Juventus 0-0 Siena: Robur Fortress Holds Tight, Bianconeri Rue More Lost Points at Home…

One more home match, two more points lost. In spite of the 25-point (and 16 places) difference between the two teams, Juventus just couldn’t get the Siena castle gates open at Juventus Stadium Sunday. Very well in place tactically and aided by a stunning Gianluca Pegolo between the sticks, La Robur denied every opportunity the Bianconeri threw at them, earning a deserved draw that was perhaps only marred by a Vergassola handball inside the box (no penalty given). In a Serie A week-end marred by the bad weather and in which all matches were played at the same time (at 15:00 CET, to avoid the gelid temperatures of the evening), Juventus will look back upon this game as another missed opportunity. With AC Milan’s 0-0 draw against Napoli the status quo is maintained atop the campionato, though Juve still have a game at hand. Aaron and Marco combine to bring you the after-action report of Sunday.
 

MATCH ANALYSIS      (by Aaron Giambattista)

Antonio Conte welcomed former club Siena to the Juventus Stadium in what had all the potential to be a rather boring game. A Bianconeri team struggling against smaller opponents (especially at home) and unable to convert all their chances into goals, against a tactically very well-drilled side with one of the best defensive records in Serie A. Is it any surprise this match ended in a goalless draw? Well, not quite.

It seemed clear what Siena’s strategy was early on in the game: close up shop, defend tightly, and aim to carry home one point. In fairness, it is hard to blame any of the smaller sides in Serie A for following this tactic, because if Siena had attempted a more open game they’d have ended like Parma. La Robur simply can’t match Juve’s firepower in a tit-for-tat.

Back in the Fall Juventus had won the away fixture of this match, defeating their opponents in a very ugly 1-0 win. At home in Torino, the Old Lady had several good scoring chances (the best from Matri, denied by a brilliant save) and the team tallied up 7 shots on net (20 total) while absolutely dominating possession (70%). Siena rarely troubled Buffon, both due to their tactical shape but also the good work of Lichtsteiner and De Ceglie, who pinned Reginaldo and Brienza back into their own half.

Nevertheless, the goals simply did not come. It was simply one of those frustrating matches: the team knew Siena intended to park the proverbial bus, yet despite all the possession, movement, and shots, Juve could not break down a determined Robur defense and a superb goalkeeping display from Gianluca Pegolo. In fact despite all our efforts on goal it was Siena who came closest to winning the game, with Gazzi picking up a rebound from Reginaldo and (fortunately) blasting the tap-in over the bar.

While Siena didn’t steal their point, the Bianconeri can nevertheless feel aggrieved at a rather frustrating reffing decision minutes from time. In the 85th minute, a Chiellini cross from the left wing was met by Simone Vergassola’s arm inside the Siena box, yet despite a very good visual referee Sebastiano Peruzzo waved claims for a penalty off. It’s worth noting the club has only received one penalty in favor (vs. three against) in 21 games, Giaccherini’s upending by Cesena keeper Antonioli the only tally. The comedic factor here of course, is that the only PK the team did receive they probably shouldn’t have, but the rest of the time Juve have had plenty of valid penalty shouts throughout the season, most of which were ignored. A situation which has prompted DG Beppe Marotta to ask “for more respect for Juve” in press outlets, shortly after the match.

With more Calciopoli trial news coming out, the incident comes at a curious time. Luciano Moggi always argued that every team in Serie A spoke with the refereeing designators, a legitimate practice that was actually encouraged as a way of clubs expressing their opinions to refereeing heads. The custom has since then been banned, obviously, and Marotta (like many club presidents before him) has thus chosen to comment on the unfavorable refereeing decision publicly. Airing one’s grievances in public is unfortunate, but is by no means surprising or uncommon in Italy, where such political moves always hope to produce some kind of psychological effect into the persons concerned. For what it’s worth, Juventus have a right to feel wronged because for all the team could have (and should have) played better, that episode could have been the difference between a boring draw and a boring win.

