Is the Old Lady back to her old ways?

Juventus are back on top of Serie A, a sight that we were used to seeing once upon a time. Since the Calciopoli scandal in 2006 Juventus have had a long arduous battle to find themselves back where they once were, top of the table. They are starting to look like a team who very well could start to win, or at least contend, for major honours. We'll take a look at some major factors why the bianconeri are becoming, once more, a force to be reckoned with.

Antonio Conte is the new manager of Juventus and what an impact that man has had. He set himself the goal once entering the world of management that he would become Juventus manager in five years, if not, he'd stop. Obviously, he's gone and done just that! It's great to see a great player come back to their old club and bring success with them. During his years as a footballer Conte played under some of the very best managers around - Lippi, Ancelotti, Zoff, Trapattoni and Sacchi. He learnt a lot from all of them has taken aspects from each manager to develop his own style, which has worked out very well. Conte has been a success wherever he has gone, he has had high ambitions and targets - no doubt he has one eye is on the scudetto in the next few seasons. He claims he learnt how to be a winner under Marcello Lippi and says the most important thing he, himself, does as a manager is to transmit that knowledge to his own players.

Since coming straight back up from Serie B they finished 3rd in their first season, then 2nd in the next but the next two years they finished 7th both times. The team hasn't changed drastically, the core is still there and some remain even from Conte's playing days but losing players such as Nedved, Trezeguet and Camoranesi after their first two seasons upon returning to Serie A and failing to replace them with players of similar quality has cost them. Money was invested poorly in players once those stars had left and they brought in the likes of Poulsen, Almiron, Felipe Melo and Tiago. This summer, it's safe to say that they brought in players of real quality and class - Pirlo, Vucinic, Vidal, and Lichtsteiner, they also signed Matri and Barzagli the in January transfer window before. These players all play a role in the new look Juventus.

Conte came in stating he'd play a 4-4-2/4-2-4 with high attacking wide men but he also plays a very interesting formation in the shape of a 4-2-3-1. I think he has moved more to the latter because it suits the players he has much more. Firstly, the coupling of Marchisio and Pirlo in the centre of the park is working out fantastically. Many thought Pirlo was "over the hill" but he is still dictating the play and delivering those perfectly weighted balls over the top or just defence splitting passes with his usual elegance and grace. Marchisio is also playing with such creative freedom and discipline all at the same time and his efforts are being rewarded in the form of goals, he already has 4 to his name this season. Marchisio is finally being utilised in his decision, the past few years he'd be stuck out wide and it was painfully obvious that he wasn't a winger. The arrival of Vidal has been welcomed by Juventus fans and rightly so, they picked him up for a very good price this summer (especially considering the English transfer market) for 10million €. He sits in front of the perfectly balanced couple of Pirlo and Marchisio and has been playing very well. He supports the attacks and also drops deep to help out. Vucinic has been shifted from playing up front to attacking wide left, this is nothing new to him as he played in that wide penetrating role for Roma for years before his summer switch. He cuts in all the time, finds himself in space and has good feet. On the opposite side is Pepe - he is a work horse for Conte, constantly bombing up and down the wing and swinging in crosses when he can. Up top is another new boy, Matri, who signed from Cagliari midway through last season. He has found himself in some good form, scoring 4 goals and setting a few up along the way. At the back Juventus are having slight problems finding a left back, they've played 3 different players in that position already this season and seem to be sticking with Chiellini. I personally don't think he is good enough for that role, he doesn't move with the ball well, lacks technique and certainly doesn't offer what Lichtsteiner does on the opposite flank. The Swiss full-back is great, he can attack as well as defend which seems simple enough but so many modern day full backs cannot do it... In the centre of defence is Bonucci and Barzagli, the latter returning to Serie A after time in Germany with Wolfsberg. He has been a rock in defence and considering the fact that they signed him for a mere 300,000€ it was an extremely shrewd bit of business. Obviously, in goal we have Gigi Buffon. We know all about him... The team looks very good, a strong base to build on and this is what Conte was aiming to do this season. He is concerned about having a good structure in place and then going on from there, an extremely wise approach. Let's not forget that they have five world cup winners in the squad... Not a bad base, eh?

