Juventus forward Gonzalo Higuain looking to end scoring drought in Turin derby
By Associated Press | Published: 23rd September 2017 10:50 AM |
Last Updated: 23rd September 2017 10:50 AM | A+A A- |
Juventus's Gonzalo Higuain celebrates after scoring a goal during the Italian Serie A Soccer match between Juventus and Chievo at the Allianz Stadium in Turin, Italy. | AP
MILAN: Juventus forward Gonzalo Higuain has had a relatively quiet start to the season, scoring only twice in seven matches so far.
His next chance to break out of that slump will come against city rival Torino on Saturday.
"Higuain has the complete confidence of his teammates, coach, club and fans," Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri said. "He's played two or three matches without scoring, but that happens.
"He played better already against Fiorentina on Wednesday, attacking the area in a better way."
Juventus spent an Italian record 90 million euros (then $99 million) to sign Higuain from Napoli in 2016. The Argentine responded with 32 goals in his first season.
However, this season it has been Paulo Dybala who is scoring the goals and taking the headlines while Higuain's confidence appears to have taken a hit after being dropped from Argentina's national team.
Former Juventus forward Fabrizio Ravanelli said the 29-year-old Higuain should be left out of the Derby Della Mole.
"He's really confused. He looks like a shadow of the Higuain we know," Ravanelli told Radio Sportiva. "Allegri continuing to play him doesn't help him, because at this moment he needs tranquillity.
"I'd leave him out for the derby. I think he's currently a burden for Juve, apart from the goals he's scored he hasn't been the Gonzalo we know."
Higuain's teammates don't necessarily agree.
"For us, Gonzalo is a certainty," Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini said. "He's one of the cornerstones on which Juventus victories rest on."
Higuain scored three goals in two matches against Torino last season, including a stoppage-time equalizer, and opposing coach Sinisa Mihajlovic knows his side cannot afford to underestimate him.
"We have to be careful of Higuain, because as soon as you lose a bit of concentration he punishes you," Mihajlovic said.
Juventus is one of only two teams with a perfect record this season in Serie A, along with Napoli, while Torino has won three of its opening five matches, drawing the other two.
