Simone Zaza (22 Viewers)
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Football Itaia Blog
Can Zaza grasp his opportunity?
After whispers of discontent at a lack of playing time, Simone Zaza is in line to start for an injury-hit Juventus against Frosinone, Luca Cetta explains.
A wayward shot, yellow card and disallowed goal. Throw in a tongue-lashing from Massimiliano Allegri and it wasn’t exactly the debut Simone Zaza hoped for.
Replacing a hurt Mario Mandzukic, the summer signing donned the Bianconeri shirt for only ten minutes as Juventus opened their Serie A account with a win at Genoa. An own goal and Paul Pogba’s second half penalty sealed the victory. It was scrappy, but a win nonetheless. It gives Juve something to build on.
But the real story on a sunny afternoon at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris was the injuries suffered by Alvaro Morata and the Croat. When the Spaniard went down and was replaced by Roberto Pereyra it looked worrisome. Allegri spoke of “strange abdominal trouble” afterward as being the cause. A muscular issue was ruled out, but Morata’s condition will continue to be monitored. Meanwhile, the club declared on Monday that Mandzukic would miss the next three weeks with a thigh problem.
Juve’s start to the campaign has been littered with injuries – Juan Cuadrado also prompted fears after landing awkwardly on his knee, but was able to continue. Couple that with poor results and it has made Allegri’s job more difficult. Sunday was not only their first win in Serie A, but first clean sheet since the Super Cup triumph over Lazio in early August.
The tough beginning has meant limited chances to experiment and rotate. The need to get up and running was the main priority. Daniele Rugani is yet to feature. Alex Sandro has played just once and Mario Lemina was included for his debut in the port city.
There were whispers of a frustrated Zaza wanting to return to Sassuolo as soon as possible. He would then be replaced by last season’s partner-in-crime Domenico Berardi. However, Neroverdi director Giovanni Carnevali dismissed those claims. “For the moment there is no truth in Zaza coming back and Berardi going to Juventus, we haven’t talked about this with Juve and nor have we thought of a return,” he told Radio Uno on Monday. “We have made some decisions, we sold Zaza to Juventus and it’s not right to think of his return here to us, we’re moving forward with our project.”
When asked about Zaza in his pre-Genoa Press conference, Allegri responded he will need contributions from all members of his squad throughout the season. “Simone is improving in training, as he took some time to settle, as was normal.” He added that those “who aren’t playing as much need some patience and to be ready when called on, because by the end of the season everyone will get their chance.”
The injuries suffered means the door is open for Zaza to start tomorrow against Frosinone. The Italian international scored 20 Serie A goals across two seasons for Sassuolo and will hope the match against the promoted visitors can get his Turin spell off and running.
With Napoli, Sevilla and Bologna looming on the horizon before the international break, Allegri must balance the squad. With players going down it offers opportunities for others, as is the case with Zaza. Paulo Dybala could start alongside the 24-year-old in attack, while
Alex Sandro and Hernanes may also feature against the only side to have lost all four matches to date.
It just may be the outing Zaza needs. After a brief baptism of fire against the Rossoblu, Allegri is set to place his faith in the striker. Moving forward in three competitions, ensuring Zaza rediscovers his Mapei Stadium best will be of great use for Juventus this season.
Can Zaza grasp his opportunity?
After whispers of discontent at a lack of playing time, Simone Zaza is in line to start for an injury-hit Juventus against Frosinone, Luca Cetta explains.
A wayward shot, yellow card and disallowed goal. Throw in a tongue-lashing from Massimiliano Allegri and it wasn’t exactly the debut Simone Zaza hoped for.
Replacing a hurt Mario Mandzukic, the summer signing donned the Bianconeri shirt for only ten minutes as Juventus opened their Serie A account with a win at Genoa. An own goal and Paul Pogba’s second half penalty sealed the victory. It was scrappy, but a win nonetheless. It gives Juve something to build on.
But the real story on a sunny afternoon at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris was the injuries suffered by Alvaro Morata and the Croat. When the Spaniard went down and was replaced by Roberto Pereyra it looked worrisome. Allegri spoke of “strange abdominal trouble” afterward as being the cause. A muscular issue was ruled out, but Morata’s condition will continue to be monitored. Meanwhile, the club declared on Monday that Mandzukic would miss the next three weeks with a thigh problem.
Juve’s start to the campaign has been littered with injuries – Juan Cuadrado also prompted fears after landing awkwardly on his knee, but was able to continue. Couple that with poor results and it has made Allegri’s job more difficult. Sunday was not only their first win in Serie A, but first clean sheet since the Super Cup triumph over Lazio in early August.
The tough beginning has meant limited chances to experiment and rotate. The need to get up and running was the main priority. Daniele Rugani is yet to feature. Alex Sandro has played just once and Mario Lemina was included for his debut in the port city.
There were whispers of a frustrated Zaza wanting to return to Sassuolo as soon as possible. He would then be replaced by last season’s partner-in-crime Domenico Berardi. However, Neroverdi director Giovanni Carnevali dismissed those claims. “For the moment there is no truth in Zaza coming back and Berardi going to Juventus, we haven’t talked about this with Juve and nor have we thought of a return,” he told Radio Uno on Monday. “We have made some decisions, we sold Zaza to Juventus and it’s not right to think of his return here to us, we’re moving forward with our project.”
When asked about Zaza in his pre-Genoa Press conference, Allegri responded he will need contributions from all members of his squad throughout the season. “Simone is improving in training, as he took some time to settle, as was normal.” He added that those “who aren’t playing as much need some patience and to be ready when called on, because by the end of the season everyone will get their chance.”
The injuries suffered means the door is open for Zaza to start tomorrow against Frosinone. The Italian international scored 20 Serie A goals across two seasons for Sassuolo and will hope the match against the promoted visitors can get his Turin spell off and running.
With Napoli, Sevilla and Bologna looming on the horizon before the international break, Allegri must balance the squad. With players going down it offers opportunities for others, as is the case with Zaza. Paulo Dybala could start alongside the 24-year-old in attack, while
Alex Sandro and Hernanes may also feature against the only side to have lost all four matches to date.
It just may be the outing Zaza needs. After a brief baptism of fire against the Rossoblu, Allegri is set to place his faith in the striker. Moving forward in three competitions, ensuring Zaza rediscovers his Mapei Stadium best will be of great use for Juventus this season.
