This coming weekend the Serie A season will begin and somewhat traditionally, much Italian interest will surround Juventus. Although without a trophy since their Serie B success in the 2007-2008 season, they remain the most well supported club in Italy. Even after the match fixing scandals which saw the club stripped of two titles, their fan base remains extensive.
In the seasons following their return to Serie A, fans have been in eager anticipation for the club to return to the summit of Italian football, yet overall they have faltered in their efforts, unable to wrestle the title from their Milanese rivals. This season however has seen the most extensive changes to Juventus in recent years, leaving players and fans alike with a more justifiable expectation for the season ahead. But will these changes be enough?
In the nine years since the their last legitimate league title, Juventus have got though many managers, which although is somewhat of an unfortunate Italian tradition, is still excessive even by Italian standards. This summer the club appointed a former midfielder from their nineties glory years in Antonio Conte, a young manager who has shown glimpses of his potential through spells at Bari and Siena. Reports from the Juventus camp would suggest a new vigor and optimism for the season ahead following this appointment. Giorgio Chiellini told goal.com that the ‘feel good factor had returned’, but whether this will continue will surely hinge on their start to the season.
There are reasons why Juventus should not have any excuses for not having a bright start to their season. Last season’s seventh place saw Juventus miss out on the distraction of European football, which will lead to a less congested calendar than their rivals. Admittedly, the likes of Milan, Inter and Roma are used to having European adventures every season, but Udinese and Napoli, both better than Juventus last season, are not. Indeed it could well be the case that their talented, yet small squads may find themselves spread too thin, leaving Juventus in a prime position to take advantage.
Juventus also play in the newly re-modeled Delle Alpi stadium. The old stadium, built for the 1990 World Cup was rarely full, creating a vacuous, non-existent atmosphere. The new ground, with a smaller capacity of 41,000, will be more enclosed and emphasize the passion of which Italian football is famed for. The ground will be officially opened on the 8th of September against Notts County, with the first home league game against Parma three days later.
Conte’s summer signings have been positive also. The capture of Andrea Pirlo on a free transfer has the potential to be the transfer of the season. He joins a small group of talented players who have played for all of Italy’s so called ‘big three’. His experience and creativity gives a valuable option. The additions of Bayer Leverkusen’s Arturo Vidal and Roma’s Mirko Vucinic will add an athleticism to the side which had been lacking at times last season. Add to this the existing talents of Buffon, Chiellini, Krasic, Marchisio and Del Piero, then the spine of the side is more similar to the quality of Milan and Inter than it has been previously.
For Juventus to experience success this season, it will require their squad to pull to together and perform both individually and collectively above themselves. Although this is not inconceivable, their lack of stand-out world class quality may still be the ultimate stumbling block. Although Inter may be about to lose Samuel Eto’o, they are looking ever more likely to retain Wesley Sneijder, a player fully capable of galvanizing mediocrity to victory. Juventus don’t have such a player. Similarly Milan have Zlatan Ibrahimovich, another player capable of turning nothing into something.
Juventus then, on paper, still lack a certain something. With a little over a week left until the transfer window closes, this could yet change. But as the situation stands at present it could be that simply regaining a Champions League place could be the most that the fans support and enthusiasm are rewarded with. The gloom of recent seasons though has undoubtedly ended, and it would seem only a wait of a little longer until the Old Lady of Turin is once again atop Italian football.
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