Yes, but eventually they'll fail. For the first time pressure is coming from Milan and not the regular losers, Roma and Napoli.

Also all the major blows they took were covered with quantity and the stability of the backline. Now that this is gone, I think we could take a shot at them, rattle their cage.


Hopefully it's the Allegri-mode. Some pretty strong indications like Bonucci's rather sudden exit and the thing with Dani Alves, even Barzagli's comment on Bonucci's departure might show us the direction Juventus is heading.

Who knows what's going on with them, I think you guys are definitely right that there is unrest in the backroom. Whether that's enough to destabilise them is another thing altogether.

I agree with what Danny said, they're definitely more vulnerable than they've been in a while, but they're still the team to beat in Italy

I think if we have that bit of luck to start the season off with like we did last season, we could make the push, but if things go wrong for us in terms of fixtures and Montella finding the right formula, we could take some time to really start seeing consistent results which would take us out of the running

Anyone got a stream for the Bayern friendly ?

http://www.sportingvideo.org/20170721/vv59...83-1737074.html

Try that

1-0 for us. Great build up and goal by Kessie

0-3 to Milan so far, Kessie, Cutrone (2).

Won't lie that was night and day compared to the display v Dortmund.

Can't fault a single player, Kessie MUCH better in a more advanced midfield position, defence looking sharp, and Rodriguez's free kicks were sublime.

Stunning goals, and Cutrone much sharper along with Jack.

Niang running the show down the left while Monto looks 5 years younger.

It looks like a 4-1-4-1 which alters to 4-2-3-1 now and then but whatever it is it's working MUCH better than the first friendly.

I was told off for knee jerk reacting to the first match, so I suspect the same logic would apply here, but if this display is anything to go by Montella learned a sh*itload in the first match and the gelling process might not take long at all.

We looked really good!

I don't want to tear lots of conclusions from just this friendly! But Bayern are no slouchs! And they are trying!

I have just one comment, maybe we should keep Niang after all. I always thought he played like a tank, always powering his way into the defence. Although, he may not be the most technically skilled, I think he might be really useful. His passing was really nice too! It's also nice to see that Bona is in good shape after the injury!

Yeah, I agree! I didn't see the first game. But it seemed everything negative you said in that first game was overturned in this second game.

Nice goal from Hakan!

By the way, I'm really excited about Biglia! Finally a good midfielder!

Closed it out professionally. Really clinical display, hard working, and four excellent goals.

There was literally only one downside and I won't say because I'd get such absolute dog's abuse on here (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

So will just simmer on a great performance and result.

Biglia was smooth, composed, and looked like he's been ours for seasons. No gelling needed for him!

My worry about Niang is he ALWAYS does this in pre-season then when the real action starts he's a mess again.

Well, well, well...

Obviously it's another preparatory game. We shouldn't think that we can suddenly defeat Bayern 4-0 in an official match, but all the same it was a very good performance that gave very reassuring signals. Some players are starting to click, others will eventually. Montella has a very good group of players in his hands, it's up to him to make them perform now.

I really liked Musacchio, Kessie and Calhanoglu from the news faces, whereas Niang was surprisingly great. But that's the thing with him. He can perform decently once in a while, but then it's followed by lots of sh*t.

Niang's main problem is his clumsiness and lack of end product. And while I'm very harsh on him, he did have some nice plays today. That being said, if he can help facilitate a Belotti move somehow, then he'll need to go, we still have Suso back home, and he's 3 times the player Niang is.

I have to say, that all the new signings were impressive today. I think Silva will definitely need a striker partner though, he's all movement and hard work, but he'll need someone to play off of because he tends to drop deep.

I don't know if Bayern were simply not going through the gears since it is a friendly or if we have improved this much in just a few days. These friendlies can be very deceiving. But in terms of linkups and general team play, I'm very happy with the progress we're making, not to mention Montella having to integrate new players practically each week

Danny, good points on the formation dynamic. I agree that the shape kept changing in the first half, also liked how we adapted to 3 at the back once Bonucci and Gomez came on

Yeah, I never had any doubt that he'd slip right in, he's a very smart player plus has a lot of experience. Him and Bonucci will bring a whole new dynamic to the team that the younger players couldn't

I also liked Musacchio a lot, he's one of the most underrated signings we've made this summer, but he looks top notch.


Yep, he tends to start the season well then gets lazy and petulant.


Cutrone btw has a lot of potential, we should look into loaning him to a Serie A side where he'll get regular minutes