldo to finish as the club's top scorer

Cristiano Ronaldo is Juventus' top scorer of the last decade
Cristiano Ronaldo is Juventus' top scorer of the last decade

Cristiano Ronaldo has been nothing short of phenomenal since joining Juventus in the summer of 2018.

The Madeira native has made a mockery of those who suggested that he could no longer perform at the highest level owing to his advanced age. Ronaldo has broken records at a remarkable rate in Turin and is the club's highest goalscorer in the last decade despite only playing for three seasons.

Detractors might scoff at Juventus' inability to win the UEFA Champions League or indeed qualify for the semi-finals despite Ronaldo's presence. However, it takes nothing away from the 36-year-old's immense efforts.

Cristiano Ronaldo finished each of his three seasons at Juventus as the club's highest goalscorer. He also added a maiden Serie A Golden Boot to his vast collection last term.

Massimiliano Allegri's appointment is a potentially sour point. There is speculation that the 53-year-old is not enamored by the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.

However, Cristiano Ronaldo is a consummate professional who gets the job done on the field regardless of external factors. As such, a fourth consecutive season as Juventus' highest goalscorer in the league is not out of the question.


Also See: Seven European clubs to win a treble

Quick Links

App download animated image Get the free App now