The new Conte side is full of players that were transferred in last summer. Some of these players, like Stephan Lichtsteiner and Arturo Vidal, have been revelations for Juventus. Perhaps the most important summer transfer of all was that of Andrea Pirlo, the Italian native and playmaking genius, who has revolutionized the formerly anemic Juventus offense.

Despite the summer of wheeling and dealing for Juventus (no offense to Harry Redknapp), there are still holes to be filled during the upcoming winter mercato. No gaping holes, as this is still a top of the table team, mind you. Still, Antonio Conte has some players to buy. More specifically, he needs a back up right back and a central midfielder (given his embracing of the 4-3-3). Additionally, some say he could use another left back, but I say that’s something to worry about in the summer.

he right back position is definitely not a weak spot for Juve. Lichtsteiner is one of the top RBs in Europe, and his play there has been a much needed improvement over previous Juventus RBs. However, if Lichtsteiner goes down, there are not many options for Conte. His best option is probably Frederik Sorensen, who is still very young. Conte can also play Marco Motta, but his performances for Juventus have not provided any reasons that he should start, or ever play.

He’s been working his way through the French national system, currently as a part of the U21 side, but he looks likely to break into the national team eventually. He’s young, only 21. This makes him not much older than Frederik Sorensen, but Corchia provides more attacking ability and general upside than Sorensen. Not to mention, Sorensen is arguably better as a center back then he is as a right back. I sincerely doubt that Juventus will even explore the option of signing Sebastien Corchia (after all, he just signed a four year contract with Sochaux this summer), but he would be a good fit to serve as Lichtsteiner’s understudy.

On the opposite part of the back line, Conte also needs a left back. This was perhaps regarded as Juve’s biggest need going into the season, but Giorgio Chiellini’s successful switch to the left has made it less urgent. I would argue that Chiellini’s recent form as a LB allows Conte to focus on other areas of the team, and then buy a superb LB over the summer. Chiellini does play better as a center back. In fact he’s one of the top center backs in the world. However, the team is better served right now with him as a left back. Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci have been pretty able in central defense, and so in the short term Conte should be able to just leave Chiellini as his left back.

Remember, Juventus already have a capable left back in Paolo De Ceglie. He was MIA for a few months at the start of the season, but he has since begun to appear with some regularity. While he may not be in Conte’s plans as the starter, he’s certainly capable enough to serve as a number two to Chiellini. Also, Caceres can also fill in at left back.

This is definitely an area that Conte should look at during the summer, when teams are more willing to sell good players. I’d suspect that this will be one of the prime needs for the team, and so the power of the Agnelli checkbook will be fully behind this effort. Expect a fair amount of rumors about Domenico Criscito making a return to Turin.

With the full back slots covered, we can now look at the central midfield position. Right now, Juventus have three of the best midfielders in the world: Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal, and Claudio Marchisio. They are in no need of strengthening. However, there are only three of them, and the team has at times struggled when one of the three is absent from a game. Basically, Conte needs more depth in the midfield. Right now, if one of the three goes down, he only gets to choose from Michele Pazienza, Emanuele Giaccherini (who is naturally a winger but has experience in the center of the field), or the youngster Luca Marrone.

Some pundits have suggested that Juventus needs another striker, and many websites have been reporting a Marco Borriello move as imminent. However, Juventus do not need a so-so striker like Marco Borriello, and Beppe Marotta has already publicly stated that the move won’t be happening. It would be wise for Juventus to move for an elite striker over the summer (to replace Del Piero and to serve as an alternative to Matri), but that’s the kind of massive transfer that occurs in the summer and not during the winter mercato. My suggestion is to ignore the rumors about Juventus moving for a striker, though it is always a possibility.

The gruesome twosome of Beppe Marotta and Antonio Conte has a few moves to make during the winter mercato. They need to shore up some depth at the RB spot, and they could also use an extra midfielder or two. If they really want to, they could also pick up another LB. The transfer window opens in a few days, and clubs are already negotiating moves anyway, so look for the news to pick up immediately. Have a Happy New Year, and Forza Juve!