Juventus’s unbeaten run in Serie A continues, but the 2-2 draw with Parma in Turin has left fans and analysts questioning their title ambitions this season.
The Bianconeri, now seven points adrift of league leaders Napoli, found themselves in a challenging battle against a relegation-threatened Parma side, who displayed determination and resilience.
Despite the team’s comeback efforts, they couldn’t seal a victory, leaving fans and the team frustrated with the result.
Right from the start, Motta’s boys found themselves under pressure. Parma took the lead in the third minute when Botond Balogh set up Enrico Del Prato, who sent a powerful header past Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio.
It was a stunning start for the visitors, and Parma fans were jubilant. The early goal exposed Juventus’s vulnerability on defense, a recurring issue this season that has kept them from dominating matches.
Manager Thiago Motta has emphasized the need for his team to remain compact defensively, but early lapses like this have been costly.
The hosts struggled to establish rhythm, although they tried to create chances. However, Parma’s disciplined defense left little room for Juventus to break through.
Despite their limited possession, Parma’s organization and quick counter-attacks kept Juventus on their toes throughout the match.
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The Motta’s boys eventually found a response in the 31st minute when Weston McKennie connected with a corner kick delivered by Timothy Weah, heading the ball past Parma’s Zion Suzuki.
The equalizer sparked hope among Juventus fans, but those hopes were short-lived. Seven minutes later, Parma reclaimed their lead with a well-executed goal from Simon Sohm, assisted by Dennis Man.
Sohm’s strike further highlighted Juventus’s defensive struggles, especially when they’re pressed to control the game’s tempo.
This back-and-forth battle kept fans on the edge of their seats. Juventus’s defense appeared shaky and disorganized, especially in set-piece situations where Parma found success.
Motta’s choice to rely on young players and the absence of key players like Bremer and Milik added to the team’s challenges.
The team entered the second half with renewed intensity, desperate to equalize. Their efforts paid off just four minutes in as Weah capitalized on an assist from Francisco Conceicao, scoring from close range to bring Juventus back level at 2-2.
This goal was a testament to Weah’s emerging role in the squad and his ability to find scoring opportunities.
However, while Juventus created opportunities to score a winner, their execution fell short. Vlahovic, despite his solid track record against newly promoted teams, struggled to find his groove in this game.
Locatelli and Koopmeiners, although active in the midfield, couldn’t convert their chances, leaving Juventus fans hoping for a late winner.
Missed Chances and Defensive Errors – Juventus Falls Short
The team pushed hard in the final minutes, with Yildiz and Gatti both coming close to scoring, but Parma’s defense held firm.
Del Prato’s last-minute clearance off the line stopped Yildiz’s effort, a crucial moment that kept Parma in the game. Juventus’s xG (Expected Goals) of 2.26 reflected their numerous attempts, yet they failed to break through Parma’s resilient backline, which limited them to only one shot on target in the second half.
Parma’s xG was just 1.02, highlighting their ability to make the most of limited chances. The club’s defense continues to raise concerns, with inconsistent marking and missed assignments costing them valuable points.
Fans and critics alike have questioned the team’s defensive depth and Motta’s reliance on young, less-experienced players in high-stakes matches.
