Thiago Motta: ‘Balanced game, right result’ as Juventus stalled by Roma | OneFootball

Thiago Motta feels it was a ‘balanced game and the draw a fair result’ against Roma, but will not be drawn into talking about a Scudetto challenge.

The 100 per cent record came to an end in Week 3, even though it was a third consecutive clean sheet for the Bianconeri this season, as they were held to a goalless draw by Daniele De Rossi’s Roma.

“It was a balanced game where Roma forced us back down their right flank, but in the second half we did better, had more of the ball and tried to pin them into their own half. I think the result was fair,” Thiago Motta told Sky Sport Italia.

“Roma deserve credit for slowing down the tempo, it was difficult for us to break out and push them back. There are many things we can improve to raise the level against good opponents. It was extremely balanced.”

Thiago Motta’s Juventus still taking shape

New signings Teun Koopmeiners, Francisco Conceicao and Nico Gonzalez all got their debuts, the first two from half-time, but there were still very few risks taken and the tempo too slow to really come close to breaking the deadlock.

“We have many quality players, including those that started the game, but we only did it in fits and starts today,” confessed Thiago Motta.

“It was normal at this period of the season for there to be some drops in physical intensity, which is why everyone is ready to give their contribution.”

Dusan Vlahovic did not look as sharp as in the first two games of the season and his first touch seemed to let him down a few times too.

“The whole team can improve in terms of precision, because we have the quality to do it. We were up against a strong Roma side and in the end, the draw was the right result.”

Thiago Motta has learned a few tricks in dealing with the Italian media and turned the tables on them when asked if he knows what objectives Juventus have this season.

“Yes. It is playing against Empoli at the maximum, then the game after that at the maximum, and so on and so forth. We’ll see where we are in the important months of the season, but it is far too early to talk about anything beyond that,” he replied.

“We have a competitive, solid squad where we will be competitive in every match.”