Juventus has been shadowed by controversy and poor results in recent years. Despite currently sitting in 3rd place this season, dissatisfaction among the fans of The Old Lady remains palpable, with many calling for a change in management. This article delves into Juventus’s season and the recent controversies they have encountered.

During the 22/23 season, Juventus faced a €718,000 fine and a 10-point deduction for alleged salary manipulation, stemming from delayed payments of salaries post-lockdown in 2020. Additionally, they were banned from European competition for the 2023/24 season. Consequently, Juventus missed out on qualifying for the Europa Conference League. In fact Juventus spurned their chances for Champions League football. Something they’d of qualified for had they not received the point deduction and subsequent European ban. Nonetheless, manager Allegri provided stability amidst the turmoil.

As Juventus mounted a title challenge alongside rivals Inter Milan, Juventus were hit with another scandal. Paul Pogba received a four-year ban for doping offences in February 2024. The ban was announced following a drug test conducted after Juventus’s 3-0 season-opening victory at Udinese on August 20. Pogba tested positive for abnormal levels of testosterone. This ban likely marks the end of the midfielder’s career, leaving many to lament what could have been for a player once hailed as a potential midfield great.

Since Pogba’s ban, Juventus, despite his absence from the squad, have slipped away from leaders Inter Milan. Following a Milan derby victory, Inter Milan lifted their 20th Scudetto title. Juventus now sit in 3rd place and are at risk of slipping further down, with surprise package Bologna just 2 points behind them.

Manager Massimiliano Allegri has also come under fire from many Juventus fans this season, with his tactics being critiqued. Allegri’s obsession with playing a strike partnership has meant players such as Chiesa have been moved out of position and aren’t performing as well. Star players such as Bremer have also underperformed, and with no European football, many fans expected Juventus to capitalise and challenge for the top two spots. Instead, they are adrift after posing an early challenge and will now have to secure results to protect their third-place spot, with teams such as Bologna and Roma in flying form.

Fans are split right down the middle. Some praise Allegri for what he’s managed with a weak Juventus side compared to years gone by. Others criticise his 5-back formation and overly defensive tactics, alongside some poor results, and want him gone. Nevertheless, Allegri has guided Juventus to two strong finishes despite points deductions, fines, and doping scandals capturing the main headlines across Europe when discussing Juventus. Allegri is expected to leave The Old Lady in June, with Bologna’s Thiago Motta favoured to replace him.

Since Ronaldo’s departure from Juventus, many people across Europe view Juventus as a weakened side, with strength in its history rather than its present. In fact, The Old Lady may be the most fitting nickname of any football team out there. However, if Juventus are wise in their choice of manager and smart in the transfer market, there is no reason they cannot move away from the last few years and onto better things. They need to, as sides such as Inter Milan, AC Milan, and Roma have all found their feet with quality players and managers. Juventus needs to do the same, or they risk spiraling down the table, especially with the top 8 teams being so competitive and full of quality.