After winning five Scudetti in-a-row and a busy summer transfer window, the Old Lady of Italian Football are setting their eyes on the biggest prize in 2016-17 – the UEFA Champions League.
Outside90’s Matt Nicoletti takes a look at how coach Massimilliano will setup his squad this season, still packed with stars despite today’s confirmation of Paul Pogba’s record move back to Manchester United.
The use of a 3-5-2 formation at this present moment will only be for the league, however, it is difficult to predict their Champions League tactics without knowing Pogba’s replacement.
Goalkeeper – Gianluigi Buffon
The legendary Italian No.1 will be entering his 16th campaign with the Bianconeri. Buffon has made it clear that he would love to lift the Champions League before he hangs up his gloves, and everyone knows he will give his all to try and achieve victory.
Central-defence – Andrea Barzagli
Coming off a terrific domestic season and Euro 2016, the veteran will play a key role in Juventus’ brick wall defence. However, in the Champions League he might find himself on the bench behind counterpart Giorgio Chiellini, as Allegri likes to play with a back four on the continent.
Central-defence – Leonardo Bonucci
Despite interest from Pep Guardiola to bring Bonucci to Manchester, there was no doubt in any Bianconeri fans that the impressive defender would stay loyal to Juventus. Considering the club’s European ambitions Bonucci will be key to distributing out from the back and even creating play from time to time, like we saw with that sublime assist for Italy’s opener against Belgium at Euro 2016.
Central defence – Giorgio Chiellini
The rough and tough defender seems to be back to full fitness after missing the end of last season. Even though his defensive abilities will benefit Juventus this time around, it is his leadership that will be needed most, especially in Europe to help his team across the line.
Right-wing – Dani Alves
It will be interesting to see how the free signing will not only fit into La Vecchia Signora’s system, but the Serie A as well. Alves is known as an attacking fullback with defending being the least of his abilities. This is the perfect opportunity for the Brazilian to show he has more than just one dimension, considering he faces swift competition from the criminally underrated Stephan Lichtsteiner waiting in the wings.
Central-midfield – Sami Khedira
The German impressed many with the ease that he adapted into the Juventus fold and the style of Serie A. One thing Khedira did extremely well last season was being in the right place at the right time to provide and assist or score a goal. That will of course be greatly appreciated by his coach again this season, as well as his routine in breaking up opposition play.
Central-midfield – Miralem Pjanic
One of Juventus’ newest acquisitions from rival club Roma will have big some shoes to fill, as will his fellow compatriots in central midfield, in the wake of Pogba’s departure. The Bosnian’s creativity is a terrific asset for Allegri. Pjanic will most likely play in the centre of midfield to dictate play, similar to Andrea Pirlo. If the club decides to sign another midfielder though, Allegri may choose to opt for a 4-3-1-2 and play Pjanic as a trequartista in behind the strikers.
Central-midfield – Claudio Marchisio
While Il Principe may be out until December, once he is fit he will go straight into the starting lineup. Upon his return he will most likely find himself in his natural position on the left-side of central midfield. It is a role he has not regularly played in the Juventus line-up since Pogba’s meteoric rise in the 2013-14 campaign.
Left-wing – Alex Sandro
The Brazilian has surely done enough to convince Allegri to be the number one left-back over the veteran Patrice Evra. The Brazilian’s speed and skill proved to be a benefit in several situations last season, especially in the Champions League when Juve exposed their opponents on the counter-attack.
Striker – Paulo Dybala
La Joya is coming off a terrific debut campaign, scoring 23 goals in 46 appearances across all competitions. His improvement will only grow as he continues to progress under Allegri. Dybala thrives as No.10 floating around the striker and his upcoming partnership with Higuaín has Juventus supporters salivating at the prospects it can deliver. Even if two does not work, Dybala has the speed and skill to play on the wing if a formation change is needed to put Higuaín alone up front.
Striker – Gonzalo Higuaín
The Argentine has become Juventus’ and Serie A’s most expensive transfer – smashing the record set by his new club’s purchase of current captain Gigi Buffon from Parma in 2001 for €53 million. After breaking Gunnar Nordahl’s league scoring record with 36 goals at Napoli, do not be surprised if his numbers are around the same with an even better supporting cast. Many will expect that Higuaín’s target is to score a lot of goals, which is partially true, however, his role for success will also be when he scores. Allegri will be counting on him and Dybala’s vital strikes to possibly lead them to a historic treble.
Notable Substitutes:
- Norberto Neto
- Patrice Evra
- Stephan Lichtsteiner
- Medhi Benatia
- Daniele Rugani
- Stefano Sturaro
- Abel Hernanes
- Kwadwo Asamoah
- Mario Lemina
- Roberto Pereyra
- Rolando Mandragora
- Marko Pjaca
- Mario Mandzukic
- Simone Zaza
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