For Juventus, the Fiorentina game is undoubtedly the match of the year. Following disappointing exits from the Champions League and Coppa Italia, and compounded by a heavy defeat to Atalanta, Thiago Motta’s team has effectively relinquished any lingering hopes of a Scudetto title. Despite the 0-4 loss to Atalanta, Motta downplayed the setback, a contrasting reaction to his response after the “disgraceful” Coppa Italia elimination against Empoli. He metaphorically shifted focus, stating, “We will no longer discuss this Scudetto talk that the press has attributed to us.” While it’s true Juventus is in a rebuilding phase aiming primarily for Champions League qualification, Motta’s dismissive stance on the Scudetto, a word historically synonymous with Juventus, is noteworthy. It reflects the changing times for a club that once defined itself by chasing the Tricolore.
Fourth Place: The Last Stand
Fourth place is now the sole remaining objective for Thiago Motta’s Juventus in the 2024-25 season. The upcoming game against Fiorentina in Florence is critical and must not be lost at any cost. Fiorentina is a direct rival, and the match coincides with Bologna-Lazio, with Roma and Milan also within striking distance in the league table. In the aftermath of the dismal evening at the Allianz Stadium, where Juventus was outplayed by Gian Piero Gasperini’s Atalanta, the team rested while the club management deliberated. Cristiano Giuntoli, the club’s director, has remained silent, maintaining the public stance of confidence in Motta, similar to the post-Empoli period. Meanwhile, rumors intensify about potential replacements for Motta, both for the current and the next season. The team resumed training on Tuesday, and Motta reportedly addressed the squad, taking partial responsibility for the Atalanta defeat, stating, “It’s my fault.”
Is the Team Behind Motta?
For the crucial trip to Florence, Motta is expected to rely on his most loyal players, a core group who still believe in his methods and football philosophy. This might be what Motta alluded to on Sunday night when mentioning the need to “unite the dressing room more.” His strategy seems to be to start with the most dependable players and hope others will follow. However, the critical and risky question is: who are these loyal players, and how many are there? More importantly, is the team truly behind Motta? Are they ready to “die” on the pitch for him? Following Fiorentina-Juventus, there is an international break. A significant defeat in Tuscany could present the club with a final opportunity to make a coaching change mid-season, appointing an interim manager. No indications of dressing room dissent against the coach have emerged from within Juventus. Fiorentina-Juventus offers a chance to demonstrate team unity and support for Motta.