FOR the last eight seasons, Juventus have steamrollered the rest of Serie A into submission, routinely winning the league title and rarely being challenged as they did so. The first Scudetto of this run came in 2011/12 when AC Milan pushed the Bianconeri all the way but, aside from Napoli in 2017/18, there really has not been another contender worthy of the name.
Last term saw the Old Lady wrap up her latest triumph by mid-April, then launch into a complete summer overhaul. Out went Max Allegri, his five seasons as Coach coming to an abrupt end as Maurizio Sarri took his place on the bench, an arrival that was supplemented by excellent additions like Matthijs de Ligt, Adrien Rabiot and Aaron Ramsey.
Yet despite the squad being arguably deeper and more talented than at any point in this current era, there is a growing feeling that this could be the year that Juve finally see their dominance challenged. That is because the teams behind them have suddenly taken major steps to close the gap, sensing that – at least momentarily – there is a chance to topple Italy’s foremost club from her lofty perch.
ON THIS DAY: In 2007, Juventus were promoted back to Serie A with three games to spare after a 5–1 win over Arezzo.
They've won Serie A eight times since then. pic.twitter.com/SUphrvHp7d
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) May 18, 2019
Nowhere has that desire to overtake the Bianconeri been more keenly felt than at Inter. Luciano Spalletti is gone, replaced by the very man who helped propel Juve to the summit of Serie A, Antonio Conte taking the reins and insisting he is given a squad that can become a true rival for the Old Lady.
He immediately pushed Mauro Icardi towards the exit, and although the Argentina international has yet to actually leave, it has been made clear that he has no role to play under the former Chelsea boss. Former team-mates Ivan Perisic and Radja Nainggolan – who both caused problems last season – have also been shipped out, Conte clearly cleaning house before building his new-look side.
Alexis Sanchez's last season in Serie A:
31 games
⚽️ 12 goals
️ 10 assistspic.twitter.com/QUUHFRurMN— Goal (@goal) August 20, 2019
Instead, Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez will be leading the line, the ex-Manchester United pair seeking to rediscover their best form for Milanese giants and put their torrid spells at Old Trafford firmly behind them.
Lukaku in particular – having been handed Icardi’s no.9 shirt – will be eager to win over supporters, and Conte quickly made he clear how he can do just that. “He needs to work hard, both from a physical point of view and to get used to the way we’re trying to go about things,” the Coach said earlier this month. “He’ll certainly be an excellent signing, we’re really happy. He’ll show great desire and commitment to get himself ready.”
The respect is certainly mutual, with the Belgian striker happy to discuss the important role Conte played in his decision to join Inter. “For me … he's the best manager in the world,” Lukaku said in his first interview after joining Inter. “He's somebody that can make players better all the time. You can see his record.”
They have also added the invaluable experience and leadership of former Atletico Madrid Captain Diego Godin, who will bring steel and savvy to the defence, forming a three-man backline with Stefan de Vrij and Milan Skriniar. That is a perfect foundation for a Conte side, one who will also be able to count on the energy of new midfield signings Stefano Sensi and Nicolò Barella, two promising young Italians who will give their all for the Nerazzurri.
Diego Godin on signing for Inter: "It was explained to me during negotiations that Inter’s objective is to win things, My dream is another Champions League Final." pic.twitter.com/8nacCelk5u
— Squawka News (@SquawkaNews) July 27, 2019
Having finished second behind Juve in three of the last four campaigns, Napoli have enjoyed a fruitful summer too. Carlo Ancelotti will hope to build on last season’s promising efforts, his squad boosted by some impressive signings including Roma defender Kostas Manolas, Fenerbahçe midfielder Elif Elmas and PSV’s Mexican forward Hirving Lozano.
While their rivals have clearly strengthened, the past two months have been somewhat disastrous for Juve. The aforementioned signings deserve to be lauded, but they have left the Old Lady with a bloated squad, much to the dismay of Sarri who made his displeasure abundantly clear at a recent press conference.
“We have to cut six players from the current squad and that puts me in a difficult position,” he told reporters. “The last 20 days of the market will be difficult for us, it’s an embarrassing situation because we risk having to leave out players of a very high level.”
Juventus are frustrated with Sami Khedira after the midfielder turned down deals from Besiktas, Fenerbahce, Wolves and several MLS clubs. [Calciomercato] pic.twitter.com/6hNyLG7lKV
— FourFourTweet (@FourFourTweet) August 10, 2019
The issue has been compounded by several players – including Sami Khedira and Daniele Rugani – refusing moves away after terms had been agreed with another club. That is their right of course, but things were made even worse as Juve actively shopped Pablo Dybala to both Manchester United and Tottenham, only for the Argentina international to also dig his heels in and opt to remain in Turin.
Sarri then missed a friendly in Trieste with pneumonia, and it is hard not to notice the frayed edges that have begun to appear around the previously impeccable Old Lady. She no longer has that same invincible aura, and time will tell if Napoli or Inter have done enough to replace Juventus in the first place.
