Juventus summer signing Rugani set to sit out Napoli clash
What will be going through Daniele Rugani’s mind during Juventus’ key clash with Napoli? Probably not defensive schemes or accounting for midfield runs into the box, because the first indiscretions to emerge from Turin have Coach Max Allegri opting for a four-man defence, with Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Barzagli playing in the middle alongside Stephan Lichtsteiner and Patrice Evra on the wings.
With Giorgio Chiellini and Martin Caceres out injured, we don’t rate the chances of Allegri going for a three-man defence, which we estimate at about 20% right now.
It’s been quite a disappointing year for Rugani, the talent who set paces racing last season at the back for Empoli. There is little doubt that had the 21-year-old followed manager Maurizio Sarri to Napoli, he’d be playing on Saturday evening.
Yet the situation is not as black-and-white (that wasn’t intended, honest), as it may initially seem. Juventus have put a lot of faith in Rugani, first by beating the competition to him last year, and then refusing a huge €25 million offer from Napoli.
On the flipside, the Tuscan defender (he’s from Lucca) has yet to convince the club that he belongs there, especially Coach Allegri. Then again, both Marotta and Allegri talk of Rugani being the future of the Old Lady’s defence.
Who knows? This may be the last Juve-Napoli that Rugani watches from the bench. Whether he does so from the pitch or the stands in future, however, is yet to be determined. Remember, both Arsenal and Manchester United have been linked with the talented centre-back.
Gianluca Minchiotti (@GianluMin), translated by @edodalmonte
