Juventus’ defensive frailties were ruthlessly exposed by Napoli, who capitalized on poor organization, individual errors, and slow defensive transitions. Despite Juventus’ reputation for defensive resilience, Napoli’s fluid attacking movement and high pressing dismantled their backline, leading to a disappointing display.

Key Weaknesses in Juventus’ Defense Against Napoli

1. Poor Defensive Organization & Lack of Compactness

• Juventus struggled to maintain a compact defensive shape, allowing Napoli to exploit gaps between the center-backs and full-backs.
• The defensive line lacked coordination, often leaving space in behind for Napoli’s forwards to run into.
• Napoli’s attackers, particularly Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, found pockets of space between Juventus’ lines with ease.

2. Individual Errors & Lack of Communication

• Leonardo Bonucci and Bremer failed to track Napoli’s dynamic movement, leading to poor positioning and costly mistakes.
• Miscommunication between the center-backs and goalkeeper resulted in misplaced clearances and failed offside traps.
• Napoli’s high pressing forced unforced errors, with Juventus’ defenders losing possession in dangerous areas.

3. Slow Defensive Transitions & Vulnerability on the Counter

• Juventus’ inability to recover quickly after losing possession left them exposed to Napoli’s rapid counter-attacks.
• Napoli effectively transitioned from defense to attack, often finding Juventus’ backline out of position and disorganized.
• The midfield failed to provide defensive cover, allowing Napoli’s attackers to run directly at Juventus’ defense with little resistance.

4. Ineffective Pressing & Poor Midfield Support

• Juventus’ midfield, including Adrien Rabiot and Manuel Locatelli, struggled to screen the defense, allowing Napoli to progress through the middle.
• Napoli’s midfielders, Stanislav Lobotka and Piotr Zieliński, were given too much time on the ball, dictating play and feeding their forwards.
• The lack of defensive intensity in midfield meant Juventus’ defense faced constant one-on-one situations, where they were repeatedly beaten.

5. Lack of Defensive Leadership & Cohesion

• Without a clear defensive leader, Juventus looked disjointed and reactive rather than proactive.
• Napoli exploited Juventus’ hesitancy in aerial duels and set-pieces, further highlighting their defensive vulnerabilities.
• Even when Juventus sat deeper, they failed to close down passing lanes, allowing Napoli to sustain attacking pressure.