As Italy's Old Lady is flying high and about to take on rival Inter next weekend, it's hard to forget that there is also an important month that has bigger implications than just the final months of the season.
That, of course, is the January transfer window.
It's no secret that people feel that if Juventus want to be successful, not only in the Champions League but also in Serie A, they will need to spend big.
But with Juve currently one of the hottest teams in all of Europe, one must consider if bringing in a big-time superstar is really what the team needs.
And then there is the Italian media, who is never shy to float names out there that the club might or might not pursue when Jan. 1, 2009 rolls around.
No matter how many moves, if any, Sporting Director Alessio Secco makes; they will be put under the microscope.
And considering Secco's transfer failures in the past—defender Jean-Alain Boumsong and midfielders Sergio Almiron and Tiago Mendes—he will certainly have to hit one of the park to get the fans back on his side.
There are of course the players that the fans want to see signed, with Werder Bremen's attacking midfielder Diego atop the list. The Brazilian international has been linked with a move to Turin over the last 18 months since Juve were promoted back into Serie A.
However, while the fans will want Diego as long as he is not wearing black and white, how he will fit into manager Claudio Ranieri's 4-4-2 system is somewhat unclear. It's no secret that Ranieri prefers two defensive minded center midfielders in his starting squad and if Diego was brought into the mix, Ranieri would certainly have to change his tactics.
Even though there are still six weeks to go before the window opens, there are tons of names, other than Diego, being thrown out there by the press.
The latest one to be thrown out there is Schalke's Croatian midfielder Ivan Rakitic, who told Italian paper Tuttosport that, if the club signs him, he will doing everything possible to become "Juve's new Zidane."
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about 1 month ago
I think that they shouldn't do anything. If it aint broken don't fix it, right?
from about 1 month ago
Exactly my friend. Certainly nothing needs to be fixed right now.
about 1 month ago
Schweinstegger might be good. They don't need someone like Modric when they have Del Piero. I think Sissoko has looked good, especially last season, and now into this season. I think Saladzimodic is horrible. So, Schweinstegger instead of him would be good. Camoranesi, Schweinstegger, Del Piero, Amauri... pretty nice.
from about 1 month ago
Sissoko has been one of the players during the current run. You could really tell that he is becoming the leader of the midfield and he is matured considering he isn't making a lot of stupid fouls like he did when he first came to Juve. It's hard to believe that he is only going to be 24 at the end of January.
from about 1 month ago
I agree, Schw would be good!
but for now , let the rest be how it is.
Good article Danny!
from about 1 month ago
He would be a good replacement for Nedved. But as you said Michelle, let it be for now with everything working as well as it is.
about 1 month ago
Juve won't sign any top players in Jan. They may need a couple squad players to improve their depth for a run in two competitions. Fullback and a creative CM possibly, though Tiago looks ok now.
Inter have a major piece missing: creative mid. I would really like to see Hamsik come in Jan since he isnt cup tied for the CL. Otherwise, it will be difficult to go all the way in Europe. Inter all still the strongest, deepest team in Italy and have the best player in Ibra. Should be a good one next week though.
from about 1 month ago
Left back is certainly something that needs to be looked at. However, I'm a fan of De Ceglie and I know I'm not the only one that feels he is certainly the future at that position. If Tiago keeps improving like he has been in recent weeks, not sure that Juve need to go out and get somebody. I know people love Diego, and for obvious reasons, but he just doesn't fit the system Juve plays with.
about 1 month ago
they definitely need to strengthen their squad if they want to assure a place in next seasons champions league, maybe even have a go at this one if they can get the right players.
from about 1 month ago
Considering how strong Serie A is this season, it certainly is going to be tough. They are certainly one of the favorites with their current squad right now though.
about 1 month ago
I'd say the move to make is to get rid of transfer "guru" Secco. The man has hindered more than helped Juve and the only worthwhile transfers he has made is Sissoko and Amauri. Meanwhile he's made so many idiotic transfers like Almiron, Tiago, Boumsong, and getting Poulsen instead of Xabi Alonso.
from about 1 month ago
I think that is the vision of a lot of Juve fans...including this one. Including the players he signed that you mentioned, he also tried to sell Chiellini to Man City last summer, was reportedly using Giovinco in the deal for Amauri, and has loaned out some younger players that could have really helped the team in terms of depth.
about 1 month ago
I agree with Thomas on this, no need to fix things that aren't broken.
Juve are doing great and just like you said Danny, the injured players are returning one by one and by the time most of the players are back there is no discussing the strength of the squad. Can't wait for Saturday!!!!!
from about 1 month ago
Exactly. Slow but surely the injuries are going away and especially for the long-term injuries, they are basically like new players. Zanetti hasn't played this season, Trez has barely played, and Buffon played the first month or so. So with those three coming back, the squad greatly improves, and no money is spent.
about 1 month ago
in my opinion, juve have a good enough squad as it is. i sure wish my local team gillingham fc had a squad like that! it will happen one day. anyway, good article daniel.
from about 1 month ago
hahaha I think a lot of teams wish they had the talent that Juve has. Thanks for the kind words as always my friend.
about 1 month ago
Around 6 weeks back, Marzia wrote an article about how Juve were all over the place and I said that one or two results can spark a good run of form - the same can happen with bad results.
So, I think that we should wait for another 6 weeks, which will take us to January and then assess Juve's form - January will come soon enough for teams like Arsenal, but for Juve, as of now there is not much of a need for alterations.
Then again, all our opinions might change in a matter of 6 weeks!
from about 1 month ago
Very well said. It would be naive to think that this form will last the rest of the season. I certainly hope it does, but I'm sure it won't considering how competitive Serie A is.
about 1 month ago
Juve are doing great at the moment but all that could change, a bad injury - a bad run etc. So i'm sure in January if a replacement is needed then Juve will buy.
I would love for Juve to finish above Inter (I want AC Milan to win of course) just for the Tinkerman to stick two fingers up at Mourinho ha ha
from about 1 month ago
Yeah, I feel the same way, not just because I am a Juve fan. Mourinho has just been running a total riot in the media since he signed on with Inter and to see Juve finish above them would bring me pure and absolute joy.
from about 1 month ago
Yeah, I saw the interview where he went a bit crazy LOL
from about 1 month ago
Any interview that he talks about Ranieri is a bit crazy haha
about 1 month ago
DIEGO CAPEL WOULD BE EXCITING TO WATCH @ JUVE. ANY TAKERS
7 days ago
JUventus You mUst BuyinG tOp plYEr LiKE As AqUiLani And Star Player
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