The people of Nantes "
have nothing to lose
" according to Antoine Kombouaré in Turin.
This Thursday evening (9 p.m.), Juve receives the FCN in the first leg of the knockout stages of the Europa League.
If they come forward as outsiders in this double confrontation, the Canaries have a real shot to play against a tottering Old Lady.
To discover
Calendar and results Europa League
Calendar and results Europa League Conference
Jagged results
After nine titles in a row and overwhelming domination in the league in the 2010s, Juventus Turin has lost its luster.
A decent start to the season for the Piedmontese, before a series of six straight victories before the cut for the World Cup in Qatar in November.
Only, this good form in the championship does not continue in Europe.
Only one victory in the Champions League group stage.
Juve lost twice against Benfica and Paris Saint-Germain, as well as on the lawn of Maccabi Haifa.
A course that earned him to be transferred to the Europa League.
Since the post-World Cup recovery, the Turinese have experienced more difficulties.
They conceded a heavy setback on the lawn of Naples (5-1), but remain on three straight wins in all competitions, and still engaged in the Italian Cup.
Read alsoSerie A: 30 years later, Naples has all the qualities of a champion
Behind-the-scenes movements
On the ground, the Old Lady saves the furniture;
but behind the scenes no one is fooled.
Last Monday, November 28, the club announced, through a long press release, the resignation of its entire board of directors.
Leading the way, the departure of President Andréa Agnelli, at the head of the club since 2010. Returned in May 2021 after a stint between 2014 and 2019, coach Massimiliano Allegri remains in post.
Gianluca Ferrero has been operating as club president ever since.
15 penalty points and maintenance objective
And as a misfortune never comes alone... On January 20, the Italian Football Federation inflicted a very heavy penalty on the Piedmontese club: withdrawal of 15 points in the league, with immediate effect.
A decision taken due to accounting fraud during player transfers.
Initially, Juve had been acquitted with ten other clubs, but the Federation Court of Appeal accepted the request of the federal prosecutor to reopen the file, in view of the elements transmitted by the Italian justice.
Since then, Massimiliano Allegri no longer hides.
“
We need to reach 40 points to save ourselves, it can make you smile but that's the way it is.
"Fallen to 14th place in Serie A, Juventus Turin has now found the first part of the table."
We have to set ourselves mini-objectives and move forward one step at a time.
»
Tensions with supporters
Sporting disappointments and numerous internal crises annoy supporters more and more.
Recently, the club's coach has grappled with several of them.
Massimiliano Allegri reportedly exchanged several words with the Bianconeri fans during the win against Fiorentina.
“
There are some who boo certain players without taking it into account, like Kean, De Sciglio and Paredes,
regrets the Italian manager at the microphone of
DAZN.
It's not good, it's disrespectful.
We need everyone, and the guys are doing good things
.”
By his chilly game, the Turin coach is decried by a large part of the supporters.
The Europa League as a breath
Now dropped in a championship largely dominated by Naples, Juve wants to focus on the Cups.
With the Europa League as a priority.
Like a wink, 30 years after the last coronation in C3.
“
We can go far in the European Cup
,” says Frenchman Adrien Rabiot.
Juventini are no longer hiding: Europa League objective.
The club must "
win matches
" in the league to "
maintain high tension with a view to the Europa League and the Italian Cup
", summarizes Massimiliano Allegri.
Where is Pogba?
Six years after leaving Italy, Paul Pogba returned to Piedmont.
Passed by the club between 2012 and 2016, the 2018 world champion returns to Turin on July 11, with a four-year contract at stake.
But since then, the Frenchman has never worn the bianconeri jersey.
Injured in the meniscus of his right knee, the soon-to-be 30-year-old midfielder (he will have them on March 15) underwent surgery in early September.
"
It's a normal course.
The lateral meniscus is very annoying, the knee must readjust.
He does everything possible
,” said the Italian coach.
An absence that stands out and a return that languishes on the other side of the Alps.
“
Pogbasta
” recently headlined
the Gazetta Dello Sport
.
Read alsoItaly: Pogba's return will wait, Juve surprised by Monza
How is Rabiot?
Adrien Rabiot is doing well, thank you for him.
The French midfielder is riding the wave after his good World Cup.
Holder five times in Qatar, the former Parisian continues with Juventus Turin.
He has only missed one game - with thigh problems - since resuming in early January.
The former "Titi" is even the only scorer of the last meeting against Fiorentina.
Six goals and two assists in 24 games with the bianconeri since the start of the season.
Only, the future of Adrien Rabiot is written in dotted lines.
Arrived in 2019, the former PSG has never extended since in Turin.
He is out of contract at the end of the season.
Adrien Rabiot, strong man of Juve.
Panoramic
Angel di Maria regains his wings
Another former Parisian from Juve has been in good shape in recent weeks.
The new world champion Angel di Maria, scorer in the final against the France team, finds his wings.
Two goals and two assists since the beginning of January in the league.
The Argentinian is still on his little cloud.
Juventus will need all its forces against FC Nantes.
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