LE PAGELLE      (by Aaron Giambattista)

Buffon 5.5 – Had nearly nothing to do all game, but almost gave Siena a late winner after fumbling a relatively tame shot by Reginaldo. Thankfully, Alessandro Gazzi ballooned the rebound over the bar. Still, a nervous moment and one quite out of recent character for San Gigi.
 

 
Lichtsteiner 7 – Typical performance from the Swiss full-back, who charged up and down the flank, dominating in defense and offering an outlet in attack. Nearly got on the scoresheet again from another brilliant angled pass from Pirlo, almost a complete duplicate of their combination against Atalanta (save for the ball into the back of the net).

Barzagli 6.5 – Normal administration at the back. Had a tricky moment or two against Gonzalez, but gave the Siena strikers no sniffs of goal.

Chiellini 6.5 – Very focused all match. Starting to look like his best again alongside Barzagli. 

De Ceglie 7 – A touch better even than Lichtsteiner this match. Paolino is growing into very good form, and Siena suffered because of it. His crosses were varied and dangerous, and the wing-back probably created the most chances for Juve after Pirlo, none that were finished sadly. Covered his man well defensively.
 

 
Vidal 5.5 – Won a lot of balls in midfield, ran a lot, had a few shots on target (business as usual), but once again had a few moments of very poor passing. King Arturo gotta do better…

Pirlo 6.5 – Despite often being double-team, Andrea extricated himself of Siena attention and dictated the pace of the game, as usual.

Marchisio 6 – An improved display from some of the more quiet ones in January, but not a great one. Attempted to provide a goal threat but wasn’t able to get a clear-cut opportunity.

Pepe sv – Taken off due to injury, it is probably for the better. He didn’t particularly play well until then and frankly, Simone isn’t the type of player we should be starting when we’re facing Siena, at home.

(38′) Giaccherini 6.5 – Probably should have started over Pepe. He’s been compared to Simone for his work rate and versatility, but Giaccherini is frankly a more creative player, especially with his dribbling. Nearly scored on a beautiful curling shot in the end.

Matri 6.5 – Was heavily marked but despite Siena’s tight defense, Matri freed up his teammates and created a few decent scoring chances of his own . Should have had a goal off a corner-kick, but his header was brilliantly saved by Pegolo.

(76′) Quagliarella 5.5 – Worked hard, tried to get open to create chances. Siena gave him no room.

Vucinic 5.5 – The ‘Mirko story’ of this season repeats itself: good enough work rate, good technical ability, but we signed him for more than that. Really needs to start grabbing goals.

(61′) Borriello 5.5 – Reminded me of ‘early Amauri’ somewhat: battled very hard despite the tough defense, but complained too much. That said, he was definitely more useful than the long-haired Brazilian.

 
Conte 6 – Il Mister should know full well how good a tactical side Siena is, with clear plans to squeeze out a draw at Juventus Stadium. And with Juve having problems scoring this season, the manager should have gone with a more creative team (especially against a team liking to park the proverbial bus). Or even alter the formation perhaps, something which the coach realized when he brought on Quagliarella and Borriello. Only too late. 

PLAY-BY-PLAY      (by Marco Pantanella)

