Table of Contents
Introduction
Juventus’ Context Before the 2015-16 Season
Squad Changes and Key Departures
New Arrivals and Tactical Adjustments
Serie A Campaign
The Early Struggles (August - October)
The Turning Point (November - January)
The Dominant Run (February - May)
Key Matches and Performances
Coppa Italia Triumph
Road to the Final
Decisive Moments in the Final
Champions League Disappointment
Group Stage Performance
Round of 16 vs Bayern Munich
Supercoppa Italiana Victory
Individual Performances and Key Players
Paulo Dybala’s Breakout Season
Paul Pogba’s Leadership Role
Gianluigi Buffon’s Historic Records
Juventus’ Kits of the 2015-16 Season
The Legacy of the 2015-16 Season
Conclusion
Introduction
The 2015-16 season was a defining moment in Juventus’ modern history. After four consecutive Serie A titles under Antonio Conte and Massimiliano Allegri, the Bianconeri faced an uncertain start following the departures of key players like Andrea Pirlo, Carlos Tevez, and Arturo Vidal. Their slow beginning to the domestic campaign raised doubts about their ability to dominate Italian football once again. However, what followed was one of the most remarkable turnarounds in Serie A history, as Juventus clawed their way back from a disastrous start to reclaim the Scudetto in stunning fashion.
Beyond the domestic league, Juventus had a mixed season. They won the Coppa Italia, securing back-to-back domestic doubles, and lifted the Supercoppa Italiana. However, their Champions League campaign ended in heartbreak, with an agonizing Round of 16 exit against Bayern Munich after a thrilling two-legged battle.
This season was also notable for the emergence of Paulo Dybala, who stepped up as the team’s new attacking leader. Paul Pogba took on more responsibility, wearing the iconic number 10 shirt, while veterans like Gianluigi Buffon and Leonardo Bonucci provided stability at the back.
Juventus' kits for the 2015-16 season were some of the most memorable in recent years. The home shirt featured a classic black-and-white striped design, the away kit was a bold pink jersey, and the third kit introduced an elegant blue and gold combination.
This article will take an in-depth look at Juventus’ 2015-16 campaign, analyzing their journey through each competition, the key players, tactical changes, and the impact of this season on the club’s future.
Juventus’ Context Before the 2015-16 Season
Squad Changes and Key Departures
Juventus entered the 2015-16 season in a state of transition. After winning four consecutive Serie A titles, the squad underwent a major overhaul. Some of the club’s most influential players from previous years left during the summer transfer window, leaving gaps that had to be filled.
The biggest departure was Carlos Tevez, who had been Juventus’ top scorer in the 2014-15 season, netting 29 goals in all competitions. His leadership, creativity, and goal-scoring ability were crucial to Juve’s domestic and European success. Tevez returned to Boca Juniors, leaving a major void in the attack.
Another huge loss was Andrea Pirlo, who left for New York City FC in the MLS. The legendary midfielder had been the heart of Juventus’ playmaking for four years, dictating the tempo of the game with his vision and passing. Without Pirlo, Juventus had to adapt to a different style of midfield play.
The third key departure was Arturo Vidal, who joined Bayern Munich. The Chilean midfielder was a powerhouse in Juve’s midfield, providing defensive solidity, energy, and goal-scoring ability. Losing him meant Juventus had to rebuild their midfield balance.
New Arrivals and Tactical Adjustments
To compensate for these losses, Juventus invested heavily in the transfer market. They signed several key players, some of whom would become the backbone of the team for years to come:
Paulo Dybala (€32 million from Palermo) – Signed as a young talent, Dybala was expected to replace Tevez’s creativity and goal-scoring instincts.
Mario Mandzukic (€19 million from Atlético Madrid) – A physical striker with experience, Mandzukic was brought in to add aerial presence and strength.
Sami Khedira (Free transfer from Real Madrid) – A versatile and experienced midfielder, Khedira replaced some of the grit lost with Vidal’s departure.
Alex Sandro (€26 million from Porto) – A dynamic left-back, Sandro was signed to compete with Patrice Evra for a starting spot.
Juan Cuadrado (Loan from Chelsea) – The Colombian winger provided speed and flair on the right side.
Massimiliano Allegri had to adjust his tactics to integrate these new players. Without Pirlo, Juve relied more on Paul Pogba to dictate play. In attack, Dybala and Mandzukic formed a new partnership, while Alvaro Morata provided versatility. Defensively, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini, and Andrea Barzagli continued to form the famous “BBC” backline.
With these changes, Juventus entered the season with high expectations, but the start was far from smooth.
