Serie A 2019/20: Sampdoria vs Juventus – tactical analysis

In the latest edition of Serie A action, Juventus traveled to the city of Genoa to take on 17th placed Sampdoria in a bid to retake some of the initiative in the title race this season. Against a defence designed by Premier League winner, Claudio Ranieri, Juventus were ultimately triumphant, leaving the game having secured a 2-1 victory away from home.

Our tactical analysis will detail where the game was won and lost for these two sides as Juventus reclaimed their spot at the top of Serie A, at least temporarily. This analysis takes a look at the tactics on display from both managers and illustrates how Juventus were able to put the pressure back on Antonio Contes Inter.

Lineups

Despite previously claiming that his side struggled when playing their three star strikers all at once, Maurizio Sarri opted to front his 4-3-1-2 formation with the trio of Cristiano Ronaldo, Paulo Dybala, and Gonzalo Higuain. Other changes to the side saw Danilo take Juan Cuadrados spot at right-back after the Colombians suspension and both Merih Demiral and Gianluigi Buffon were rotated into the lineup.

Claudio Ranieri lined up his side in his preferred 4-4-2 formation and made the bold decision to drop last seasons free-scoring phenomenon, Fabio Quagliarella, on the bench. Ranieri was clearly hoping that Gastón Ramírez would provide enough inspiration for his side to secure a result in this game as the likes of Manolo Gabbiadini were also restricted to an appearance off the bench for this game.

Sampdorias 4-4-2

Sampdoria approached this game in typical Ranieri fashion. They adopted a low 4-4-2 defensive block and were only too happy to have Juventus dominate the possession (Juventus finished the game with 71% of the possession). Ranieri has previously been reported as referring to the 4-4-2 as his castle which his team will use to defend their goal.

The deep nature of Sampdorias formation compelled their players to remain compact which forced Juventus to beat their opponents out on the flanks. As there was no space in the centre for Juventus studs to interchange from in-between Sampdorias lines, Ronaldo and Dybala were often found drifting wide into space in search of the ball.