In praise of 4-3-1-2

The summer spending appears to be over for us, and as such, Ciro Ferrara seems to have a first choice 11 ready for the start of the Serie A season. It’s been a summer of trial and error as each friendly game has thrown up as many questions as answers as to who should be playing which position.

Firstly, I think the fans are pleased to see a change in tactics for the first time in a long time. A solid three man midfield with lots of industry and hard work, combined with a play maker in a ‘free’ role to link with the front two has created a hospitable environment for new summer signing, Diego.

Secondly, the players bought in by the club, if slightly overpriced, appear to have slotted in well and appear to be of the caliber we require. Whilst Real Madrid have hogged the headlines for obvious reasons, Juventus have worked hard to re-enforce and address last season’s squad frailties, rather than splash out on ‘marquee’ players. The only problem left for Ferrara to face would be which player to play in each of the positions, but it seems pre-season has helped address the issue.

It’s become painfully clear that David Trezeguet, Vicenzo Iaquinta and Amauri cannot play up front without at least Giovinco or ADP beside them. Given Trezeguets’ recent lack of form combined with his desire to leave the club at least once every season, it seems only logical to leave him on the bench for the time being. Iaquinta seems to be struggling for form despite scoring a few goals in recent weeks – Amauri, on the other hand, has been in inspirational form, knocking in goals in almost every game this summer and possesses a hunger to be involved in play that often sees him tracking back into the midfield to get into the game. His pace and ability in the air makes him the natural choice for the strikers role. Next to him we have the alternating duo of ADP and the heir to his throne, Seba Giovinco.

We’ve seen lots of variation in the midfield but with the departure of Zanetti and Momo’s ongoing injury problems, the choices are narrowed down. Mauro Camoranesi has shown real attacking intent along whilst not neglecting his defensive duties playing on the right side of the 3-man midfield. In the middle, shielding the back four, it has to be Felipe Melo – Juve’s most expensive signing this summer and a player that seems to be improving with each game, breaking up attacks and picking out some nice passes over opposition defences. That leaves the vacant position to the left of centre and there are two candidates for the role – Tiago Mendes and Claudio Marchisio. Tiago has showed some signs of the terrific form that saw him leave Lyon for Turin two summers back but could this be yet another false dawn for the Portuguese midfielder ? Marchisio, whilst still young, has the ability to attack and defend in equal measure and impressed the Juve faithful last season with his key goals in the big games making him my choice.

That leaves the defence, and in my opinion, the only part of the team that isn’t up for debate. The central pairing of Nicola Legrottaglie and Giorgio Chiellini has grown in stature with each season. The two compliment each other perfectly and each possesses a perfect understanding of how the other plays. At left-back, the natural choice is the returning Paolo De Ceglie – More assured at the back than Cristian Molinaro and with a better pass when supporting the strikers up front. That leaves right-back and the only possible option is the newly loaned Martin Caceres – The Uruguayan needs to work on getting into the final third of the pitch but looks more comfortable in defence than his counterparts Jonathan Zebina and Zdenek Grygera.

Comments

About Author