Juventus overhauls lineup despite successful season

By Nick Papadis | Aug 5th 2015 2:15PM

Despite being one win away from achieving the treble last season, Juventus have made a drastic overhaul to their squad for the upcoming campaign.

The Turin side won both the league and domestic cup last season, and made it to the UEFA Champions League Final before losing to Barcelona 3–1 in Berlin.

Even with last season’s success, the Old Lady will look very different next year. With the departure of several big names from the club, as well as an abundance of new arrivals, Massimiliano Allegri’s side will look to achieve the same success with a different squad.

The biggest factor for Juventus in the upcoming season will be the changes to the midfield. The departures of Arturo Vidal and Andrea Pirlo will have huge effect on the Turin side.

Pirlo, who departed Italy for NYCFC this summer, had been at the club since 2011 and played a crucial role as both a player and leader at the club.

His departure along with Vidal’s move to Bayern Munich, will surely take effect given that both regularly featured in Allegri’s starting xi.

Forward Carlos Tevez also left Juventus this summer, making a move to his native Argentina.

Even with the departure of their top striker, Juventus’ issue will not be in the attacking third. The signings of Pablo Dybala, Simone Zaza, Alberto Cerri, and Mario Mandzukic will provide more than enough firepower to makeup for the loss of Tevez.

Allegri, also has made midfield reinforcements to his midfield, though his signings do come with issues. The signings of Roberto Pereyra and Sami Khedira are seen as quality replacements for the Turin side’s departures, but Khedira’s preseason injury will be a huge setback to the club.

Khedira suffered a thigh injury in a preseason friendly that is expected to keep him out until October. Pereyra, is seen as an option at attacking midfielder, but further midfield reinforcements are also going to be very necessary should Juventus strive for repeated success.

Another defensive or holding midfielder will be needed in Allegri’s squad, with a proposed deal for Barcelona’s Javier Mascherano. Despite playing center back for Barcelona, should he join the Serie A side, he would likely switch to his former position of defensive mid.

After having a dream season last year, Juventus have a lot to live up to, and transfer business may not be complete as they strive to repeat last year’s accomplishments.

Nick Papadis is a junior at American University majoring broadcast journalism and broadcasts AU Men’s Soccer amongst other sports. Nick is an avid Liverpool fan. Follow him on twitter @NPSoccerTalk