Valerio Pennicino/Getty ImagesSebastian Giovinco scored the winner last week vs. Cagliari

Crowned 'Winter Champions' after both Napoli and Inter failed to win their respective matches, Juventus sit at the top of Serie A, seven points clear. One of the most consistent sides in Europe, not only have they won their group in the Champions League with convincing performances, they are also consistently winning in Serie A despite their high-energy and high-tempo game.

At the start of the season, many doubted the Italian champions' ability to cope with so many games based on their style of football. Yet they have managed to prove everyone wrong, going so far as to better their performances from last season. Despite two defeats, it appears their confidence has not been affected, with players growing more and more determined and convinced of their potential to achieve something special.

Juve's next match Friday pits them against Cagliari, who they defeated 1-0 a week ago in the Coppa Italia. (the upcoming fixture was moved from Cagliari to Parma because of safety concerns). Despite a great October in which they won win all their matches, Cagliari have been suffering of late, especially with scoring. Surprisingly this is a side who loves nothing more than to have a shot on goal, consistently transporting the ball to the top before striking. However, accuracy has proved a problem with the team averaging less than a goal a game.

While they’ve struggled to score from open play, Cagliari proved effective on the counterattack. A third of their goals have been scored from a swift counter due to their ability to make the most of their pace, aggression and long-ball approach.

However, only Pescara have conceded more goals than the 16th-placed Sardinians. Individual errors, inability to cope against skillful players and lapses in concentration has seen the side concede consistently – especially from set pieces. Many think their problems are more psychological than anything else. Always inspired by their last performances, if they win, they win several. If they draw, the next match is also likely to end in a draw and losses only serve to ruin their confidence to force even more losses. Their results usually come in packs - for example, four wins, two draws or three defeats.

Boasting some great individual talent, it is bizarre to see the team as a whole seem anything but cohesive. Players fail to understand the strategy and it seems all of them are unclear on the objective of their game leading to confused movements.

For Juventus, this is a must-win purely for the fact they are three points from a club record. In 2005, Fabio Capello’s Juve side collected 93 points in a calendar year; the Old Lady are currently on 91. A win in Parma would give Antonio Conte the mark.

A win is expected but it will be more difficult considering the injury Giorgio Chiellini sustained in training Wednesday morning. Hurting his calf, initial reports claim the defender may be out three months. The club’s medical staff have refused to specify exactly how serious and for how long Chiellini will be out until they have completed all tests which will take about 48 hours. Martin Caceres is likely to take his role Friday.

Chiellini is perhaps Juventus' most important defender. Renowned for his clearances, tough tackling and marauds forward, it will be Chiellini's leadership skills Juve will miss the most. A tenacious player for the Old Lady, without him at the back, the club will have no option but to consider buying another centre-back in the upcoming transfer campaign, especially now that Lucio has rescinded his contract.

Some have suggested that the most likely player to arrive for Juve is Atalanta’s Federico Peluso. Conte admires and knows the defender well and thinks he will be useful as part of his squad. However, Peluso’s behaviour on the pitch is a problem. While Chiellini has an uncanny ability to perform tough challenges without receiving a yellow card, Peluso is booked in almost every game, having been sent off twice already this season.

Unless Peluso learns the art of furbizia, he might not be the right choice for this Juve side.

• Recommend0
• Tweet0
• Email