Juve's 4-2-3-1

Although Juventus are top of the league by a point at the moment they have a real tough few games coming up - Napoli, Palermo, Lazio, Roma and Udinese in their next seven games. They've seen off league title favourites AC Milan already this season and played them off the pitch, they've also taken the scalp of Inter at the San Siro. It's games this season that Juventus has failed to see out is their down fall, they've lost points to stupid draws against Bologna and Genoa most notably - games that they should have won and if they wish to remain in and around their current league position they will need to learn to see a game out or put it to bed.

What I like most about Juventus under Conte is that they are playing very attractive football; they start with a high tempo, they press and move the ball around the park very intelligently. The technique and quality that they have going forward can be devastating at times, also with the players on the pitch they've got different attacking options available. Matri is great in the air, he is big and strong but he is also able to hold the ball up, lay it off and even play it himself, if needs be. Vucinic gives you that penetrating aspect from wide, cutting in the ball and causing havoc in the box. Vidal isn't afraid to shoot from distance. Marchisio times his runs into the box very well, his timing is excellent and he also enjoys getting forward with the ball at his feet. We've yet to see the young Dutch wing wizard, Elia, play much yet. Quagliarella is also on the bench along with Juventus God, Alessandro Del Piero. They've also got Giaccherini, Pazienza and Krasic on the bench who have all weighed in with some appearances as well this season.

“Conte’s men have determination, desire and they have the right man leading them. They have finally rediscovered the Juventus identity.” - Marcello Lippi

I'm not saying this team is the Juventus that we once knew but they are a new Juventus; new manager, new players, new tactics, new stadium. Things are going great right now and Conte is receiving just praise because he has already taken them a long way from where they were when he joined the club. They are playing good football, getting results and really look like they are playing for the club which Conte has been trying to drill into them since his arrival. He seems to be bringing out the best in his players and tactically he has been spot on. A team like Juventus will always rise back to the top. Don't be surprised if they finish in the top 3 this season.

Transfer News

We've had a busy start - rumours and deals have been flying around all over the place. We always said it was going to be a busy summer for a lot of the bigger teams in the Premier League and today it has all really kicked off.


We'll start with the official news, Sunderland have agreed to sell their young starlet Jordan Henderson to Liverpool for £20million. The deal also involves David N'Gog going in the other direction on top of the large transfer fee. The deal was struck earlier on today, Henderson is set to discuss personal terms and have his medical on Wednesday. Sunderland wanted to keep Henderson but he was keen on leaving and the club did not stand in the way of the deal, plus £20million pounds is a very large sum of money. I think Sunderland and Steve Bruce will do good with that money in the transfer kitty. Overall - Decent signing, did they really need Henderson? £20million seems an inflated price for the youngster - ★★★☆☆

This deal seems as good as done - Phil Jones to Manchester United. They beat off stiff competition from Liverpool and Arsenal to the young man's signature. The reported fee is somewhere in the region of £16million. I presume Ferguson's long term idea is to have Smalling and Jones together at centre half? Vidic and Ferdinand are no spring chickens. He is also more than capable of playing in the centre of midfield - this may well be where he starts to get games. Jones looks a strong purchase, he really is one for the future. I have always spoken of my admiration for the guy, a real talented footballer and all interviews I have seen and read he comes across as a nice guy. I can't see him moving on from Manchester United if he is getting game time. Being only 19 years old he has a good 10+ years to offer his new employers. Also for new owners Venky's this is a great big of business... They paid £23million for a 99.9% stake in the club and now are on their way to taking back £16million only on one player, not bad going. Overall a good signing for United; young, strong and talented - ★★★★☆

