Juventus enter the new season as Champions for a third consecutive year, after concluding their season with an astounding 33 wins out of 38 games, amassing a European record of 102 points.
Even a defiant Roma and Napoli outfit could not keep up with the machine-like Bianconeri, who romped home under the guidance of club legend Antonio Conte.
The fan favourite is heralded as a saviour among the Old Lady faithful, even more so after awakening the sleeping giants from their slumber when he took the reins three seasons ago.
But how Juventus respond after the shock exit of Conte will very much decide if they will advance to a fourth consecutive Scudetto. The appointment of ex-AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri raises more questions than answers.
Transfers
Despite winning a third consecutive Scudetto, there has been a great deal of transfer activity in Turin, both incoming and outgoing. Firstly, the club decided against making Pablo Osvaldo’s loan a permanent one and he was sent packing back to Southampton. Fan favorites Mirko Vucinic and Fabio Quagliarella were moved on to Al Jazira and Torino respectively, whilst fringe players Federico Peluso (Sassuolo) and Mauricio Isla (QPR) were also allowed to leave the club, the latter on loan.
In through the revolving door first was young PSG starlet Kingsley Coman on a free transfer. Genoa midfielder Stefano Sturaro was also brought in, but will spend the season with the Grifone. Alvaro Morata followed in a big money move from Real Madrid, whilst Udinese midfielder Roberto Pereyra and Hellas Verona utility man Romulo were brought in on an initial loan (with an option to purchase).
Manchester United veteran Patrice Evra rounded off the spending and was also drafted in for a nominal fee to bring competition to Kwadwo Asamoah on the left flank.
Juventus are targeting a defender before they close the market and have identified Olympiakos defender Kostas Manolas as the primary target, but the Old Lady face competition from Roma and Arsenal. The backup option remains Benfica’s Luisao if a deal cannot be completed for the Greek defender.
The Coach – Massimiliano Allegri
Massimiliano Allegri was not the most fans’ most popular choice to replace the legendary Antonio Conte, and faces a battle right from the start to win over the fans.
Expectations are certainly high in Turin, and there are doubts whether the new coach can handle the pressure. His uninspiring end to his reign as Milan coach has left a huge dent in the coach’s reputation and nothing less than a Scudetto would salvage what is left.
What is in the new coach’s favour is that he is already a Scudetto winner, having won it in his first season, so his know-how and expertise will give him an advantage.
Question marks remain over his capability to manage a top team, and you feel this is a last chance saloon for the Livorno-born coach. The 47 year old was criticized for playing players out of position at Milan, but has chosen not to tinker much with Conte’s trustworthy 3-5-2 formation so far in pre-season.
Season Expectations
First and foremost, the Scudetto is the clubs main aim. Having won the previous three championships, Juventus will be regarded as the favorites once again, and have been billed as the team to beat despite the loss of Conte.
In Europe, the team will be expected to better last season’s disappointing group stage exit in the Champions League, and should be targeting a quarter final’s place at least. The Coppa Italia is not seen as important as the other two cups, but the target will be to win that as well.
With talisman Andrea Pirlo a year older, Juventus may need to alter their playing style as well. While most footballing fans would love Pirlo to continue playing the way he is, the reality is that he not getting any younger at 35 years of age.
Allegri infamously drove the regista out of AC Milan, and there are rumors that the pair don’t get along. Allegri has vehemently denied these rumors and states that Pirlo is a key part of his plans.
Prediction
It’s hard to look past Juventus for the Scudetto despite losing Conte as coach. Having won the league at a canter this past season, the Old Lady actually look even stronger this term, adding to what was already a very strong roster. A 17 point lead over second placed Roma last season showed the gulf in class between the Bianconeri and the rest of the league, and it will take an astonishing downturn in fortunes for them to surrender the league.
Where will they finish? 1st place [Scudetto winners], but it will be much tighter than in recent years.
