Tag Archives: Ivan Juric

Hellas Verona continues to surprise under Ivan Juric

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Since returning to the top flight in 2019, Hellas Verona has established itself as one of Italy’s most compact sides, surprising Italy’s giants at every turn. Ivan Juric has done a wonderful job in Verona, leading the side to unprecedented heights. Just last season, Hellas Verona was in an unlikely race for Europa League football, up until the latter stages of the year. They still managed to finish in the top half of the table in their first season back in the top flight – an impressive feat on its own.

Many expected them to take a step back this season after the departures of key men, but Juric’s side has shown no signs of slowing down. After all, Marash Kumbulla joined Roma while Sofyan Amrabat returned to Fiorentina – two of the side’s most important players last season.

Despite their departures, Hellas Verona has picked up from where exactly they left off last year, attempting to consolidate itself in the top half of the table. What is perhaps most remarkable is their record against Italy’s top six. Hellas Verona has demonstrated they can compete with Italy’s best clubs, holding Roma, Milan, and Juventus to a draw, all-while beating Atalanta and Lazio.

Hellas Verona’s success largely lies in their tactical discipline and overall commitment to Juric’s system. The Croatian tactician deploys his men in a 3-4-2-1 of sorts, with both wingbacks playing a crucial role both in and out of possession. Hellas Verona has proven to be incredibly difficult to break down thus far, conceding a mere 14 goals on the season.

Marco Silvestri plays a large part in this, organizing Hellas Verona’s rearguard from between the posts. The Italian shot-stopper remains one of Italy’s most underrated goalkeepers, offering Juric a safe pair of hands. Silvestri has often proved to be the difference for Hellas Verona in tight games, making sensational saves to keep them in it.

Koray Gunter is another integral piece to Juric’s puzzle, occupying the central position of the back three. The German has stepped up since Kumbulla’s departure, excelling at the heart of the defense. Summer arrival Mert Cetin has also impressed in his four appearances this season, but it is Matteo Lovato that has established himself as a starter.

The 20-year-old spent last season on loan with Padova and has made the step up to the top flight look a seamless one. Lovato has since been linked with a number of Italy’s giants, including Juventus and Inter. Despite his inexperience, the former Padova man exudes calmness in possession and can go toe-to-toe with imposing strikers. Between Gunter, Lovato, and Silvestri, Hellas Verona’s defense is as resolute as they come.

In many ways, however, it is Juric’s ability to keep them motivated week in, week out, that makes the difference. The Croatian international is Hellas Verona’s X Factor and will be eager to continue leading them into new territory. Atalanta and Sassuolo may steal the headlines and acclaim from calcio’s neutrals, but make no mistake about it, Hellas Verona’s rise has been just as compelling.

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Juventus-Hellas Verona: Team news, stats, and prediction

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After a tough defeat against Napoli, Juventus bounced back with a commanding win against Fiorentina and reinstated their three-point lead atop the table over fierce rivals Inter. Hellas Verona, by contrast, are unbeaten in their last seven and most recently recorded a clean sheet against Simone Inzaghi’s high-flying Lazio.

While the bianconeri are going into Verona as favourites, the hosts have proven tough to break down and can go toe-to-toe with any side. In their first game against each other, Juventus came out narrow winners, thanks to a Cristiano Ronaldo spot-kick. With the return game taking place in Verona, expect it to be a tight affair.

Since making the leap to Serie A, Ivan Juric has implemented an extremely solid 3-4-1-2 formation and has relied on his water-tight defence to get results. Kumbulla, Gunter and Rrahmani have formed an incredible partnership at the back and have led Verona to an unlikely push for European football.

In fact, only Italy’s top three have conceded less goals than Verona this season. Goalkeeper Marco Silvestri deserves his fair share of credit as well, and has been one of the league’s better shot-stoppers this season. With Juventus coming into town, Juric’s resolute defence will have every chance to prove themselves.

TEAM NEWS

Sarri will have to do without Giorgio Chiellini and Merih Demiral at the back while Federico Bernardeschi is a doubt going into Saturday’s affair. Brazilian international Danilo is also expected to miss the clash against Verona.

According to recent reports, Sarri will deploy Douglas Costa alongside Paulo Dybala and Cristiano Ronaldo. However, the only certainty in attack is their Portuguese superstar as Higuain and Ramsey could also get the nod, as per Gazzetta dello Sport.

Otherwise, Sarri appears to be sticking with the midfield trio of Rabiot, Pjanic and Bentancur, with Matuidi making way for his fellow compatriot.

As for Verona, their classic back three of Gunter, Rrahmani and Kumbulla will get the nod. In the midfield, Juric is not looking to shake things up and will likely field Veloso, Lazovic and Amrabat. In attack, it’s currently a toss-up between Zaccagni and Borini while the former is currently rumoured to start.

Probable XI’s

Juventus: 4-3-3 Szczesny; Cuadrado, Bonucci, De Ligt, Sandro; Bentancur, Pjanic, Rabiot; Costa, Dybala, Ronaldo.

3-4-2-1 Silvestri; Rrahmani, Gunter, Kumbulla; Faraoni, Veloso, Amrabat, Lazovic; Pessina, Zaccagni; Verre.

STATS 

- In their last six clashes against each other, Juventus have emerged victorious four times while Verona won once.

- There have been over 2.5 goals in Juve’s last ten Serie A games.

