Football Season Guide

Even though they still were the undisputable dominators of the Italian football, having managed to win the fourth Scudetto in a row and their historical tenth Coppa Italia, and they had also imposed themselves as protagonists of the European scene, ending up as runners up in the Champions League, having lost to Barcelona in the final, rather than confirming their winning squad, Juventus opted for a radical overhaul during the summer transfer campaign. Thus, Vidal, Pirlo and Tevez, some of the main protagonists of their last triumphal seasons, worn out by age and the many battles fought, left for pastures new and they were replaced by a whole group of new and promising players. Khedira, who failed to renew his deal with Real Madrid, was hired to fill the void left by Pirlo in the middle of the park while 21-year-old Dybala, from Palermo, their most expensive signing so far, has the responsibility of helping Juventus supporters forget Tevez. The attack was also strengthened by the arrivals of Mandzukic, with Llorente expected to leave anytime soon, and Zaza, who imposed himself as one of the most interesting Italian strikers while in Sassuolo. Neto should represent a valid alternative to Buffon in goals, following Storari’s departure for Cagliari, while the defence saw Ogbonna’s unnoticed departure as Rugani made it back to the base after an outstanding stint in Empoli. He should also become a protagonist in a process of rejuvenation of an otherwise ageing department. Before the end of the transfer season, a left-back, Siqueira from Atletico Madrid, and another centre-back might be arriving. A substitute for Khedira is also needed in the midfield since the German has already injured himself quite seriously. The management will also have to present coach Allegri with an attacking midfielder, Draxler from Schalke 04 or Gotze from Bayern Munchen have already been contacted, so that he will be able to adopt his beloved 4-3-1-2 formation.