46′	No changes for either team at the half, though Borriello & Quagliarella started and continue their warm-up on the Juve sideline.
48′	Just outside the Siena box, Matri controls the ball and goes for a difficult mid-range half-volley. About 5 yards wide of target.
51′	Hard work by Lichtsteiner on the right wing, fights and wins the ball back to clear space for the cross. His delivery is met by Vucinic, but Mirko’s header is weak and doesn’t trouble Pegolo!
55′	Marchisio goes for the shot from mid-range. Deflected into CK. Seems like whenever Juve push up the pace with a good piece of individual skill, this Siena defense buckles. Might just be the key to today’s match.
55′	CHIELLINI!!! Great header by Giorgio on that corner, Pegolo parries it onto the feet of De Ceglie!! But the referee stops the play for an offensive foul…
56′	Substitution Siena: Gonzalez comes on for Calaiò.
58′	Borriello taking off his substitutes’ pinnie. Looks like he’ll be next to come on.
58′	Matri!! A low De Ceglie cross finds Ale32 inside the box. The forward tries to spin around and place it at the far post (like he did against Udinese) but finds the foot a defender blocking the way!
59′	Great dribbling work on the left by Giaccherini. He’s fouled. Juve get a good FK.
59′	PIRLO!!!!!! Andrea’s delivery is headed straight for the top-right corner, but once again Pegolo’s there to deny!!!
60′	UGH!! Pirlo aerial ball, Vucinic headed redirect, ball lands to Vidal who controls and turns around for the shot from inside Siena’s box!! Deflected away into corner off a defender’s foot! Nothing comes out of it.
61′	Substitution Juve: Borriello comes on for Vucinic. Juve back to a traditional 4-4-2, Giaccherini on the right, Marchisio on the left.
62′	MATRI!!!!!! Slamming header by the Juventus forward off a corner-kick!!! Pegolo flies up to parry it out!!! Will this ball ever go in!!
64′	Rinse & repeat: De Ceglie left-wing cross, Matri can’t get it under control. It’s happened a lot today…
66′	Matri free on the right, tries to find Borriello at the far post. Intercepted by Rossettini and cleared.
68′	JUVE AGAIN! Pirlo cross from the left, lands to Matri at the far post! His volley is cleared! Ball back to Juve, with Vidal trying a low shot from mid-range!! Pegolo gets down to smother the ball!
69′	Substitution Siena: Reginaldo comes on for Giorgi.
71′	BORRIELLO! Great left-wing cross from Marchisio to find the ex-Roma forward, but the latter’s header is off target from a good position!
72′	Yellow card Pegolo. The Siena keeper goes in the book for timewasting.
73′	Substitution Siena: Parravicini comes on for Destro.
73′	Good God. Yet another ball stays in the Siena box and cannot be redirected towards goal by a Juve player (all in the wrong place at the right time). Siena clear.
74′	Yellow card Barzagli, for a late tackle on Gonzalez through on the right side. Replays showing the Siena player had jumped over Andrea’s challenge, and then flopped. FK Siena from good position.
75′	FK swung in dangerously by Brienza, Buffon flies to punch it away. CK. Cleared away by Lichtsteiner.
76′	Substitution Juve: Quagliarella comes in for Matri.
79′	Pirlo goes from long range. It takes a bounce off the ground, but well into the arms of Pegolo.
83′	Yellow card Borriello for dissent, after a foul called against the ex-Roma forward.
85′	Appeals for a Juve penalty waved away, as a Chiellini cross hits Vergassola’s arms straight in front of the referee!! Off the other end Gonzalez escapes from Barzagli and is clear on goal, but the Juve defender gets back just in time and nicks the forward’s effort over the bar!!
87′	GAZZI… . . Reginaldo shot parried away by Buffon. He can’t get it under control. Gazzi goes for the rebound with a wide open net and puts it wide! My heart, along with the entire Juventus Stadium, skipped a beat.
88′	Buffon not happy. Referee asked him if he touched Gazzi’s shot, but after the keeper said “No” ref gave a Siena corner anyway. Off it, Juve can’t get the ball clear: play continues with a pass to Brienza into space on the left. His low cross can’t find a teammate and the ball is eventually (painstakingly) removed from danger!
89′	Long ball forward by Pirlo, Borriello’s header is wide.
90′	Lichtsteiner cross from the right too short for Quagliarella. saved by Pegolo.
90′	FOUR MINUTES OF ADDED TIME.
91′	GIACCHERINI!!!!!! Great interplay between Quagliarella and Borriello frees up Giac24 inside the box! He tries an inswinging effort to the far corner, just a yard over the bar!!!! ARGHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!
92′	Yellow card Chiellini for a tactical foul on Parravicini.
93′	Groan. Siena FK for a De Ceglie high kick on Reginaldo.
93′	Yellow card Parravicini for encroachment.
94′	CHIELLINI!!!!! Ball lofted forward from the free kick. Redirected/cleared, it lands to Giorgio just outside the box who goes for the right-footed volley!!! But it’s parried away by Pegolo again!! Borriello tries to redirect it on the way and is called for offside.
94′	Full-time. Juventus 0-0 Siena. Ugh.