- Ronaldo has fourteen goals in his last nine Serie A games.

- Verona’s leading goalscorer has three goals on the season. Defence.

PREDICTION

While Verona have been resolute at the back all season, they’re coming off a tiring game away from home against Lazio and now have to host an in-form Ronaldo. Considering this, I expect Juventus to extend their lead at the top with a narrow win over Verona. It may not be pretty, but the bianconeri will get it done.

Juventus-Verona: 1-0.

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Verona name Juric as their new coach

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A successful late run that allowed them to snatch a spot in the playoffs and then go all the way was not enough to convince Hellas Verona to bet on Alfredo Aglietti in 2019/2020. They parted ways with him and appointed former Genoa coach Ivan Juric, whom they had reportedly decided to hire no matter where they would play, who has agreed to a one-year contract. The Gialloblù spent the last four seasons going up and down Serie A and Serie B.

Aglietti was hired with two matches to go, when the Scaligeri were on the outside looking in, and he managed to get them into the postseason and defeated Pescara and Cittadella to gain the promotion. He previously managed at Empoli, Novara, Virtus Entella and Ascoli, but likely paid the prize for his lack of experience in the top league. He had agreed to a short-term contract before taking over.  Continue reading →

Genoa dismiss Juric and appoint Prandelli

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The third stint of Ivan Juric on Genoa’s bench is over as the club elected to move on and hired former Fiorentina and Italy coach Cesare Prandelli. In the seven games at the helm after taking over from Davide Ballardini, the Croatian manager picked up three draws, against Juventus, Udinese and Sampdoria, and four losses, versus Milan, Inter, Napoli and Torino.

The elimination on penalty kicks against Serie C team Virtus Entella in Coppa Italia did him in, alongside the uninspiring brand of football his team has been playing, some locker room tension and the fact that he has not been able to solve the defensive issues like he was supposed to when he was chosen. Continue reading →

Bologna sack Roberto Donadoni

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Bologna have dismissed the coach Roberto Donadoni, the team announced on Thursday. In his two full years at the helm, the Felsinei finished in 15th position twice. He was hired in late October in 2015, after the firing of Delio Rossi, and terminated in 14th place back then. He had a year left on his contract.

The owner Joey Saputo stated: “I consider Donadoni an excellent coach who gave a great deal of credibility to our club. However, we believe that, after three years, his cycle had come to an end despite the effort and the dedication he and his staff have put into it. I wish him good look for the continuation of his career.” Continue reading →

Two crucial games ahead for three winless coaches

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After four games, there are still five teams that have yet to win a game: Benevento, Hellas Verona, Crotone, Sassuolo and Genoa. While the first three were expected to tough time and to be involved in the relegation race this season, the other two are a bit more surprising, but not shocking. Serie A presidents are famous for their quick trigger when it comes to sacking their coaches, so these situations need immediate turnarounds. The midweek match day could accelerates the process.

Benevento is the most desperate team as it is at the bottom of the table with no points. They fought against Sampdoria, Bologna and Torino, but they were defeated by a single goal in all three fixtures. On Sunday, they were dismantled by Napoli. Marco Baroni did a brilliant job last season, but he is a rookie in the top league and the rumours about replacing him with a more seasoned coach, such as Stefano Colantuono or Davide Ballardini, are ramping up. They will face Roma today and Crotone on Sunday, which will likely decide the fate of the manager. He will have to work some magic because some of his best players, such as Amato Ciciretti, Marco D’Alessandro and Andrea Costa are sidelined by injuries.

Despite having one point, Hellas Verona is the squad that has looked the worst so far: they have drawn against Crotone, but they were badly beaten by Napoli, Fiorentina and Hellas Verona. The schedule has not helped, but their defence has looked too vulnerable and their playing style is still undefined. Furthermore, Fabio Pecchia has engaged in a pointless skirmish with Giampaolo Pazzini and has constantly picked some players with no experience as false-nine over his leading scorer last season. Injuries have hit them hard as well, depriving them of Alessio Cerci and of a lot of depth. Despite the promotion, they were never too convincing last season in Serie B. They will square off against Sampdoria on Wednesday and Lazio on Sunday.

The closer to getting the axe appears to be Ivan Juric. He was confirmed this summer despite a tumultous season, where he was fired and then called back, but his stint could be short-lived. They had decent outings against Sassuolo, Juventus, Udinese and Lazio, but only a point to show for it. According to the rumblings, Genoa president Enrico Preziosi has already contacted Walter Mazzarri and a name of this magnitude does not help Juric’s chances of holding onto the job. They will face Chievo Verona on Wednesday and Inter on Sunday and he has to hope that the wonderkid Pietro Pellegri continues to score and that the defence tightens up.

The remaining two winless teams are Sassuolo and Crotone. Cristian Bucchi has just switched his tactic to a 3-5-2 but they were defeated by Atalanta and Juventus. They performed well against Nerazzurri, while the Old Lady is on another level. In this case, the management will likely be more patient, as they have been in the first season in Serie A with Eusebio Di Francesco. However, he needs to come up with points in the next two games, against Cagliari and Bologna. Davide Nicola will have some more leeway as well at Crotone after last year’s miraculous comeback to avoid relegation. The Sharks are still scoreless and will take on Atalanta in the midweek match and Benevento in the weekend.

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