Motta: 'It is fundamental' for Juve to commit players forward vs. Genoa

Yesterday at 01:05 PM

Nicologo Fagioli, Mattia Perin, and Next Gen star Jonas Rouhi to start against Genoa

In the midst of a hot-and-cold streak where Juventus has drawn and failed to score in four straight league games but also battered Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven 3–1 in the Champions League, Juve fans are hoping that the club can capture some of the goal-scoring potential they have shown they have against Genoa on Saturday. Juve's inefficiency in the final third is certainly a problem on everyone's mind, and it seems like, ahead of the match, manager Thiago Motta has committed considerable time to resolving the club's goalscoring draught.

"Every match poses different challenges in Serie A," Motta said. "(On Saturday), we will face an organized team and we will have to be good at playing the game in a way that suits us, without letting ourselves be influenced by their style of play; we have worked on various aspects, shots from outside the box are just one of those details, but for us it is fundamental to be able to commit more players in the final third in order to create chances and score goals."

Regarding the club's long-term goals and how Motta is adapting his managerial style to fit the needs of the club, and suit the strength of his players he said:

"You are always improving, both in the management of individual players and of the team as a whole. Every situation is unique, and with time and continuous work you develop the necessary insights to make the best decisions; the phases, both attacking and defensive, require teamwork. We've already made important progress, especially in the last game against Napoli, where we were good at controlling possession against a top team.

Motta was also asked about the recent contract renewals of Samuel Mbangula and Carlo Pinsoglio. Mbangula has certainly impressed this season coming from the Next Gen and seamlessly adapting himself into the first team, while Pinsoglio, who seldom gets game time, remains an important motivating figure in the dressing room.

"They are two different contract renewals: Mbangula is a young player who is contributing a lot and he has to continue to do so because he is at the beginning of his career," Motta said. "Pinsoglio was a surprise: he is a strong goalkeeper and helps the group, he is a great role model."

Federico Gatti, who has served as captain for the early part of the season with Danilo on the bench, did not play in last weekend's showdown with Napoli after having to come off late in Juve's Champions League win over PSV.

Motta was, understandably, asked about his captain's status following another week of rest of rehabbing his ankle.

"Federico is very well, and I'd also like to take this opportunity to congratulate him on the birth of his daughter, a beautiful moment for him." Motta said. "He's also showing great enthusiasm on the pitch. I have faith in the impact of the training sessions and I have seen good things from everyone, even those who have played less."

However, in a surprise move, Motta announced his entire starting XI for the trip to Genoa. Despite speaking on Gatti's improvement, Motta has decided to hold him out once again. Much of the rest of the starting lineup that Motta announced will be unchanged from draw with Napoli, with the exceptions being Nico Fagioli, Mattia Perin and Next Gen alum Jonas Rouhi, who will be making his first senior start for Juventus.

"I have already decided who will start tomorrow: Perin, Rouhi, Danilo, Bremer, (Pierre) Kalulu; Fagioli, (Weston) McKennie; (Kenan) Yildiz, (Teun) Koopmeiners, Nico (Gonzalez); (Dusan) Vlahovic," Motta said.

Motta was also asked about the possibility of playing behind closed doors after Wednesday's Coppa Italia clash between rivals Genoa and Sampdoria erupted in violence among fans. Motta lamented the possibility but prefaced that it will not detract from the team's concentration.

It was later announced that Juventus' trip to the Luigi Ferraris will indeed be played behind closed doors.

"To play without fans would be a shame," Motta said. "Football is a spectacle that has to be experienced in the stands, and it's a pity for everyone, from the players to the fans. But we have to concentrate on our job on the pitch, even though we'll face a Genoa side that I'm sure will give their all."