Juventus – Lazio: Motta’s Firm Foundations Fight For Victory (1-0)

Under the instruction of a fresh face with innovative ideas, Juventus could have expected to dominate affairs. In the end, an early dismissal dealt a blow to Lazio. The hosts had to labor over the line but the three points would go their way to fortify the faith in their foundations.

Tactical analysis and match report by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere.

The 'Old Lady' are navigating a new path. Thiago Motta has maneuvered into the dugout in place of Massimiliano Allegri. He brought Bologna to the Champion League with a fifth placed finish, now earning the right to stay close to the summit with the stronghold of Serie A. He now leads a mix of youth products from the club's Next Gen academy and signings across top European leagues into a new era. Despite some stodgier showings, this project has begun promisingly— without a single loss.

Lazio would like to impart some joy into a complicated year. March marked the end of Maurizio Sarri's reign, while Igor Tudor barely lasted three months in the post. Marco Baroni, a journeyman of over 20 years through the lower reaches of Italian football,   accepted the task of taking the team forward in the summer. Though Ciro Immobile and Luis Alberto have also exited the door, there is life without their longtime servants. They sat on the coattails of their hosts at . . .