Tricky question I would say. Very difficult to choose between these two different, yet very similar players. In fact, Juve are considering buying both of them, and their decision might not be bad at all considering that, in another roller coaster season for Juventus, both have been simply fantastic in fulfilling their own duty, at least.
Let me first start with Fabio Quagliarella. He, who began his career at Torino, signed for Juventus on loan on August 27th, with the Bianconeri having the option to sign him permanently for a reported fee of €10.5million. He was unable to play for Juventus in the Europa League, as he had already appeared against IF Elfsborg for Napoli earlier in the competition, which proved to be a huge blow for Juventus.
With Quagliarella starting for Juventus, boss Luigi Delneri had the team nicely balanced in the table and they were even considered as favorites for the Scudetto. From the beginning of the season till the unfortunate injury on 6 January 2011, Juventus had won eight, drew seven and lost four. Simple maths provides simple numbers. Eight wins out of 18 fixtures equals 44% efficiency in matches won.
In the first match after the winter break, Luigi Delneri’s formation lost Quagliarella due to an injury and as a result he would miss the rest of the season. Sadly, the team’s performances dramatically fell and even results went with as well.
Since Juve lost Quagliarella and until they purchased Alessandro Matri, they lost three, drew one and won one – against the now relegated Bari. That is one win out of five fixtures played which provides a 20% efficiency in matches won, a drastic fall.
Alessandro Matri arriving at Juventus rejuvenated hopes of the Bianconeri fans, wishing they would find more of the Quagliarella-effect inside Matri. He moved to Juventus in the final hours of January transfer window, and was asked to do be the man who scored the goals that would propel them up the table. Even Matri himself knew that his acquisition was a consequence of Juve’s striking deficeinces, caused by the injury to Quagliarella and the loan of Juventus flop Amauri to Parma.
“Il Dandy” [Matri’s nickname, named after Claudio Zuliani], played his first game for Juventus’ against Palermo, missing three good opportunities. Admittedly, I believe in first impressions, but the case with Matri has proved everyone wrong. He showed his scoring skills against his former team in the next match, scoring two goals on his return to Cagliari, choosing not to celebrate on both occasions. He scored his third goal in the Derby d’Italia, a perfect header which defeated fierce rivals Inter. Though he failed to score in the three matches against Lecce, Bologna and Milan, which were all lost by Juventus.
Against Cesena, Matri scored another brace, though Juventus managed to get only one point on a 2-2 draw. Matri has scored his last two goals so far for his club against AS Roma and the next match against Genoa helping the Bianconeri side to get three points.
Since Juventus signed Matri, the team has won seven, drew three and lost four matches. That is seven wins out of 14 matches played or 50% efficiency in matches won.
Juve with Quagliarella is 44% efficient compared to Matri with 50% efficiency. Does it really make a difference to anyone? I wouldn’t say so. They are in fact equally successful for Juventus. “Mr. Dreamgoal” Quagliarella has played 1306 minutes and has scored 9 goals. Alessandro Matri has played 1055 and has scored 7 thus far. That is 251 minutes difference in between, which still gives Matri an opportunity to level himself or come out the victor and overcome Quagliarella’s record.
However, should Juventus decide this summer between Quagliarella and Matri? Not necessarily, considering the great performances the have individually shown, everyone’s dream is to see both of them paired together upfront.
Quagliarella would cost the Old Lady €10.5 million with the rights to be paid over three years. While Matri’s deal saw the remaining half of Lorenzo Ariaudo registration rights worth €2.5 million being acquired by Cagliari. He would cost Juventus €15.5 million in three installments.
Lately, reports claim the Bianconeri will have around €100 million to spend on new players next summer, following comments made by John Elkann, president of Juventus’ holding company Exor. This makes it possible for Juve to get the best of both worlds, sign both forwards or as the club says they would be looking to make two or three big name signings.
This piece was written before Juventus’ draw with Chievo.
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