Ciro Ferrara’s New Juve
Juventus have done well since returning to Serie A, coming third and second in the last two seasons. However, on both occasions they have been quite a way away from challenging for the title. This season Juventus must show that they are back to their best and in order to achieve this the club directors Jean-Claude Blanc, Alessio Secco and President Cobolli-Gigli have all been hard at work to improve the side.
Juventus have been active on the transfer market this season and have dramatically improved their team with the addition of three players in particular. The first coup was effectively made before last season finished; Fabio Cannavaro was brought back to the side after a three-year spell at Real Madrid. Although many have criticised this signing and Juventus fans have contested it calling Cannavaro a traitor, it is an intelligent move that should aid the defence considerably.
The most important additions have been made in midfield with two excellent signings: Diego from Werder Bremen and Felipe Melo from Fiorentina. Both players were signed for more than 20 million Euros, although both are worth such sums. Juventus have been criticised on many occasions in recent years for their lack of talent in the midfield, these two signings will drastically improve Juventus’ and should make them extremely competitive on all fronts next season.
Since their return to Serie A Juventus have struggled to find a good balance in midfield usually playing a classic 4-4-2 with two holding players and two wide midfielders such as Camoranesi and Nedved. This worked reasonably well, however, the lack of quality in the two holding players as well as the inability to vary their formation proved to be a significant weakness. The addition of Felipe Melo and Diego provides an enormous amount of quality in the centre of the park and allows Juventus to play with a more productive 4-3-1-2 formation.
Unfortunately, these signings could still prove to be ineffective as the most troublesome player for the ‘Old Lady’ is still present in the side: Del Piero. While Del Piero has produced some incredible performances for Juventus in recent years his inability to accept a bench role may be problematic for Ciro Ferrara. Not only will it be difficult for Del Piero to play with Diego due to the similar nature of the players; but Del Piero will limit the amount of opportunities for Sebastian Giovinco, a brilliant young talent. The final problem regarding Del Piero’s presence in the side, is that he will limit Amauri’s abilities up front. Amauri is at his best when given the freedom to go from one side of the pitch to the other using his change of pace and quick feet to dribble past defenders. However, he can only do this when he knows that his striking partner will be in the box waiting for his pass or cross. Unfortunately Del Piero does not give Amauri this piece of mind and therefore Amauri is not able to display his full talent.
Juventus have built an extremely competitive team for next season and have the ability to truly challenge Inter Milan for the title, although it will greatly depend on Ciro Ferrara’s ability to manage what could be a tense dressing room if certain players don’t get their way.
