It was a year that saw another Scudetto added to the collection, filled with twists & turns that few, if any could have expected, and that’s before even mentioning what happened off the pitch. So with 2018 coming to a close its time to look back on the memorable (and not so memorable) moments that filled the year
BEST MOMENT OF THE YEAR : THE ARRIVAL OF CR7
Well this one was always going to be a no brainer, during every summer there's always at least one transfer rumour that sounds too ridiculous to possibly come true. This year that rumour was Cristiano Ronaldo joining from Real Madrid, only this time opinions quickly went from "not going to happen" to “this is actually happening!”. To put this short saga into context, the story was so massive that it even took attention away from a World Cup that was still being played. Once the arrival became official fans expectation went through the roof, all eyes were drawn towards the old lady. . And it felt good! The ‘CR7’ effect was in full motion as Juventus began to benefit from signing the Portuguese superstar before a ball had even been kicked, gaining in excess of 1.4 million new followers on the clubs Instagram page, as well as the clubs value on the stock market incredibly rising by 37%. Ronaldo’s short time in a Juventus shirt has been far from plain sailing (from an early goal drought to seeing red away to Valencia), however 15 goals and 8 assists over 24 games clearly shows that despite being 33 years old, Ronaldo is still worth every penny spent to bring him to Turin.
WORST MOMENT OF THE YEAR : DEFEAT AGAINST NAPOLI
Surprisingly there was plenty of competition for this moment, but for the overall feeling of what this defeat could, and perhaps even should have resulted in means that this is my main pick for worst moment of 2018, although a 3-0 defeat at home against Real Madrid & being denied extra time in the second leg came close. . And there was the more recent meeting with Manchester United too . . Anyway moving on. The clash against Napoli in April was a crucial must not lose game, as both clubs were neck in neck fighting for domestic supremacy, 1st vs 2nd, champion vs Challenger. What transpired was 90 minutes of stress and frustration for fans of the Bianconeri, with only one side looking hungry for all 3 points, and it wasn’t Juventus. Napoli dominated for most of the game, Juventus dangerously played for a draw, and Koulibaly punished the old lady with a last minute winner for Napoli. Juventus remained top of the league, but Napoli trailed by single point and with what looked to be an easier run of fixtures compared with Juventus, who still had tough away fixtures to Roma & Inter. Napoli fans celebrated extravagantly throughout the night believing that this was the moment they had won the Scudetto, and honestly it felt like it was only a matter of time before they did. Of course we all know that Napoli went on to crumble under the pressure immediately losing 3-0 away to Fiorentina & more surprisingly dropping points against Torino in a 2-2 draw. Still, for fans of Napoli they will always have the memory of one night in Turin. . . And all the fireworks & tattoo’s that came with it.
BEST GAME OF THE YEAR : INTER AWAY (28/04/2018)
1-0 away to Lazio was sheer relief, 3-1 away to Real Madrid was euphoric up until the final minute, but when it comes to down to picking the best game of the year there was only going to be one winner. With 9 days of the season remaining Juventus traveled to Milan to face Inter in what would be a title defining moment for the old lady. It didn’t take long for the action to heat up on the pitch, Douglas Costa firing Juventus ahead after 15mins, soon afterwards more sparks would fly as Vecino saw red for a nasty challenge on Mandzukic. 1-0 ahead and playing against 10 men you would be forgiven for thinking that the rest of the game would be plain sailing for Juve, except it wouldn't, far from it. 7 minutes into the second half Inter would draw level through the usual suspect, Icardi. Worst was to come as Juventus fell behind to a second Inter goal, now trailing 2-1 and playing poorly it looked like Juventus would suffer another crushing blow in their scudetto hopes, but the old lady had other ideas. With 4 minutes of normal time remaining Juventus took the first step towards a miracle comeback, as Cuadrado’s cross deflected off Santon and into the net to make it 2-2, GAME ON! Then just like all great comebacks as the full time whistle began to creep closer by the minute, it happened. Juventus get a free kick from 25 yards on the 89th minute, Dybala curls the ball into the penalty area where Gonzalo Higuain is waiting, Higuain heads the ball beyond the reach of Handanovic to become the hero of the moment in a game that no Juventus fan will forget.
65 mins: Inter 2-1 Juventus
87 mins: Inter 2-2 Juventus
89 mins: Inter 2-3 Juventus
Absolutely brilliant.
WORST GAME OF THE YEAR : REAL MADRID HOME (03/04/2018)
Yes I know that it was supposedly the moment Ronaldo decided to join Juventus but that doesn't make a 3-0 defeat at home any easier to take. Less than a year had passed since both clubs had met in the champions league final (the less said about that the better) and it was time for payback, except any thoughts of repaying Real Madrid with a loss of their own were quickly dashed as Ronaldo found the back of the net after 3mins. Overall it was a horrible night for Juventus, matched only by the downpour of rain throughout the night, conceding three goals, two could have been avoided, the other was an overhead kick by Ronaldo. Thankfully if CR7 ever repeats this wonder goal at the Allianz stadium it will be whilst wearing a Juventus shirt. To rub salt into the wounds Dybala capped off a horrid night by getting himself sent off, this is definitely one match you do not want to revisit.
BREAK THROUGH PLAYER OF THE YEAR: RODRIGO BENTANCUR
João Cancelo came close to winning this one, but since he has only been with the club for half of the year I'm going with Bentancur. Still only 21 years old Bentancur has taken advantage of Juventus midfield worries this season by firmly putting his name into contention for a regular place in the starting line up. With Emre Can & Sami Khedira injured, Allegri had little choice but to start Bentancur in midfield, the young Uruguayan was more than ready for the challenge. So far Bentancur has started 19 games, and very rarely looked out of place when wearing a Juventus shirt. Whilst he still has a lot to learn, if Bentancur can keep his cool and commit less fouls he could play a big part in any success that Juventus has this season.
WORST PLAYER OF THE YEAR: SAMI KHEDIRA
What can you say about Khedira that hasn’t already been said? Injury prone, slows the midfield down and regularly has fans scratching their heads wondering what is his purpose in the team?. Unbelievably getting his name on the score sheet 7 times over 31 games, its still not enough to make up for the occasions Khedira goes missing during games. Why the club decided to extend his contract whilst releasing Claudio Marchisio is a complete mystery.
BEST GOAL OF THE YEAR : RONALDO V MANCHESTER UNITED (07.11.2018)
It was a goal that demonstrated the best of Ronaldo & Bonucci. Whilst Bonucci no longer looks like the dependable defender that he once was, one thing that hasn’t deserted him is his ability to pick out a long range pass. Beginning with a long ball all the way from central midfield, Bonucci’s pass landing on the foot of Ronaldo who had made a run inside of Manchester United’s penalty box to volley the ball into the back of the net.
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