Juventus has experienced a rollercoaster of emotions in the two intense matches against Inter (won 4-3 at the last minute) and against Borussia Dortmund (tied 4-4 with two goals after the 90th minute). Two different games with several common factors: one, negative for Juventus, is the porous defense.

While on one hand, the Juventus attack, although deeply reliant on individual plays rather than well-rehearsed maneuvers, has provided reassuring responses, the flip side at least sends a signal of concern that must be taken into consideration.

The first issue concerns Michele Di Gregorio: the undisputed starting goalkeeper of Tudor’s squad almost always finishes the match with at least one complicated and decisive save, as was the case against Guirassy in the crazy night with BVB. However, in between, there are mistakes that can be very costly for Juventus.

The indecision on Calhanoglu’s first goal against Inter was the appetizer to the much more clumsy mistake on Yan Couto’s goal that temporarily made it 3-2 for the Germans.

A shot from a lateral position and at the near post that fooled the former Monza goalkeeper: a basic error, quite serious in a Champions League match that raises questions, perhaps reviving the alternation with Perin, about the pressures placed on Di Gregorio.

Another issue for a Juve with a lot of heart and quality up front is the defense taken as a whole. Both against Inter and Borussia, of the 7 goals conceded, almost none were due to blatant errors. Which, in some respects, is even more concerning.

The blunder is a sporadic and often unlucky episode: the systematic lateness in reaching midfielders and being easily penetrated is something more complex that only Tudor can address. The return of Bremer is a godsend but not the solution to all problems.

Juventus has an objective defensive problem at least in major matches, that is, when the opponent’s quality is high and the offensive solutions to face are numerous.

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