Criticism for De Ligt after Juventus debut shocker against Napoli
Juve won 4-3 in the end but the Dutch defender had a difficult night
Matthijs De Ligt had a tough first Serie A start for Juventus on Saturday against Napoli. Juve won 4-3 in the end but the Dutch defender, who came into the side for the injured Giorgio Chiellini, struggled, to the point that he's been criticised for his part in all three of the conceded goals.
De Ligt was already in the spotlight for the game. After being benched in the opening round of fixtures, Chiellini's injury presented him his chance. His lack of pace has been called up, as has his poor positioning. Criticism has followed for the man Juve spent 75 million euros on in the summer, beating Barcelona, among others, to the signing.
Juve led 3-0 on the night which is when De Ligt's problems started as Napoli mounted a comeback. The Italian press blamed him for losing Manolas for the first goal. In the second goal, he lost his position and left Lozano free. For the third goal, which made it 3-3, he was again blamed.
After the game, coach Sarri's assistants, Martusciello, had to come out in defence of the former Ajax man, saying he's still adapting to the club. However, he admitted that he struggled against Napoli.
Luckily, a late own goal allowed champions Juve to nick the win.
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