Juventus, one of the most prestigious football clubs in the world, is undergoing a significant tactical evolution under the management of Massimiliano Allegri. Having returned to the club in 2021 after a two-year hiatus, Allegri has been tasked with restoring the club to its former glory. His second spell at Juventus has seen a blend of old-school pragmatism and attempts at modernizing Juventus’ approach to the game, which have led to mixed results but clear tactical experimentation.
In this blog, we’ll dive into the key tactical shifts Allegri has implemented, analyze how these changes have influenced Juventus’ performances, and evaluate what the future might hold for Juventus under his stewardship.
Allegri’s Return: A Mix of Pragmatism and Flexibility
When Allegri first took charge of Juventus in 2014, he inherited a team that was already a dominant force in Italian football, having won three consecutive Serie A titles under Antonio Conte. Allegri, known for his pragmatic approach to football, tweaked Conte’s aggressive 3-5-2 system into a more versatile and adaptable style. His ability to adjust tactics to the opposition and in-game situations became one of his strengths, helping Juventus reach two Champions League finals during his first tenure.
However, his return to the club in 2021 came at a time when Juventus was in transition. After nine consecutive Serie A titles, the club had stumbled under Maurizio Sarri and Andrea Pirlo, finishing 4th in the 2020-21 season. Allegri’s task was not only to stabilize the team but also to bring them back to the top of Italian football. However, Allegri’s initial season back was underwhelming, with Juventus failing to challenge for the title.
The 2022-23 season, however, showed signs of a tactical shift, signaling Allegri’s intent to evolve Juventus’ approach. Let’s break down the major aspects of this tactical transformation.
From a Structured Defense to Fluidity: Defensive Foundations
One of Allegri’s hallmarks has always been a strong defensive organization. During his first spell at the club, Juventus was known for having one of the best defensive records in Europe. The team relied heavily on experienced defenders like Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini, who thrived in a compact, organized defensive block. Allegri often utilized formations like 4-4-2 or 3-5-2, focusing on restricting space for the opposition and frustrating attackers.
However, since his return, Allegri has adapted to the changing demands of modern football, where a rigid defensive block is not always sufficient. While Juventus’ defense remains a cornerstone of Allegri’s strategy, there has been a noticeable shift toward a more fluid approach. Allegri has started to incorporate more pressing higher up the pitch, though not consistently. This change was evident in certain high-profile matches, where Juventus pressed aggressively in phases, looking to disrupt the opposition’s buildup play.
The incorporation of younger, more dynamic defenders such as Matthijs de Ligt (before his departure) and Federico Gatti has allowed Juventus to mix between a high defensive line and a more traditional low block. Additionally, the wing-backs have been given more freedom to push forward, with Juan Cuadrado often playing an important role in transitions. The challenge for Allegri is finding the right balance between a solid defense and allowing his defenders the freedom to press higher or step out of the line when necessary.
A More Flexible Midfield: The Rise of the Double Pivot
One of the most significant changes in Juventus’ tactical setup under Allegri has been in the midfield. Historically, Allegri has preferred a balanced midfield, often employing a single pivot supported by dynamic box-to-box midfielders like Blaise Matuidi or Arturo Vidal during his first tenure. However, in recent seasons, Allegri has experimented more with a double pivot, particularly with the likes of Manuel Locatelli and Adrien Rabiot.
The introduction of the double pivot allows Juventus to have more control in the center of the pitch, especially in matches where they face high pressing opponents. Locatelli, who is comfortable both in possession and defensively, has been pivotal in this setup. He drops deep to receive the ball from the defense, allowing Juventus to play out from the back with greater composure. Rabiot, on the other hand, provides energy and verticality, often breaking forward to support attacks.
At times, Allegri has also utilized Weston McKennie in midfield to add a more direct, physical presence. McKennie’s versatility allows him to play as a box-to-box midfielder or even as a wide midfielder in a more conservative 4-4-2 setup, depending on the opposition. This flexibility in midfield means that Juventus can adapt to different opponents and switch between controlling possession or playing a more counter-attacking style.
