In the summer of 2018, Juventus was enjoying an unprecedented domestic run. The Bianconeri racked up 95 points in Serie A play to win their seventh consecutive league crown, and they destroyed AC Milan 4-0 to win their fourth consecutive Coppa Italia.
Paulo Dybala, 24 years old, was emerging as one of the best young strikers in the world, recording 22 goals and five assists in league play. Veteran Gonzalo Higuain added 16 and six. Creation was coming from everywhere -- new winger Douglas Costa had 12 league assists, and six other players recorded at least four -- and the defense was still prototypical Juve, allowing a league-low 24 goals in 38 games.