ANALYSIS WRAP-UP      (by Aaron Giambattista)

Another home draw is indeed disappointing, and we cannot blame the referee for our inability to defeat the Tuscan Bianconeri. Credit must go to Sannino and Siena, for a truly impressive defensive display and becoming the first opponent to maintain a clean sheet at Juventus Stadium.

AC Milan may have a miserable record against the top teams this season (having failed to defeat Napoli, Udinese, Juventus, or Inter in a rather embarrassing string of results) and yet, they are absolutely devastating against the minnows (particularly thanks to minnow-killer Zlatan Ibrahimovic). It is for this reason that, in early February, they are still well in place to make a title run. By contrast, a major undoing to our side in the last few years is the Bianconeri’s difficulty at defeating smaller teams. Gigi Delneri’s record against the top sides was superb, but that won him nothing aside from a pink slip.

There is a difference between the way Conte’s Juve takes on these “less-decorated” teams compared to its predecessors. Juventus under Delneri, Ferrara, Zaccheroni, and Ranieri all looked unambitious against the provinciali: they watched the game go by, played defensive (sometimes atrociously), and most of the time just didn’t seem to be bothered. On the other hand Conte’s side dominates possession, creates plenty of chances and, determined to carry out a well-thought tactical plan, is very far from looking to be sleep-walking. And yet, results this season show it still isn’t enough.

At this point, Antonio Conte must recognize that his starting XI (and formation) against the smaller sides, especially at home, cannot be the same as in other matches. Playing Alessandro Matri up top by himself works against Inter and Udinese, but he’s too heavily marked by a team like Siena. Workmanlike players are essential to the team, but against a team parking the bus, it’d help to have more incisiveness in the lineup.

The 4-3-3 with the dual M-V-P midfield/striking lineup has served Juventus very well. It is defensively solid, builds great possession in midfield, and can cut big teams open with the differing characteristics of the front three players. But against the provincial teams it just doesn’t seem to be offensive enough, and perhaps Conte should do well to further experiment with a 3-5-2 or even a 4-4-2 again.

Il Mister has shown great tactical acumen and brilliance to shift formations depending on the situation. He dropped the 4-4-2 to make room for Vidal, played Vucinic as the lone striker against AC Milan, and mirrored Udinese and Napoli’s unique systems with a tailored 3-5-2 set-up. It’s time for one last tactical innovation: a team with enough strikers to escape their markers, and enough creativity to ensure the Sienas and the Cagliaris leave Juventus Stadium with a loss. Not fly back South with a point and a smile on their faces.
 
 

In Conte We Trust!

 
 
.

	JUVENTUS-SIENA 0-0
GOALSCORERS: /
JUVENTUS (4-3-3): Buffon – Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Chiellini, De Ceglie – Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio – Pepe (38′ Giaccherini), Matri (76′ Quagliarella), Vucinic (61′ Borriello). COACH: Conte. (UNUSED SUBSTITUTES: Storari, Bonucci, Marrone, Del Piero).
SIENA (4-4-2): Pegolo – Vitiello, Rossettini, Terzi, Del Grosso – Giorgi (69′ Reginaldo), Vergassola, Gazzi, Brienza – Destro (73′ Parravicini), Calaiò (51′ Gonzalez). COACH: Sannino. (UNUSED SUBSTITUTES: Farelli, Contini, D’Agostino, A.Rossi).