Serie A 2022/23: Why Juventus struggled to break down typical Mourinho low block in Rome – tactical analysis

Unless their 15-point penalty for illicit transfer activity is reversed on appeal, it seems more improbable that Juventus will play in the Champions League after they struck the woodwork three times on a dismal night in Rome.

Despite being docked points, Massimiliano Allegri has done a fine job as manager. The addition of Paul Pogba to the team may prove to be the fulcrum around which all other difficulties may rest.

On the other hand, it was an oddly triumphant week for Juventus opponents after a rather embarrassing defeat in Cremona on Tuesday. Then, even though the U-14 Roma team was losing to Lazio, José Mourinho still went to the game to encourage the players. To everyones eyes, it seemed like a typical Mourinho performance. In addition, the young guns got to meet the stars of the first squad, which was a dream come true for the ambitious teens.

The Portuguese coach is not known for his teams flair on the field, thus the first half was a somewhat drab affair. Yet, if not for a brilliant stop by Juve goalkeeper Rui Patricio, Juve would have gone into the break with the lead thanks to a close-range header from Adrien Rabiot.

Cremonese, on the other hand, has given Mourinho consecutive defeats and is now mired in last place. The teams confidence was boosted after progressing in the Coppa Italia, and they went on to win their first league game the season. Mourinhos mind has been awakened by the defeat to Cremonese, and he must now include it into his tactics.

How Roma overcame adversity at home to defeat the Bianconeri will be dissected in this tactical analysis. As part of this analysis, we will also consider the steps Mourinho has taken to improve the teams performance after their loss to Cremonese.

Lineups

Mourinho used his third preferred formation, a 3-4-3 that he has played around 16% of the time this season. Three defenders began in front of former Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper Rui Patrício.

Chris Smalling, a former Manchester United defender, began the game as the centre-back between Roger Ibañez and Gianluca Mancini, who scored the game-winning goal. Fullbacks Leonardo Spinazzola and Nicola Zalewski were responsible for covering the flanks.

Just in front of the centre backs, Nemanja Matić and Bryan Cristante played as a double pivot. It was decided that Lorenzo Pellegrini would start up front with Gini Wijnaldum and the Argentinian Paulo Dybala.

Allegri resorted to the 3-5-2 formation hes employed as much as 25% of the time this season. With the three Brazilians at the back, the team opened with former Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny.

Juan Cuadrado and Filip Kostić played the outside back positions, while Danilo, a former Real Madrid player, was one of three central defenders with Bremer and Alex Sandro. 

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