Serie A Campaign
The Early Struggles (August - October)
Juventus' Serie A title defense got off to a disastrous start, shocking fans and analysts alike. The team lost their opening match (1-0 against Udinese at home)—their first-ever opening-day defeat at the Juventus Stadium. A week later, they suffered another setback, losing (2-1 to AS Roma) at the Stadio Olimpico. For the first time in history, Juventus had lost their first two Serie A games of the season.
The struggles continued into September and October. By the end of October, after ten games, Juventus had managed just three wins, suffering four losses and three draws. Their record of 12 points from 10 games was their worst start to a league campaign in decades.
Key Problems in the Early Season
Lack of Chemistry in Attack – The departure of Tevez, combined with new signings like Dybala and Mandzukic still adapting, resulted in a lack of fluidity up front.
Midfield Adjustments – Without Pirlo and Vidal, the midfield struggled to maintain control. Khedira was often injured, and Pogba had to take on more responsibility, wearing the iconic number 10 shirt.
Defensive Instability – Despite the experience of Bonucci, Chiellini, and Barzagli, Juventus conceded more goals than usual in the opening months.
At the end of October, Juventus found themselves in 12th place, an unthinkable position for a club that had dominated Serie A for years. Critics began questioning Allegri’s ability to manage the transition. However, what followed was one of the greatest comebacks in Serie A history.
The Turning Point (November - January)
After the 1-0 defeat to Sassuolo on October 28, which left Juventus in 12th place, the players and staff held a crucial meeting. From that moment, everything changed.
On October 31, 2015, Juventus faced Torino in the Derby della Mole. After going behind early, Juan Cuadrado scored a dramatic 93rd-minute winner to secure a 2-1 victory. That moment became a catalyst for Juventus' resurgence.
The Unstoppable Winning Streak
From November to February, Juventus went on an incredible 15-game winning streak in Serie A. The turnaround was driven by:
Paulo Dybala’s emergence – The young Argentine became Juventus’ key attacking force, scoring crucial goals.
Defensive solidity – The BBC backline rediscovered their form, with Buffon setting new records for consecutive clean sheets.
Tactical adjustments – Allegri shifted from a 4-3-1-2 to a more stable 3-5-2, utilizing the wing-backs more effectively.
By the end of January 2016, Juventus had climbed from 12th place to 2nd place, just behind Napoli. The title race was back on.
The Dominant Run (February - May)
Juventus' most crucial match came on February 13, 2016, when they faced Napoli at home. The two sides were neck-and-neck in the title race, and it was a tense battle. In the 88th minute, Simone Zaza scored a stunning winner to give Juventus a 1-0 victory, propelling them to first place in the table.
From that moment, Juventus never looked back. They continued their dominant run, extending their winning streak to 26 games out of 27 in Serie A. They secured the Scudetto on April 25, 2016, with three matches to spare, after Napoli lost to Roma.
Key Matches and Performances
Juventus 2-1 Torino (October 31, 2015) – Cuadrado's late winner started the comeback.
Juventus 1-0 Napoli (February 13, 2016) – Zaza's goal secured first place.
Fiorentina 1-2 Juventus (April 24, 2016) – Clinched the title with Buffon making a crucial last-minute penalty save.
Final Serie A Standings (Top 5)
Position | Team | Points |
1️⃣ | Juventus | 91 |
2️⃣ | Napoli | 82 |
3️⃣ | Roma | 80 |
4️⃣ | Inter Milan | 67 |
5️⃣ | Fiorentina | 64 |
Juventus finished with 91 points, completing one of the greatest comebacks in Serie A history.
Coppa Italia Triumph
Road to the Final
The 2015-16 Coppa Italia journey proved to be a defining feature of Juventus' season, a beacon of hope after their earlier struggles in the league. After a challenging start to the campaign, the Old Lady’s determination and grit were evident as they battled through each round with increasing intensity.
In the Round of 16, Juventus faced Torino in a thrilling Derby della Mole. The match epitomized the fierce rivalry between the two sides, but Juventus emerged victorious with a 4-0 win. A brace from Simone Padoin and goals from Stefano Sturaro and Kingsley Coman sealed the win, displaying the strength in depth of their squad.
In the quarterfinals, Juventus were drawn against a tough Lazio team. Despite Lazio’s resilience, Juventus’ quality shone through. Goals from Alvaro Morata and Paulo Dybala secured a 3-0 victory, advancing the Bianconeri to the semifinals with confidence.
The semifinal draw was more straightforward, with Juventus meeting the Serie B side, Hellas Verona. The match was expected to be a formality for the reigning Serie A champions, and they didn’t disappoint. A 3-0 aggregate scoreline, following wins both home and away, took them to the final, where they would face Milan in a mouth-watering showdown.
