Juventus secured a much-needed victory against Monza on December 17, 2023, breaking their frustrating winless streak with a 2-1 win at U-Power Stadium. This win marked their first Serie A victory after enduring four consecutive draws, providing relief to both players and fans.
The match saw Weston McKennie make headlines as he opened the scoring just 14 minutes in. From Teun Koopmeiners' corner, McKennie volleyed the ball home after being unmarked, catching the Monza defense off guard. His goal became the quickest scored by Juventus this season, signaling the intent of the Bianconeri to reclaim their dominance.
Juventus, under manager Thiago Motta, was desperate to end their winless run, which had frustrated both supporters and analysts alike. Prior to facing Monza, the team had struggled against teams lower in the standings, making the urgency of this match palpable. After spending 43 days without securing three points, fans hoped to see their squad dominate against the league’s bottom team.
Yet, the game was not without its challenges. Just eight minutes after McKennie’s goal, Monza responded with a goal from Samuele Birindelli, who skillfully converted Andrea Carboni’s inviting cross. Juventus’s defensive vulnerabilities surfaced clearly, as the team conceded 17 shots throughout the match.
Juventus regained their lead six minutes before halftime. Following chaotic defending from Monza, Nicolas Gonzalez found the back of the net, capitalizing on the confusion caused by the defenders failing to clear the ball properly. His goal marked another positive note for the Bianconeri, who saw Gonzalez return to form after injury.
This victory not only ended Juventus's slump but also registered their 1,700th win in Serie A, making them only the fourth team to reach this milestone since the league's inception. To add to the joy, it extended their unbeaten streak to 25 league matches.
Despite the result being positive, questions remain about Juventus's overall performance. Italian journalist Giovanni Capuano noted the lack of control Juventus exhibited during the game, particularly against a struggling Monza side. Speaking to Tuttojuve, he reflected on the team’s performance: "The victory closes the endless series of draws for #Juventus. Positive things (in addition to the result): Yildiz’s performance, Nico Gonzalez’s recovery, and ease in getting to the shot."
He continued, "...at the home of the last-placed team, Juve never seemed in control, they conceded a lot and suffered Monza, which is at its 6th home defeat in 9 games with no wins." These comments encapsulate the frustration surrounding Juventus this season.
Both teams exhibited signs of sloppiness, characterized by careless passing and ineffective defensive efforts. The match lacked the fluidity typically expected from Juventus. With both the players and fans celebrating the result, the underlying issues remained as evident as ever.
Player ratings from various sports media outlets reflected the mixed reception of Juventus's performance. McKennie received praise for his goal and overall contributions on both defensive and offensive fronts, but concerns lingered about his positioning during defensive duties. Meanwhile, Gonzalez received accolades for his goal-scoring effort and aggressive play against Monza's defense.
Looking forward, Juventus needs to build on this momentum as they prepare for their next match against Fiorentina. With confidence hopefully restored, the Bianconeri hope to showcase more dominant displays as they continue their Serie A campaign.
Overall, the victory provides some long-awaited morale for the Juventus squad, reinforcing the importance of securing wins. With aspirations of returning to the top tier of Italian football, Juventus must address its vulnerabilities as they look to avoid repeating their struggles this season.
