Juventus’ struggles continued unabated as they suffered another crushing defeat, this time at the hands of Fiorentina, with the match ending 3-0 on March 17, 2025. The loss marked the second consecutive league game the Bianconeri have dropped by three or more goals, following last week’s disheartening 4-0 setback against Atalanta. This alarming pattern has placed immense pressure on manager Thiago Motta, whose position remains under scrutiny.
The Stadio Artemio Franchi witnessed Juventus’ latest misfortune, as Fiorentina’s Robin Gosens opened the scoring with a goal just 15 minutes in. Shortly thereafter, Rolando Mandragora added another, exploiting Juventus' defensive frailties. The final blow came from Albert Gudmundsson early in the second half, sealing Fiorentina’s comfortable victory.
Reports indicate Juventus has now lost back-to-back league matches by three or more goals for only the third time in their history. Historical precedents date back to January 2011 under manager Luigi Delneri and March 1957 with Sandro Puppo. This current trend of poor performance raises questions about Motta’s future; the club has reaffirmed their support for him, but murmurs of potential dismissal linger as the season progresses.
Motta, who took over the managerial role with high expectations, has struggled to instill consistency within the squad. Following the match, director Giuntoli addressed the media, emphasizing, 'We will continue with Motta for the time being.' Despite the gravity of the situation, the club maintains focus on qualifying for the Champions League, underscoring their commitment to the project set forth when Motta was hired.
Juventus’ offensive display against Fiorentina was lackluster, with only two of their 11 attempts hitting the target. The match statistics reveal they ended two consecutive halves without registering a shot on goal, highlighting their struggles to create meaningful chances. Despite the troubling stats, Motta defiantly stated, 'It would be too easy to throw it all away. I don’t like easy things.' He conveyed the need for his team to regroup and secure points necessary for their Champions League ambitions.
The latest setback compounded existing concerns for Juventus as Andrea Cambiaso suffered yet another ankle injury during the match. Cambiaso, who had just returned from previous ankle issues, had to be assisted off the field, which means he will miss Italy's upcoming UEFA Nations League matches. Alongside him, Lloyd Kelly was also substituted due to physical concerns, adding to Juventus’ growing injury woes.
This unfortunate circumstance mirrors the discontent among fans and the growing scrutiny placed upon the club’s management. Many supporters are understandably frustrated after witnessing the squad's dwindling confidence and performances on the pitch. Twitter and other social media platforms flooded with frustrations from fans lamenting the team's direction and calling for accountability from management.
The post-match analysis showcased several players’ disappointing performances with player ratings reflecting the team’s poor showing. Michele Di Gregorio, the goalkeeper, who received a rating of 5, lacked the decisive saves needed during the game. Most defenders, including Timothy Weah, rated at 4.5, and Manuel Locatelli, rated at 4, failed to provide adequate coverage. Midfielders Khephren Thuram, Weston McKennie, and Teun Koopmeiners, all receiving low ratings, struggled to maintain control and create threats.
Nicolas Gonzalez, returning to Florence for the first time since his transfer, had perhaps one of his most forgettable outings, earning just 4. With fans jeering him, his confidence on the pitch appeared rattled. Overall, players like Randy Kolo Muani and Alberto Costa also fell short of expectations, managing low ratings of 4.5 and 4.5 respectively.
Fiorentina’s performance, on the other hand, showcased determination and skill, allowing them to strengthen their position within the league. Nicolo Fagioli, previously on Juve's books, orchestrated two assists, adding insult to injury for his former club. Fagioli’s influence on the game contributed to Fiorentina setting several records during the match, including being the first team to score at least three goals against both Juventus and Inter Milan within the same Serie A season.
With the season’s end approaching, the pressure is mounting on Juventus both on and off the pitch. While the season has been filled with highs and lows, two consecutive heavy defeats have fans questioning the coaching strategy and player performance. Can Juventus rally to reverse their fortunes? Only time will tell as their next matches loom.