Decisive Moments in the Final
Juventus’ final opponents, AC Milan, presented a formidable challenge, with the Rossoneri having a reputation for performing well in cup competitions. Despite Milan’s defensive organization, Juventus dominated possession throughout the match, displaying their tactical superiority and experience in big moments.
The final, held at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, was tightly contested, but Juventus broke the deadlock in the 56th minute. A stunning long-range strike from Morata gave the Bianconeri a crucial lead, sending their fans into a frenzy. Milan responded with urgency but failed to break down Juventus' defense, led by the indomitable Gianluigi Buffon, who made key saves when called upon.
The match ended 1-0, and Juventus secured their 12th Coppa Italia title, cementing their status as one of the most dominant teams in Italy. Morata’s decisive goal became a symbol of his increasing importance to the squad, showcasing his ability to perform in crucial moments.
The Significance of the Victory
This Coppa Italia triumph was more than just a piece of silverware; it symbolized Juventus' resilience and ability to bounce back after early setbacks in the Serie A. It provided the team with renewed confidence, showcasing their depth, and served as a reminder that even when things weren’t going their way in the league, Juventus could still succeed on the big stage.
For manager Massimiliano Allegri, the Coppa Italia win was another important milestone in his tenure at the club. His tactical discipline and squad management were key to navigating the rigors of both domestic and European competitions. The victory also underlined the strength of Juventus' youth players and fringe players, who stepped up when given the chance, showing that Allegri had a well-rounded squad capable of competing on multiple fronts.
This cup win was crucial not only for the team’s morale but also for their eventual resurgence in Serie A, as it marked a turning point in the season, with Juventus going on to win the league title after a series of spectacular performances.
Next, we’ll turn our attention to the Champions League campaign, where Juventus' journey took a different turn, full of highs and lows, as they looked to conquer Europe.
Champions League Disappointment
Group Stage Performance
Juventus entered the 2015-16 Champions League campaign with high hopes, eager to build on their impressive run to the final in the previous season. However, their group stage performances were anything but straightforward. Drawn in Group D alongside Manchester City, Sevilla, and Borussia Mönchengladbach, Juventus faced tough competition from the outset.
The Bianconeri’s campaign began with a 2-0 loss away to Manchester City, with goals from Sergio Agüero and a penalty from Iheanacho handing them a harsh defeat. Despite the setback, Juventus bounced back with a 2-0 home win over Sevilla, where goals from Mario Mandzukic and an impressive strike by Simone Padoin proved their resilience.
In their third match, Juventus faced Borussia Mönchengladbach at home. A narrow 1-0 victory, thanks to a stunning goal from Morata, helped them stabilize their position in the group. However, they suffered another setback, this time a 1-1 draw at home to Sevilla in the return fixture, which highlighted some defensive vulnerabilities. Juventus' 1-0 win over Mönchengladbach away and a 1-1 draw at Manchester City ensured their qualification, but they finished second in the group, which left them facing a tougher challenge in the knockout rounds.
Round of 16 vs Bayern Munich
Having finished second in their group, Juventus were drawn against one of the tournament’s heavyweights, Bayern Munich, in the round of 16. The two teams met in a thrilling first-leg encounter in Turin. Juventus were initially overwhelmed by Bayern’s intensity, falling behind 2-0 in the first half with goals from Thomas Müller and Arjen Robben.
However, in true Juventus fashion, the team demonstrated resilience and rallied back in the second half. Morata scored a crucial goal in the 43rd minute to reduce the deficit before the break. In the second half, Juventus continued to press, and a spectacular header from Mandzukic in the 76th minute gave them an invaluable 2-2 draw, leaving the tie wide open for the return leg in Munich.
In the second leg, Bayern Munich showcased their dominance, but Juventus proved they were capable of matching them. A 4-2 loss at the Allianz Arena ended their European run, with an aggregate score of 6-4. Despite the elimination, Juventus earned significant respect for their brave performance, even if they fell short of their ultimate goal.
Supercoppa Italiana Victory
Amidst their domestic and European campaigns, Juventus managed to secure another important trophy early in the 2015-16 season. The Supercoppa Italiana, contested between the Serie A champions and the Coppa Italia winners, pitted Juventus against Lazio.
Held at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, the match began with Juventus’ dominance in possession. After a tense first half, the game broke open in the second half when Simone Padoin opened the scoring for Juventus in the 25th minute, followed by a second goal from Mandzukic. Lazio had little response, and Juventus went on to win 2-0, securing yet another piece of silverware to add to their growing collection.