Arsenal make their first signing in what has been promised to be a busy transfer window. Their signing is that of lesser known youngster Carl Jenkinson from Charlton Athletic. The 19 year old right back and his family are Arsenal fans and when the club declared interest he was very eager to move. Arsene Wenger is arguably the best manager in world who can sign an unknown player and really make them a star. Hopefully for Arsenal that is going to happen, a young right back by trade but who can also play all the way along the back line will help stabilise that fragile defence of last season. Arsenal are signing the young man on a free but it is believed that around £1million compensation will be paid to Charlton Athletic. I wouldn't expect to see Jenkinson in the first team for a little while but he could very well be Bacary Sagna's replacement in the future as Arsenal do not have any real talent coming through in that position. Overall a potentially good signing for the gunners, only time will tell. From what Charlton manager Chris Powell has had to say he sounds like a very good player and they are sad to lose him. One for the future but no real impact to Arsenal as a club - ★☆☆☆☆

Transfer Rumours


Talk in both England and Italy is that Chelsea lead the race for Inter Milan's talisman Wesley Sneijder, he has reportedly told close friends that he wants to embark on a new challenge. Manchester United along with Manchester City will be battling Chelsea for his signature. Inter Milan's manager Leonardo has his eyes on Chelsea's Ramires, will the young brazilian be used as bait to lure Inter into talks with them instead of their rivals? There is also talk of Inter chasing young Gatson Ramirez - virtually unknown to the masses in England but in Italy he has made quite an impression. The skilful midfield player maker has tricks for days as well as a few goals up his sleeve. Here is a classic video compilation for those of you who are interested.

Chelsea officials are in Belgium at the moment trying to negotiate a deal for young winger Kevin De Bruyne after an initial bid of around £5.3million was knocked back. 
Lassana Diarra has come out and said IF he was to leave Madrid it would only be for a return to the Premier League, Tottenham and Liverpool are rumoured to be interested in the French holding midfielder. 
Napoli are playing in Europe next season, they are trying to strengthen their squad with the addition of Domenico Criscito but face competition from Inter. Gohan Inler's agent has come out and said his man is close to a move to Napoli, a real talent and has been a target for many top clubs in the past. An Inler-Hamsik midfield pairing in Europe could be something beautiful. 
Reports in Italy say that Roma are after Barcelona golden boy Bojan Krkic and Luis Enrique who is now the manager at the Italian club could be the swinging factor? I personally can't see him leaving but who knows?

Gervinho is a name that will most likely feature in every single transfer rumour column at least once a week this summer - the striker told Sky Sports today that he is on his way to England but tells L'Équipe that he is undecided. He is creating the speculation all on his own. I have a feeling Lille will sell the front man, especially as he would probably have a large price tag on him. 
Word from Catalunya Ràdio in Spain is that Fabregas' agent has come out and said a verbal agreement with Rosell, the president of Barcelona, has been made - He says this Friday they are meeting to discuss a strategy to get Arsenal to agree to sell him. The reported fee is near 40million€. 
Everyone in England is waiting for the official statement from Manchester United to confirm their signing of Ashley Young, it seems to be just a matter of time. What is interesting is that Juventus see this as an opportunity to swoop in and try to steal one of United's current wingers - Luis Nani. I personally think that Nani has had the best season of his career but there is still more to come, he would be foolish to move if the offer ever comes about. I'm sure the signing of Young will plant a seed of doubt into his head, towards the end of the season he wasn't getting as much game time as he wished. 
Shakthar Donetsk are reportedly in for Arsenal's want away midfielder, Denilson. Part of this deal is that Arsenal have to pay £4million plus Denilson for their quick-footed pacey Brazilian winger Willian - I don't know how much truth there is to this rumour but I do know that Arsenal need to get rid of Denilson along with a few other players this summer.
News just in - Sunderland have offered £12million for Wes Brown, Darren Gibson and an unnamed third player, who could it be? Wellbeck? O'Shea? The deal has come about hours after the confirmation of Henderson's big money move to Merseyside.