Juventus never higher than fourth after such a poor start

This is not the worst start to a season Juventus have ever had in Serie A, but they have never managed better than fourth after losing four of the opening 11 rounds.

The Bianconeri could end the weekend 16 points off top spot following back-to-back 2-1 defeats to Sassuolo and Hellas Verona.

Since returning to the bench after a two-year absence, Max Allegri has overseen four Serie A victories, three draws and four defeats.

This is the same start to a campaign had in 1941-42, in 1968-69 and most recently in 1970-71.

In all those cases, Juventus never finished higher than fourth place.

It’s not even their worst start, because they had four defeats already by Week 10 in 1961-62, by Week 9 in 1938-39 and again in 1987-88.

The most dismal opening tally was four losses in eight games in the 1948-49 campaign, yet they recovered to secure fourth place.

However, it is worth noting that in all those cases, Serie A was still operating under the system where teams received two points for a win and one for a draw, rather than the current three at a victory.

Storico, 4 perse in 11 gare: macché scudetto, l’obiettivo massimo diventa il 4° posto https://t.co/N7YaGxNO3A

— La Gazzetta dello Sport (@Gazzetta_it) October 30, 2021