Dusan Vlahovic’s stellar performance saw him net twice as Juventus secured a commanding 3-0 win against Verona on Monday, making it two consecutive victories at the start of the Serie A season. This victory has propelled Juventus to the top of the early league standings, the only team to maintain a perfect record after two matches. New head coach Thiago Motta, who took over the reins from Massimiliano Allegri following Allegri’s unexpected outburst after Juventus’s Italian Cup final win in May, seems to have made an immediate impact, injecting fresh energy into the squad.
Juventus, a club with a storied history in Italian football, is eager to reclaim the Scudetto, a title that has eluded them since the 2019/20 season. Last season, the club slipped to a third-place finish in Serie A, which, although their highest in four years, fell short of the club’s lofty standards. With Motta at the helm, there is renewed optimism that Juventus can reclaim their position as the dominant force in Italian football.
The match against Verona showcased Juventus’s attacking prowess and defensive solidity. Vlahovic, the Serbian striker, opened the scoring just before the 30-minute mark, demonstrating his clinical finishing ability. His goal set the tone for the match, putting Juventus in control and silencing the home crowd. The young and talented Nicolo Savona then doubled Juventus’s lead before half-time. Making his full debut, the 21-year-old defender marked the occasion by heading home from Samuel Mbangula’s pinpoint cross, highlighting the depth of talent available to Motta.
Mbangula, the Belgian winger who has been promoted from Juventus’s youth ranks, has already made a significant impact on the senior team. In just two games, he has contributed a goal and two assists, showing he has the potential to be a crucial player for Juventus this season. His involvement in both goals was a testament to his creativity and vision, qualities that will be invaluable as Juventus aim to compete on multiple fronts.
Vlahovic’s second goal of the match came early in the second half, sealing the victory for Juventus. A well-taken penalty in the 53rd minute ensured that there would be no way back for Verona. With this brace, Vlahovic has quickly established himself as a key player under Motta, and his form will be crucial if Juventus are to mount a serious title challenge. Speaking after the match, Vlahovic praised the influence of the new head coach. “He is certainly working hard on our aggression and our attitude,” Vlahovic told DAZN. “We all agree that our attitude is the key to everything. If we have the right mentality, it all works better. We play for each other, but there are also tactical changes that we know about.”
Under Motta’s guidance, Juventus appear to be adopting a more aggressive and cohesive style of play, focusing on teamwork and a strong mentality. This renewed focus on collective effort and strategic adjustments is already paying dividends on the pitch. Juventus will face their first significant test of the campaign when they host Roma on Sunday. This match will be an early indicator of how well Juventus can perform against top-tier opposition and will provide insights into Motta’s tactical acumen in high-pressure situations.
Earlier in the day, newly promoted Como managed to secure their first Serie A point since 2003, drawing 1-1 with Cagliari. Como came from behind, thanks to a crucial second-half equaliser by Patrick Cutrone, the former AC Milan forward. Cutrone’s goal marked a significant moment for Como, who are adjusting to the demands of top-flight football after a lengthy absence. Coach Cesc Fabregas, who has taken on a new role in management after a distinguished playing career, expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance. “I am happy because this is a difficult place to play, but at the same time, we need to improve and as soon as possible get used to the Serie A tempo,” Fabregas stated, reflecting on the challenges that lie ahead for his squad.
As the Serie A season progresses, the early matches are already setting the stage for an intriguing campaign. With Juventus aiming to reclaim their dominance, newcomers like Como striving to establish themselves, and other top teams looking to stake their claim, fans are in for a season full of excitement and unpredictability. The early signs suggest that Juventus, under Motta’s leadership, are poised to be a formidable force, while other teams will need to bring their best to challenge the Old Lady’s quest for glory.
