Juventus ended their recent streak of consecutive draws with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Monza on Sunday. After four successive Serie A draws, the team finally found a way to secure three points, thanks to goals from Weston McKennie and Nicolas Gonzalez. However, despite the win, coach Thiago Motta admitted that the team should have sealed the victory earlier, especially after Samuele Birindelli’s equaliser for Monza threatened to halt their progress.
This win not only ended their draw streak but also marked a historic milestone for Juventus—claiming their 1,700th victory in Italy’s top division. The club’s current unbeaten run in Serie A now extends to 25 matches, with nine wins and 16 draws. This impressive streak makes Juventus the team with the longest unbeaten run across the top five European leagues. However, despite their solid form, they still remain nine points behind league leaders Atalanta, highlighting the challenges they face in catching up to the top spot.
Motta took the opportunity to reflect on his team’s performance, particularly against defensive teams that rely on counter-attacks. "We have always struggled against teams that defend and go on the counter," he said, stressing the need for Juventus to be more proactive in such encounters. He acknowledged that the team needed to improve its transitions when holding a lead, ensuring that they manage games better when in front.
While Motta was satisfied with the win, he emphasized that the team remains focused on a game-by-game approach. “We only look at the table at the end of the season,” he said, reinforcing the importance of securing maximum results from each individual match. This mindset is crucial as Juventus seeks to maintain consistency throughout the remainder of the season.
One of the standout performers of the match was Nicolas Gonzalez, who scored his second consecutive goal in all competitions for Juventus, a feat he had not achieved since his time with Fiorentina in September-October 2023. Motta praised the Argentine forward for his versatility, noting his ability to play across various attacking positions, including on the right, left, or as a centre-forward. Gonzalez, who recently returned from a two-month injury layoff due to muscular issues, expressed his willingness to adapt to any role for the benefit of the team. After scoring the decisive goal against Monza, Gonzalez joked, "To help the team, I can also play as goalkeeper," showcasing his lightheartedness and team-first attitude.
Juventus' victory over Monza underlined their resilience and adaptability, especially in a challenging match. As they continue their campaign, the focus on individual games and improving their game management will be key to achieving their long-term objectives for the season.
