Thiago Motta explains where Juventus need to improve after 4-4 Inter thriller | OneFootball

Thiago Motta has admitted that the first portion of the second half is where Juventus have suffered the most this season, and has listed a few other things for his team to improve after a massively entertaining 4-4 draw with Inter in the Derby d’Italia over the weekend.

The Juventus coach spoke at his pre-match press conference ahead of Wednesday evening’s Serie A clash at home against Parma.

Motta explains where Juventus need to improve

On top of his preview of Wednesday’s game against Parma, Motta also gave his assessment of the 4-4 thriller with Inter at San Siro on Sunday night, providing a few examples of where Juventus could improve.

“We created moments where we did very well,” the Juventus coach said.

“10 to 12 minutes at the beginning of the second half, we needed to do better. We had a chance to win it. It was a beautiful game, but it’s in the past now, we have to think about the next one. Our minds are focused on the next game, everything else is just an opinion and that doesn’t mean much to me.”

Motta on Parma, Gatti, Vlahovic and Koopmeiners

He went on to explain that he expects an entirely different test from Parma when they visit the Allianz Stadium.

“A different game, as always. But we want to put in a good performance and get a result. We’ll have to earn it.”

Motta also hushed any suggestions that he has a problem with central defender Federico Gatti, who has started on the bench in each of Juventus’s last two matches in Serie A and the Champions League.

“There is no misunderstanding, no drop in commitment. The choices I make are made before the game, and we need everyone. The decisions have to be for the good of the team and for the good of Juventus. Federico is part of the group. He’s done well when he’s played.”

Juventus’ Italian defender Frederico Gatti (R) controls the ball during the pre-season friendly football club match between Spain’s Atlético Madrid and Italy’s Juventus at Ullevi stadium n Gothenburg, Sweden, on August 11, 2024. (Photo by Bjorn LARSSON ROSVALL / TT NEWS AGENCY / AFP) / Sweden OUT (Photo by BJORN LARSSON ROSVALL/TT NEWS AGENCY/AFP via Getty Images)

He also answered questions on who could replace Dusan Vlahovic if the Serbian ever needs a rest.

“When he’s given a rest, we will see in the moment what we need up front. Lots of players with different characteristics can play there. We’ll have to see in the moment.”

Motta also confirmed that he wants to see improvement in the team’s on-field discipline.

“It’s something to improve, definitely. There is lots to improve on. We should always finish with 11 players on the pitch and not give away penalties.”

“We’ve done lots of things well, but we have to manage the 10-15 minutes at the beginning of the second half better. We have to stay in the game, be more united and more focussed. Moments of difficulty come for everyone during a game, we can’t worry about that too much.”

In positive news for Bianconeri supporters, Teun Koopmeiners should be available to return to the matchday squad against Parma.

“We’ll have Koopmeiners back, we’ll see tomorrow if he’ll start or if he comes on in the match, or if he’ll stay with us (on the bench).”