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Serie A 2010-11 club preview[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, Swiss, SunSans-Regular]
Juventus[/FONT]
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Those black and white stripes are renowned up and down the peninsula, respected across Europe and acknowledged around the world, but Juventus will start this term as the great unknown of the Italian championship.
Last season’s disastrous campaign, where a side which was supposedly built to rival Inter only finished seventh, signalled the end of an era and brought round a significant restructuring at firstly boardroom and then squad level.
Andrea Agnelli, the son of former Juve chief Umberto, was handed the Presidency and was soon followed into the club by a trio of individuals who last term guided Sampdoria into the Champions League – director general Beppe Marotta, sporting director Fabio Paratici and Coach Luigi Del Neri.
Having arrived with a clear vision for a new Juventus, all four men have gone about constructing a different, younger and more Italian squad. Instead of building a team around one player, as the last regime attempted following the capture of Diego, there is now a clear tactical project in place given that Marotta has recruited in line with Del Neri’s 4-4-2 philosophy.
The results have split opinion. For some, Juve have invested wisely to strengthen a squad that was ageing and virtually winger-less in 2009-10. Others have been rather more critical, underwhelmed by a collection of signings more reminiscent of a top-four chasing club, like Sampdoria, rather than a Scudetto hopeful which Juve’s history demands.
While some are right to question Marotta’s acquisition of Jorge Martinez, especially for €12m, he has looked to address the evident problems all over the pitch. Marco Storari is a smart buy until Gigi Buffon recovers from his World Cup injury, while one should also applaud the captures of Milos Krasic and the loan swoop for Alberto Aquilani – if he can stay fit.
The signings of Leonardo Bonucci, Marco Motta and Simone Pepe are also potentially good purchases, although Bonucci will have to prove that he was worth the €15m that was invested for him.
Nevertheless, it is the players who have remained and whom Del Neri and Co inherited who could turn out to make the difference. Giorgio Chiellini can be relied upon at the back, but Momo Sissoko, Claudio Marchisio and Felipe Melo need to start delivering some top notch performances in midfield which in turn should aid an attack that hasn’t really changed – even if the transfer window is still open.
Although Marotta spent most of the summer chasing Wolfsburg’s Edin Dzeko, Juve will rely on the same attackers who under-performed a year ago in the hope that, with service from wide areas, Amauri, Vincenzo Iaquinta and David Trezeguet will find the net. Then of course there is a certain Diego and an Alex Del Piero who’ll be itching to assist his beloved Old Lady.
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The difference maker[/FONT]
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Diego
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The outfit may have been willing to listen to offers for him during the summer, and still are, but there is no doubt that Diego is the club’s most technically gifted player. Given that he will be used on a more regular basis than 35-year-old Alex Del Piero, the Brazilian has the skills and vision to win games on his own. Whether he does though, given his difficulties last season and the introduction of a 4-4-2, remains to be seen.
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He could be of use to Prandelli[/FONT]
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Leonardo Bonucci
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With Fabio Cannavaro now consigned to Azzurri history, a centre-back spot alongside Giorgio Chiellini at international level is up for grabs. Capped just three times so far, Bonucci was a non-playing member of the 2010 World Cup squad. He shone at Bari last season, but can he now deliver on a bigger and more pressurised stage?
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His time?[/FONT]
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Marco Motta
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An experienced youth international, Motta has long been tipped for greatness in Italian football. He undoubtedly has all the tools needed to become a top right-back, but he’s struggled to live up to his potential during spells at Udinese and Roma. He could be a vital piece of the jigsaw for club and country.
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Coach[/FONT]
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Luigi Del Neri
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Responsible for the Chievo miracle, he’s had to rebuild his reputation after problematic spells at Porto, Palermo and Roma. A 4-4-2 disciple, Del Neri did enough in his two seasons at Atalanta to get a shot at the Sampdoria job last season. It proved to be an inspired signing as he led Doria into the Champions League. Then Juve called…[/FONT]