By Emmanuel Opoku Adu-Tutu
After two decades without a UEFA Champions League trophy, the Old Ladies have now made it their sole ambition to bring the trophy back to Turin after failing to win 4 finals after that.
With the arrival of Dani Alves, Medhi Benatia, Miralem Pjanic, Marko Pjaca and Gonzalo Higuain on a Serie A record deal, the Italian champions now seem to have the necessary ingredients to cook a champion’s league winning side.
Squad:
On paper, the Tuscans have one of the most complete squad in Europe. With two world class goalkeepers, in the name of Buffon and Neto, Allegri can rotate to give each of them enough rest and chances of play time, both in Italy and Europe.
With defenders like, Dani Alves, Lechsteiner, Bazarghli, Benatia, Bonucci, Chiellini, Rugani, Evra and Alex Sandro, at the back, it will be difficult for opponents to penetrate to even get a shot on target.
The arrival of Miralem Pjanic, much more creativity will be added to the midfield of the Italian side, who already have players like Marchisio, Lemina, Khedira, Kwadwo Asamoah, Hernanes, Sturaro, Perreyra and Paul Pogba (even though he may leave this summer).
Juventus, now possesses one of the best attack in the world. After paying a club and Italian record of £75.3m for Higuain and €23m for Pjaca, the Bianconerri’s seem to have overfilled the space Alvaro Morata left at the club, after the Spaniard rejoined Real Madrid. Adding these two to last season’s star man Paulo Dybala, Simone Zaza and Mario Mandzukic, they now don’t have a problem with their striking options like they use to have seasons back.
Expectations:
Everything comes down to the selection and tactics of Massmilliano Allegri, who might be going through sleepless night, looking through the pool of players at his disposal. With Pogba rumoured to likely leave, it is not clear as to who else will be leaving now, after the departure of the likes of Martin Caceres and Padoin.
For the Juventus family, this may be the time for them to show their prowess in Europe once again, and maybe get their first treble.
Even though it may be too early to predict, this squad is going to be one of the strongest forces in Europe in the coming season and may go on to win every trophy at their disposal.
