A Progress Report on Juventus' Squad Entering March International Break

Juventus have enjoyed a wonderful start to 2015, extending their lead in Serie A to 14 points while earning a place in the Champions League quarter-finals. With that two-legged encounter with AS Monaco surely dominating their thoughts, the Bianconeri will need to remain focused on domestic matters to ensure a fourth consecutive league title.

The international break has come at almost a perfect time for Massimiliano Allegri and his squad, however, the two-week stoppage allowing a number of players to rest and recover from injuries. That should see the side improve further still, with the coach then having more options and the opportunity to rest his stars for the biggest matches.

The break also provides the perfect time to analyse the team, seeking to identify the strongest and weakest areas of the squad. Over the following pages is a look at each position, with players graded according to their contribution to the success the club has enjoyed over the last few weeks.

All statistics are courtesy of WhoScored.com unless otherwise stated.

Goalkeeper

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Gigi Buffon has enjoyed another fine season, keeping clean sheets against Genoa and Borussia Dortmund to take his tally for 2014-15 to 20. Of that total, no fewer than 15 have come in Serie A, where statistics from Fox Soccer show he has made just 45 saves and seen the ball find his net on just 14 occasions in total.

The club captain did sit out a few games recently, missing the cup defeat to Fiorentina and the win over Sassuolo. Marco Storari deputised on both occasions, keeping a clean sheet of his own in the latter fixture.

Grade: A

Defence

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Unlike Buffon, the defence must take some criticism for its recent performances, with the Coppa Italia loss to Fiorentina almost entirely the fault of those in the back line. Simone Padoin allowed Mohamed Salah to run unimpeded from inside his own half for La Viola’s first goal, while Angelo Ogbonna switched off completely as the Egyptian doubled their advantage.

There have been some bright spots, however, with the victory away to Borussia Dortmund foremost among them. The partnership between Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini continues to grow, while the introduction of Andrea Barzagli at the Westfalenstadion added even more solidity to the Bianconeri rearguard.

That trio have all been called up by Antonio Conte for Italy’s fixtures against Bulgaria and England, and it would be no surprise to see them line up together for those matches.

Grade: B

Midfield

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If there have been some underwhelming displays by the defence, the same cannot be said of the midfield, perhaps the most injury-hit area of the team. Paul Pogba has now been ruled out and Andrea Pirlo has missed almost a month, while Stefano Sturaro has also struggled to overcome a series of issues.

Yet whoever has taken to the field has been impressive, Allegri able to make numerous tactical changes thanks to the versatility of the players at his disposal. Claudio Marchisio has held the side together, playing a vital role in the heart of the team, while Roberto Pereyra has also impressed.

Grade: B

Attack

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Perhaps the stand-out area of the team over the past few months, Juventus have benefitted from the wonderful partnership forged between Carlos Tevez and Alvaro Morata. The former netted a well-taken brace away to Borussia Dortmund then the only goal of the game against Genoa, his tally for the season now reaching 24 in all competitions.

The Argentinian star has added eight assists, many to his young apprentice, and Morata has now scored 11 goals himself in all competitions. Fernando Llorente is no longer a first-choice regular, but he weighed in with crucial goals against Atalanta and Fiorentina recently.

With 54 league goals, the Bianconeri boast comfortably the best attack on the peninsula and proved at the Westfalenstadion that they can carry that goalscoring form into European encounters. That will make them a formidable opponent for anyone and adds a dangerous dimension to an already well-rounded side.

Grade: A

Coach

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Massimiliano Allegri continues to impress, resting players when he feels they need it but being rewarded with big performances when it matters most. He has gotten the large majority of his decisions correct, from his team selection—which clearly shows him looking at the big picture—to making some smart in-game substitutions to turn results in Juve’s favour.

Many were sceptical when he was announced as the successor to Antonio Conte, but there is little doubt the Old Lady found the right man to guide her.

Grade: A