After analyzing the current squads of Inter as well as the Italian reigning champions Milan, it’s now time a take a closer look at one of the main stars of the summer transfer market. As we all witnessed throughout the course of the Calciomercato, Juventus sporting director Federico Cherubini and company were relentless in their efforts to bolster Massimiliano Allegri’s squad, especially following the departure of some the most celebrated names at the club.
So at the end of the day, does the Old Lady boast a stronger team in comparison to last season’s? Let’s study the club’s departments one by one.
Goalkeepers
In: None
Out: None
While the department remained unchanged in terms of personnel, Mattia Perin has started the campaign with a newly-found confidence while serving in the absence of the injured Wojciech Szczesny.
The Italian custodian earned a new contract last season after cementing himself as one of the new locker room leaders and showing his dedication to the cause.
Verdict: Unchanged yet enhanced.
Defenders
Out: Giorgio Chiellini, Matthijs de Ligt, Luca Pellegrini
In: Federico Gatti, Gleison Bremer
For the first time in 17 years, the Bianconeri won’t be able to rely on the generous service and unparalleled experience of Giorgio Chiellini. While Matthijs de Ligt was supposed to be the natural heir for the legendary captain, he decided to part ways with the Old Lady and depart towards greener pastures.
After acquiring the services of Gleison Bremer, Juventus have added last season’s best Serie A defender to their squad, while Federico Gatti is another up-and-coming centre back with great promise.
Yet, this department seems slightly weaker without the inspiring presence of its longtime leader, while Leonardo Bonucci’s physical status appears shakier by the day.
To make matters worse for Allegri, the fullback department remained unaddressed during the summer. Strangely, a new left-back did arrive in the form of Andrea Cambiaso, before being immediately loaned out to Bologna.
Furthermore, Luca Pellegrini also joined Eintracht Frankfurt on a temporary basis, leaving the rapidly-declining Alex Sandro as the main option on the left, with the versatile Mattia De Sciglio as a passable but far from convincing alternative.
Verdict: Weaker.
Midfielders
In: Paul Pogba, Leandro Paredes, Nicolò Fagioli
Out: Denis Zakaria, Arthur Melo
In the past few campaigns, the midfield become the club’s Achilles Heel. Therefore, Cherubini had some major work on his hands in this particular department.
While Paul Pogba’s long-awaited return was the highlight the summer, things soon turned sour due a meniscus injury and a botched attempt to treat it. Long story short, the Bianconeri will have to wait at least until January to witness the Frenchman in action. But apart from the current debacle, it remains a decent signing.
Nonetheless, Leandro Paredes may actually be the club’s best piece of business this summer, as the Argentine appears to be the type of Regista that the club was sorely missing since the days of Miralem Pjanic. Moreover, Nicolò Fagioli should add some depth to the department, while Fabio Miretti continues to develop into a brilliant modern-day midfielder.
As for the departures, few Juventus fans will mourn Arthur Melo’s exit, as the Brazilian never truly convinced during his time in Turin. On the other hand, Denis Zakaria arguably deserved more time to prove his worth, but his swift departure was necessary to make room for the newcomers.
Verdict: Significantly Stronger.
Wingers/Strikers
In: Angel Di Maria, Filip Kostic. Arkadiusz Milik
Out: Paulo Dybala, Federico Bernardeschi, Alvaro Morata
This arguably is the toughest department to judge, while the team’s whole campaign could rest upon the shoulders of the men upfront as well as the good judgement of the management.
While Filip Kostic should be an upgrade on Federico Bernardeschi, it remains to be seen if Arkadiusz Milik will prove to be a better sidekick for Dusan Vlahovic than Alvaro Morata.
As for the comparison between Angel Di Maria and Paulo Dybala, it remains inconclusive, as we’re talking about two great stars who play in various positions and in different playing styles.
Verdict: Tough call, but perhaps slightly stronger.
Conclusion
With a more competent midfield and a new-look attack, Juventus might possess the most formidable squad in Serie A. However, the Old Lady’s glories have always been built on a ferocious backline, and this is where the club might fall short in comparison with the previous years.
But in all, the Bianconeri appear to be better equipped than last season in their compulsory quest to regain their beloved Scudetto title. Once the club’s key players make their returns from their respective injury layoffs, the Turin-based giants should be able to restore their status among the elite.
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