The Bianconeri have been moving towards a change of formation since the away match in Bologna, and there is no shortage of solutions
It will be a Bologna the right time? For a while now, in the Juventus house, we have been talking about possible transition to a four-man defence, first step towards a complete restructuring of the Juventus playing model. Even Spalletti, when asked about it, touched on the topic several times. We have already seen something in this sense. The hypothesis of arriving at a Juventus with 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 was a possibility from the beginning of the Tuscan coach’s adventure in Turin. Spalletti, however, opted for a softer approach with a group caught in the running, adapting to what were evidently well-rooted ideas in the team. However, the insistence on the old system has not borne good fruit, not even with new principles to interpret it and despite some attempts at modification as happened in Naples, where Juve presented themselves with a 5-3-2 which included Yildiz and Conceição in attack.
It is clear that a different starting lineup, alone, could mean nothing in terms of major changes. It will therefore be essential to understand how the team would adapt to a possible new formation, which spaces would be occupied in the possession and non-possession phases and which tactical indications would guide the players, influencing their decisions and movements during the match.
From the point of view of solutions, however, as well as from the aspect of a breath of fresh air which could also have positive repercussions on a motivational level, a different arrangement on the pitch would allow Spalletti to relocate some elements. Buyers on everyone.
Used as the arm of the three-man defence, the Dutchman was ideally supposed to be the extra man from whom to start the build-up from the back, made problematic by the injuries of Bremer and Cabal. This solution took away something on the defensive level, as highlighted again in Naples when the former Atalanta player found himself having to defend against Neres. The recovery of Cabal and Rugani and the possible change of system offer Spalletti the opportunity to bring Koopmeiners back to midfield, in a position more suited to him. In the case of 4-3-3, two players are ready to act next to the number 8 McKennie, Locatelli e Thruam. In the case of a two-man midfield, however, there would only be room for one other midfielder.
All without forgetting Miretti. Always positive when called upon, the Italian has the ideal characteristics to offer the team that dribbling quality which, in the central areas of the pitch, has often been lacking. Among other things, a more technical midfielder could on paper offer the Bianconeri an additional weapon to overcome Bologna’s pressing, without having to depend solely on Di Gregorio’s long ball. In the 4-2-3-1 Yildiz can act as a number 10, ready to move wide on the left to exchange positions with the winger deployed on that side. In the 4-3-3 it would instead be up to the Turk to position himself on that external track at the start.
With Conceição and Zeghrova ready on the right, the number 9 shirt would remain to be assigned. On the ballot are David and Openda. The Canadian has excellent associative qualities, which make it useful in aiding the development of the maneuver. I count the Bolognese high line, however, Spalletti may want to resort to his speed in the open field Analysts. Throwing the Belgian directly in depth would be a good solution to use to attack the Bolognese central defenders from behind.