The Role of Wingers and Wing-backs in the New Setup
A noticeable shift in Allegri’s tactics has been the increased emphasis on width. Juventus under Sarri and Pirlo often struggled to create space out wide, leading to predictable and congested attacks through the middle. Allegri has sought to address this by giving more freedom to his wingers and wing-backs.
In a 4-3-3 or 4-4-2 formation, Federico Chiesa has been a key figure on the wings. Chiesa’s speed, dribbling, and directness make him a crucial outlet for Juventus, particularly on the counter-attack. Allegri has recognized Chiesa’s importance, often structuring the team to play to his strengths by allowing him to stay high and wide, while the midfield shifts across to cover the spaces left behind.
Additionally, Allegri has placed more responsibility on wing-backs like Cuadrado and Alex Sandro. Cuadrado, in particular, has been tasked with overlapping and providing crosses into the box, while also tracking back defensively. This shift towards utilizing wide players more effectively has made Juventus more unpredictable in attack, as they can now stretch the opposition horizontally, creating more gaps in the center for strikers like Dusan Vlahovic or Arkadiusz Milik.
Striking Partnerships: Adapting to Vlahovic
One of the biggest tactical challenges Allegri has faced since his return is how to best utilize Dusan Vlahovic, Juventus’ star striker. Vlahovic, a classic No. 9, thrives on service from wide areas and quick transitions. However, Juventus has often struggled to provide consistent support for him, particularly when facing teams that sit deep.
Allegri has experimented with different formations to bring the best out of Vlahovic. In a 4-4-2, Vlahovic is paired with a second striker or an attacking midfielder playing off him, such as Moise Kean or Angel Di Maria. This allows Vlahovic to occupy defenders, creating space for his partner to exploit. In contrast, a 4-3-3 setup sees Vlahovic as the central striker, supported by wingers like Chiesa and Di Maria, who cut inside and link up with him.
One key tactical shift has been the focus on quicker transitions. Juventus under Allegri has often played a patient, possession-based game in his first spell. However, recognizing Vlahovic’s strengths, Allegri has increasingly encouraged his team to play more direct football, especially in transition. This has been evident in several games where Juventus has looked to counter quickly after winning the ball, exploiting the spaces behind opposition defenses with long balls or quick vertical passes.
Allegri’s Game Management: Adapting to In-Game Situations
One of Allegri’s greatest strengths as a coach has always been his in-game management. He is known for his ability to make tactical adjustments mid-match, whether by changing formations or making key substitutions. This trait has continued during his second stint at Juventus, where he has often shifted between different systems within the same game.
For instance, Juventus might start a match in a 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 formation, but if they take the lead, Allegri is quick to switch to a more conservative shape, often reverting to a 3-5-2 or 5-3-2 to close out the game. This pragmatic approach can be frustrating for fans who want to see more adventurous football, but it is a testament to Allegri’s adaptability and his focus on results.
A Balancing Act
Massimiliano Allegri’s second spell at Juventus is still very much a work in progress, with the team showing glimpses of both promise and inconsistency. His tactical shifts have aimed to modernize Juventus’ approach, with more flexibility in midfield, greater emphasis on wide players, and a more fluid defensive structure. However, the challenge for Allegri remains finding the right balance between his pragmatic instincts and the need for a more dynamic, attacking style that suits the modern game.
As Juventus continues to evolve under Allegri’s guidance, the team’s ability to adapt to different opponents and in-game situations will be crucial. Whether Juventus can return to the top of Italian football and make a mark in Europe once again will depend on how well Allegri can fine-tune his tactical approach and integrate new players into his system.
For now, Juventus fans can look forward to a more flexible, unpredictable team that is still very much a reflection of Allegri’s footballing philosophy, but with a modern twist.