Juventus faced a painful exit from the Supercoppa Italiana semifinals on January 3, 2025, after suffering a dramatic 2-1 defeat to AC Milan. What started as a promising game for the Old Lady turned sour as they let slip their lead, marking yet another major disappointment for the club this season.
The match held significant promise for Juventus when Yildiz gave them the lead. The early goal put the team and their supporters on high alert, hinting at the potential for capturing the coveted trophy. Yet, the match took a turn as the Rossoneri, who seemed relatively passive for large stretches of the game, capitalized on two costly mistakes from the bianconeri.
Juventus head coach Thiago Motta, visibly frustrated post-match, expressed his disappointment: “Non possiamo essere contenti di quello che abbiamo fatto, abbiamo avuto le occasioni per chiuderla mentre il Milan ha creato una sola occasione quando Theo ha sbagliato, e noi abbiamo preso due gol. Con così poco il Milan non dovrebbe chiudere la partita, dovevamo farlo noi.” The assertion underlines the feeling within the squad of squandered opportunities as they were unable to convert their dominance on the pitch.
The initial joy of leading did not last long. Shortly after going up, Juventus found themselves on their back foot, as Christian Pulisic equalized for Milan. The goal rattled the Juve defense, leaving fans to wonder how they would respond. That moment proved pivotal, as the team lost its composure, culminating in Gatti's own goal, which sealed their fate.
Motta did not shy away from addressing the team's issues, noting, “Dobbiamo migliorare nel carattere, bisogna reagire agli episodi che accadono durante la gara e stasera non siamo stati bravi.” He emphasized the need for his players to develop tougher mentalities when faced with setbacks, underlining the significant character deficiencies impacting their current campaign.
This defeat is more than just another match lost; it reflects recurring issues within the Juventus squad. Motta lamented the team’s inability to maintain their focus and stability when they were on the front foot, stating, “Sì, è una sconfitta importante, perché avevamo grandi possibilità di passare e disputare la finale.” The loss highlighted how the team faltered under pressure, especially after surrendering their early lead.
The coach also faced scrutiny for his selections during the match, particularly the substitutions of key players like Vlahovic and Mbangula. Addressing those decisions, he maintained, “Tutte le scelte se fanno per il bene della squadra. Poi sta a voi giudicare.” This suggests Motta acknowledges the weight of those decisions but remains steadfast in his commitment to team strategy.
Looking at the league beyond this semifinal disappointment, Juventus has struggled with inconsistency, reflected in their record of 11 draws out of 18 matches this season. The inability to close games has become frustratingly evident, with Motta stating, “Dovevamo chiudere la partita, ma non siamo stati capaci di farlo.” This observation resonates deeply with fans who expected more from their team, especially following their promising start.
Thiago Motta’s analysis encapsulates the sentiment shared among players and fans alike. The coach expressed his sorrow over the missed opportunity: “Mi dispiace perché oggi non siamo stati capaci di battere il Milan.” Such sentiments accentuate the pressure on both Motta and the players as they look to recover from this setback swiftly.
Despite the heartache of this semifinal, Juventus must now regroup. The loss not only extinguishes their first opportunity for silverware this season but also raises questions about their readiness to face one of the biggest tests: maintaining performance levels throughout the remaining matches of the season.
Juventus fans will be keeping their fingers crossed for improvements as the second half of the season looms. For Motta and his team, the road to redemption must involve not only tactical adjustments but also mental fortitude. They need to channel the energy of their early lead next time around, ensuring they do not let such chances slip through their fingers again.