Juventus vs. Parma: Key Issues and Decisions That Will Shape Serie a Game
After some poor recent results, Juventus will hope their troubles are behind them as they aim for victory in the last match before the next international break. Their performances in the Champions League—analysed in detail here—have left much to be desired, meaning Tuesday’s match against the Greek side took on huge significance.
With those three points secured, focus now returns to domestic matters and Parma’s visit to Turin on Sunday. If the Bianconeri have been struggling, Roberto Donadoni’s men are genuinely in crisis and are currently as low as 19th in the league.
Last weekend’s win over Inter was only their second of the season, having lost their eight other fixtures in 2014-15. Their squad has been decimated by injury, with Mattia Cassani, Gabriel Paletta and Jonathan Biabiany perhaps the most notable absentees for a side who can ill-afford them.
Over the following pages is a look at the key issues which could decide the encounter at Juventus Stadium, where each side will be hoping to build on their most recent victory.
Antonio Mirante Clean Sheet vs. Inter a One-Off?
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Parma boast Serie A’s worst defensive record. The 21 goals they have conceded so far is three more than any other side in the division. With Cassani and Paletta featuring for a combined 156 minutes to date, there has been a huge decline in their ability to shut out opponents.
Stats site WhoScored.com shows that Parma make the least number of tackles per game in Serie A (12.8), while only Empoli (9.7) make less interceptions than their average of 10.2 per match. Last week’s clean sheet against Inter was their first of the campaign, and the form of Antonio Mirante is perhaps the biggest cause for concern.
Despite the problems ahead of him, he has made just 22 saves this term, which sees him rank 14th among the league’s goalkeepers, according to Fox Soccer. Parma will need him to improve quickly if they are to enjoy success against the Bianconeri.
Former Juventus Players with a Point to Prove
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One challenge for Juventus could be the sheer number of their former players in the Parma ranks, with the Bianconeri hoping they don’t see the match as a proving ground for their talents. Mirante joins Cassani, Paolo De Ceglie and Raffaele Palladino as men who have previously represented the Turin giants.
Massimiliano Allegri’s Tactical Decisions
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A major point of interest in this game could be the formation chosen by Massimiliano Allegri, with many keen to see if the coach continues to move away from the 3-5-2 framework. Lining up with a back four against Olympiacos represented a huge shift for the team, and it brought a fresh urgency to their play.
The game against Parma presents a good opportunity for the squad to become more comfortable with the new shape.
The Marshalling of Antonio Cassano Is Vital
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Whatever formation Allegri chooses, Antonio Cassano will remain the key man for Parma. The striker has netted five of his side’s 13 league goals this season. The 32-year-old has continued his excellent form under Donadoni, having also weighed in with 12 goals and six assists last term.
The Juventus defence will need to monitor him closely, denying him the time and space in which to operate.
Juve’s Ability to Overcome Absentees
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While Parma boast a notable list of absentees, Juventus have problems of their own, as a number of key figures seem certain to miss the match. Andrea Barzagli, Martin Caceres and Simone Pepe have been out for some time, with Patrice Evra recently joining them.
Kwadwo Asamoah was also ruled out for 15 days earlier this week. The club announced on their official website that inflammation of his knee was aggravated against Olympiacos. In addition, Arturo Vidal will miss the game through suspension, with the Chilean automatically banned after receiving his fourth yellow card of the campaign last weekend.
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