Football Season Guide

Having triumphed twice in a row in the Italian Serie A, when he was asked to sign a new deal with the club, coach Conte accepted just on one condition: the strengthening of the squad in order for Juventus to become competitive at a European level. The elimination by Bayern from the quarterfinals of the last Champions League had taught him a lesson. So, the management obliged. In the last two campaigns, Juventus were accused of having a not-particularly-bright attack. For such reason, Llorente and Tevez were signed in as the new forward two. They, with Vucinic and Giovinco as their alternatives, are expected to bring the brilliancy and the goals that Matri and Quagliarella, who are on the departure list, only seldom managed to provide. It has to be seen, though, whether the newcomers will really be able to offer Juventus a quantum leap, offensively. Llorente is already a question mark for Conte, after a rather negative pre-season. Apart from the changes in the attack, the rest of the starting eleven was confirmed. The back three will have a promising alternative in Ogbonna, who arrived from Torino in order to give Barzagli and Bonucci some rest when needed. In the midfield, Pogba, the main surprise of the past campaign, is expected to gain even more playing time, as he can replace Vidal, aging Pirlo and Marchisio at ease. Giaccherini was sacrificed hoping that versatile Isla, after a rather forgettable season, eventually makes the grade. Some new signing could also be made in order to provide valid alternatives to Lichtsteiner and Asamoah for the flanks of the midfield. Conte had considered adopting a 4-3-3 formation but he should end up sticking to the usual 3-5-2.