Serie A Preview: Juventus

This will be the key season for Claudio Ranieri. Having seen his side strengthened with the arrival of some big-name players the aim is to win the title. Even though you won’t find anyone connected with Juventus admitting it, last year’s talk of being a ‘ neo-promossa’ (newly promoted) with the implication that even staying up was a success simply won’t wash.

Ranieri might be disappointed at the refusal to pay that little bit more in order to sign Xabi Alonso, a player he had personally requested, yet otherwise there is nothing to be dissatisfied about.

The arrival of Amauri probably is the key buy especially given the way with which the Brazilian striker tormented Juventus during last season’s away game with Palermo. He will take some of the pressure for scoring goals off David Trezeguet’s back whilst at the same time ensure that it isn’t simply down to Alex Del Piero to create chances.

Slightly more of a gamble is the arrival of the Danish midfielder Christian Poulsen to add steel to their midfield. There are still a lot of people who are unconvinced about his abilities – hardly surprising given that he was basically fourth choice after Matthieu Flamini, Dejan Stankovic and Xabi Alonso – but Poulsen has all the characteristics of a player who can be a success.

Away from the big names, Juventus have also ensured that their future is catered for with the return home of Claudio Marchisio, Sebastian Giovinco and Paolo De Ceglie. All will feature prominently but their best will surely come in future years.

Key Man: Now more than ever, it is Alex Del Piero. Written off a number of times during his career – none more so two seasons ago when he was one of the first to agree to playing in the Serie B – the capitano has bounced back each time. Last season was a fantastic one for him, one that led to public pressure on Roberto Donadoni to choose him for Italy.

Best bit of Business. Ever since Palermo reluctantly agreed that Amauri would be allowed to leave, Juventus were the favourites to sign him. A word of caution, however: this move is very much similar to that of David Suazo last season, the striker who was supposed to make the step up after moving to Inter from Cagliari. That move didn’t work out so placing to much pressure on Amauri might not be the wisest of choices.

Keep an eye out for…Sebastian Giovinco. Despite Empoli’s self inflicted problems last season, Giovinco shone for them proving not only his talent – of which there had never been any doubt – but also his ability to handle the physical challenge of the Serie A. Juventus had little worries in taking him on, seeing in Giovinco the man to eventually take over from Del Piero.

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