Juventus boss Maurizio Sarri says current season is most difficult ever

The current season has been the most difficult in Italian football history, Juventus coach Maurizio Sarri said on Saturday as he tried to explain the Serie A leaders' inconsistent form over the last month.

https://shows.acast.com/game-of-opinions-the-eurosport-football-podcast/episodes/whats-gone-wrong-with-rubbish-david-de-gea

Although they have a five-point advantage with three games to play, Juve have only won once in their last five matches and have kept their lead because rivals Inter Milan and Lazio have also slumped.

Serie A is being completed in a hectic six weeks after a three-month novel coronavirus stoppage and teams are having to cope with high temperatures, late finishes and empty stadiums.

Serie A

From records to resignation - Sarri leaves Lazio rudderless after turbulent season

14/03/2024 at 08:07

"What mark would I give Juventus so far? A good one because this is the most difficult championship in the history of Italian football," Sarri told reporters ahead of Sunday's match at home to Sampdoria.

"In the light of the obvious difficulties, I think the team has performed well.... This is an atypical phase. It's never happened before that we've played the championship in July."

Juventus will clinch the title if they win on Sunday, having missed a first chance to wrap it up on Thursday when they lost 2-1 to a stoppage-time goal at Udinese.

Juventus-Lazio, Serie A 2019-2020: il tecnico della Juventus Maurizio Sarri (Getty Images)

Image credit: Getty Images

However, Sarri was pleased with the team's attitude.

"We lost our shape and organisation in Udine but the positive thing is that it happened because we were trying so hard to win," he said. "I prefer to lose because of that than for being too passive, which has also happened a few times."

Sarri said there was little time to prepare for games.

"We are not doing any kind of preparation because, playing every 72 hours, it's not possible. We'll prepare for tomorrow's game in 30 or 40 minutes tomorrow morning," he added.

"Clearing you head after a game and then recharging for the next one in a few days is not simple and does not always come automatically."

Operation Exit: Real Madrid’s plan to raise €180 million – Euro Papers

Serie A

Sarri resigns as Lazio head coach after fourth defeat in a row

13/03/2024 at 10:11

Serie A

'Pulisic is a fair player' - Pioli leaps to star's defence before leaving press conference

02/03/2024 at 10:16

Transfers

Lingard could make move to Lazio - Paper Round

03/02/2024 at 08:37