Juventus have recorded their worst start to a new season after losing against Maccabi Haifa and thwarting their opportunity to move up in their Champions League group table.
A first half totally dominated by the home side brought two well-earned goals and the visitors were never able to fully recover, falling to a pathetic 2-0 defeat in Israel.
As if their long defeat streak was not bad enough for the Italian giants, Angel Di Maria was forced off in the first half with, what looked like, a hamstring injury.
The last time Maccabi Haifa won a Champions League home game was almost 20 years ago. On October 29, 2002, they beat Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United 3-0.
Although Juventus were slightly better in the second half, they could not make a strong tackle not create a clear opportunity for goal.
President of the Serie A giants, Andrea Agnelli told Sky Sports Italia that Allegri would not be sacked despite their embarrassing defeat. He said:
“It’s not the coach’s fault that we can’t even make a tackle. Allegri will stay at least until the end of the season. I feel ashamed for what is happening, I am angry, but I also know that football is played with 11 men, you lose and win with 11.”
“In a situation like this, it’s not about one person. It’s a matter to be dealt with by a whole group. We feel ashamed, we apologise to our fans, because we know they must feel ashamed to walk around at the moment.”
Juventus will have to win both of their remaining Champions League games to have any chance of progressing to the knock-outs.
The fans will be desperate for an immediate response to the embarrassing defeat on Saturday as they make the very short trip for the Turin derby