Football Season Guide

After an array of useless and ineffective revolutions, both at a managerial and technical level, at last in the past season Juventus managed to get back at the top of the Italian football. And they did it in great style. In fact, not only they won the Scudetto without ever losing any games but they came real close obtaining a magnificent double, had they not been defeated by Napoli in the final of the Italian Cup. That surely was an extraordinarily sad day for Juventus since it was the very last time Del Piero wore a black and white shirt. A symbol of the team for two decades, the captain was let go quite mercilessly. The minute the season ended, Juventus management started thinking about life without Del Piero and, most of all, they dedicated themselves to the strengthening of the squad in consideration of their return to the European competitions. This strengthening started with the signing of Isla and Asamoah from Udinese. The former is an extraordinary jolly, who could act both in defence and in the midfield once he has recovered from a serious injury, while the latter will add both depth and muscles in the middle of the park. After an exceptional stint with Parma, the Atomic Ant Giovinco made it back to Turin and he is expected to replace Del Piero in the heart of the supporters and of the attack. As long as he earns himself a place in the starting eleven. Lucio came as a free agent after an experience with Inter: he should provide a reliable alternative to Bonucci, Barzagli, Chiellini and Caceres, even though he appeared quite out-of-form in the pre-season. At the very same time, a whole bunch of players was let go quite unregrettingly. This was the case of Krasic, Grosso, Elia and Manninger. In order to face the new season, Juventus still need to find a top player for the attack. Van Persie and Suarez already found a new home and so the Old Lady is risking starting the new season without a heavy striker. Matri, Quagliarella, Vucinic and Giovinco himself do not seem likely to provide the firepower needed from a team aiming at fighting for both the Scudetto and Champions League. However, Juventus’s troubles could arise from a 10-month suspension coach Conte could be given due to his involvement in the match-fixing scandal. Carrera is set to replace him, unless proven differently.