Individual Performances and Key Players
Paulo Dybala’s Breakout Season
The 2015-16 season was a breakthrough year for Paulo Dybala. Arriving from Palermo in the summer of 2015, the young Argentine forward quickly became one of Juventus’ most important players. His skill, vision, and knack for scoring crucial goals made him an indispensable part of Allegri’s attack. Dybala’s influence was felt across both domestic and European competitions, where he scored 23 goals and assisted a further 9 in all competitions.
Dybala’s standout moment came in a Serie A match against Palermo, his former club, where he scored a sensational solo goal that left fans and pundits alike in awe. His chemistry with Mandzukic and Morata was key to Juventus’ offensive success, and his ability to produce magic in key moments added a creative flair to the team's attack.
Paul Pogba’s Leadership Role
While Juventus had a few players who contributed immensely to their 2015-16 season, none stood out more than Paul Pogba. The French midfielder’s leadership and physicality were critical in both their domestic triumphs and their Champions League aspirations. Pogba's ability to dictate the pace of the game and his dynamic presence in midfield made him a vital cog in Allegri’s tactics.
Throughout the season, Pogba displayed flashes of brilliance, with his long-range goals and authoritative performances. He was crucial in Juventus’ Serie A title charge and their Coppa Italia win, proving his worth as one of the finest midfielders in the world at the time.
Gianluigi Buffon’s Historic Records
At the back, Gianluigi Buffon remained the pillar of Juventus’ defense. The 2015-16 season was another memorable one for the legendary goalkeeper as he achieved several historic records. Buffon played a key role in keeping Juventus’ defense solid, making important saves in both domestic and European competitions. His leadership and resilience, especially in the Champions League and Coppa Italia campaigns, were vital to Juventus’ success.
Buffon’s record-breaking performances continued to solidify his legacy as one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history. His ability to maintain consistency and deliver crucial saves, especially in high-pressure moments, was central to Juventus’ continued dominance.
Juventus’ Kits of the 2015-16 Season
The 2015-16 season saw Juventus sport an iconic kit, designed by Adidas, featuring the classic black-and-white stripes. The home kit had a clean and minimalist design, while the away and third kits offered more experimental designs with a touch of modernity. Juventus' kits that season were a blend of tradition and innovation, representing both the club's storied past and its forward-looking aspirations.
The Legacy of the 2015-16 Season
The 2015-16 season, despite some disappointing moments in the Champions League, ultimately showcased Juventus' resilience, tactical discipline, and ability to triumph in Italy. The team’s strong defensive foundations, midfield brilliance, and attacking potency made them an unstoppable force in Serie A, while their journey to Coppa Italia glory added a fitting crown to their season.
The season also marked a pivotal moment in the careers of key players such as Dybala, Pogba, and Buffon, whose individual performances stood out as a testament to their class. While Juventus fell short in their pursuit of European glory, they demonstrated their consistency on the domestic front, securing yet another league title and cup victory.
As Juventus entered the 2016-17 season, the legacy of the 2015-16 campaign provided a springboard for further success, setting the stage for another era of dominance in Italy and a continued push for European glory.
Conclusion
The 2015-16 season was a defining chapter in Juventus’ modern history, demonstrating their resilience, tactical adaptability, and hunger for success. Despite a shaky start in Serie A, the team showed remarkable mental strength to overturn their poor form and reclaim the Scudetto in dominant fashion. Their ability to string together a record-breaking run of victories proved that this Juventus side was built on more than just talent—it was a team with an unbreakable winning mentality.
Beyond the league triumph, Juventus also reaffirmed their domestic dominance by lifting the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana, adding yet more silverware to their growing collection. The emergence of Paulo Dybala as a star, the leadership of Paul Pogba, and the continued brilliance of Gianluigi Buffon all played vital roles in shaping the club’s success.
However, the season was not without its disappointments. The Champions League exit to Bayern Munich, despite an admirable fightback, showed that Juventus still had work to do on the European stage. Nevertheless, the experience gained from that campaign would serve as an important lesson for the seasons to come.
Ultimately, the 2015-16 season reinforced Juventus’ status as Italy’s dominant force and laid the foundation for future successes. With a squad full of talent and a coach in Massimiliano Allegri who understood how to extract the best from his players, Juventus were poised to continue their reign and strive for even greater heights in both domestic and European football.
References
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015%E2%80%9316_Juventus_FC_season
Bleacher Report: https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2641831-5-things-learned-from-juventus-201516-season
Transfermarkt: https://www.transfermarkt.com/juventus-fc/kader/verein/506/saison_id/2015
UEFA: https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/match/2015696--juventus-vs-sevilla
StatsBomb: https://statsbomb.com/articles/soccer/serie-a-20152016-final-review
Comments