In recent weeks, many pundits hailed Cristiano Giuntoli’s arrival as the best “coup” Juventus pulled off throughout the summer.
The 51-year-old proved to be a brilliant mastermind throughout his earlier spells at Spal and Napoli, lifting the first from obscurity to the top flight, and building a formidable squad at the Southern metropolis which famously went on to lift the Scudetto title.
But since his arrival in Turin, the technical director is yet to showcase his craft. His only signing thus far has been young Uruguayan defender Facundo Gonzalez, who is unlikely to play a prominent role in Max Allegri’s plans next season.
In his defense, Guintoli has been busy trimming a squad filled with deadwood brought in by predecessors.
But while Juventus fans gave the thumbs up for the departures of Arthur Melo and Denis Zakaria, the expected sale of Nicolò Rovella to Lazio caught us all by surprise.
The 21-year-old signed for the Bianconeri in January 2021 and is now on the verge of departing after spending two and half years on loan.
The Italian midfielder is thus leaving a club that never gave him a chance, not even following a highly-impressive campaign at Monza.
This out-of-the-blue departure has enraged the Old Lady’s supporters, especially the purists who were aspiring the emergence of a new project built upon the shoulders of a young block.
Moreover, the fact that Rovella is an ITALIAN prospect only adds salt to the wound. Let’s admit it, we Juventus fans have a soft spot for Azzurri stars and we’re still clinging on to the ItalJuve dream.
Nevertheless, Giuntoli still deserves a chance to work his magic in Turin. After all, the man has just landed in the Northern Italian city, immediately inheriting a tons of debacles left behind by those preceded him at Continassa.
Furthermore, selling Rovella isn’t the end of the world as we know it. We Juventus fans have encountered far more challenging issues over the past few years. It’s sufficient to recall the events of the doomed previous campaign.
However, Giuntoli must now showcase why the Juventus hierarchy spent several months (or perhaps even years) chasing his services. He must prove that he’s a man with a plan… a plan for Now, rather than a “long-term project”.
Therefore, the first order of business should be finding a new midfielder who makes up for the vastly disappointing exit of Rovella.
Whether he’s young or old, Italian or foreigner, it doesn’t matter, as long as the newcomer adds some vital contribution to the cause and depicts the shrewdness of the man who brought him in.
So for Giuntoli’s sake, he better pulls off a rabbit or two before the end of the transfer session, because at Juventus, time is never your ally.
This stinks Allegri decision
Stop overhyping average youngsters.
I agree, the tendency is to hype Italian players. I am still not sure about most of our young midfielders, time will show. I do think Rovella was the best of them though. What I don`t appreciate is seeing Enzo Scifo of texas and other similiar players with no talent being played instead of the young players who have some raw talent and especially when there is supposed to be this youth project at Juve.
Yeah, I don’t get the hype around those Ghonto, Udogie, and the likes.
Loca was also deemed excellent prospect, but so far has failed to live up to expectations, even minor expectations.
Of the bunch, Fagioli shows the most promise with Miretti as well, but Miretti is too raw and needs a loan and more playing time with less pressure.
Rovella seemed decent, but everyone got hype because of his Regista postiion and role, but he didn’t play it as well as everyone hoped and think he did. Also, dude is 21 and injury prone already, missed half a season at Genoa and about 10-12 last season.
He’s already injured for a month at the moment too.
I do believe Locatelli would thrive so much more in a ball possessive midfield as I do think he`s role becomes diminished the way Allegri plays. He needs to step it up regardless though. Fagioli, I am still not sure, but at least he cries for the jersey – when was the last time you saw that? I think Allegri likes`s Miretti the most because of his direct running but yeah he would probably do well on-loan somewhere in Serie A. the regista don`t exist anymore – the Pirlo and Gattuso duo is long gone – the modern game don`t allow for that anymore. Tonali is a good example of how the role has evolved – brilliant passer and creative but he is aggressive without the ball and presses and tackles. People need to let go of this stereotyping of players. Also look at Scalvini – the new Cannanaro eh? Forget it, how many have tried to sign him this summer. Was brutually exposed against England. I love Italian talent but the Tonali`s, Barella`s and Bastoni`s don`t come around often.
Yeah, I’m not sure Allegri’s style doesn’t suit Loca so much so that Loca’s skills aren’t Juve level.
That said, Loca should be employed as a destroyer and not ball-playing mid, similar to the position Khedira enjoyed.
Fagioli on the other hand is good with the ball at his feet and is thinking quickly and on the go, and as you said, he cries for the jersey. Loca cries for the jersey too, but his technical input isn’t quite there.
Miretti is a raw diamond, he has the skills, but isn’t honed still and can’t be at Juve, Juve needs finished products, not in-the-making.
Yes, exactly, spot on and well said about the registas and modern way of playing.
Yeah I don’t think Scalvini will become world class too.
Regarding our players and targets, I’m fond of Guintoli’s tactics and buying abroad – it’s high time we start sticking it to the other teams, especially as they give us one price and a different price for other teams, like Empoli did with Parisi.
Yes Locatelli is way better in a more dynamic role like when he played on the left side of Italy`s midfield trio at the last Euro`s. I think Allegri parks him in front of the defence because he got no other in that position and Locatelli is the most disciplined of his midfielders. It`s true, Italians I believe are often sold too cheap, but a team like Juve always have to pay 25% more than other Italian teams. Guintoli seems like a rugged negotioator who get`s his way. He also plays mind games and plants fake news. Like Moggi – all the crap players he had Moratti sign be playing these games. Guintoli was our summer signing.