Goal.com Summer Shopping: Who Should Juventus Buy?

Subs: Manninger, Chimenti, Zebina, Grygera, Ariaudo, Legrottaglie, Criscito, De Ceglie, Zanetti, Marchisio, Ekdal, Salihamidzic, Marchionni, Del Piero, Pandev, Iaquinta


IN (5):

Fabio Grosso (Lyon): Italy national team coach Marcello Lippi is rumoured to have told his squad that he wants as many homegrown players in his 2010 World Cup set-up as possible. Grosso’s future at Lyon is in doubt after the French side only finished third in Ligue 1. Grosso may turn 32 in December, but he is as fit as a fiddle, and has at least two top class years left in the tank due to being a late-bloomer. Grosso’s arrival would mean that four of the Italy back-five would be Juventus players.

Domenico Criscito (Genoa): Genoa president Enrico Preziosi has said it is 99 per cent likely Criscito will stay at the club, but if Juventus really wanted to recall him from loan they surely would be able to. The 22-year-old had a superb 2008/09 campaign with the Rossoblu, and he would certainly strengthen the depth of the Juve backline, being able to play at centre-back and left-back. Last season the Bianconeri struggled whenever Giorgio Chiellini was out, but Criscito would ensure four strong centre half options, along with Cannavaro and Nicola Legrottaglie.

Cristian Zapata (Udinese): It is always a risk changing three of your backline in one summer, but due to the fact that four of the other five start for Italy, it will take no time at all for them to gel. Zapata is one of Europe’s most promising young defenders, and although he has had a few injury worries, as well as a few positional issues, he would surely develop into a fine stopper in Turin. The Colombian would add extra pace and strength to the backline, which would be very useful against English sides in Europe, while he also comes with the added bonus of being able to play in the centre.

Gaetano D’Agostino (Udinese): One of the revelations of the 2008-09 season, it is no secret that Juventus are in negotiations to sign the Udinese star. Whether Juventus play a 4-3-1-2 or 4-2-3-1, D’Agostino would be the deep-lying playmaker in the mould of Andrea Pirlo who would start every move and supply the ball to creators ahead of him such as Diego. The ex-Roma youth product would be the ideal foil for Momo Sissoko in the middle-of-the-park. The Malian will win the ball, the Italian will use it.

Goran Pandev (Lazio): The Macedonian is sure to leave the Stadio Olimpico this summer after publicly announcing that he has played his last game for Lazio. While the signing of a forward should be Juventus’ last priority, the imminent exit of David Trezeguet means that Pandev will act as a direct replacement. The 25-year-old will give Ferrara numerous options as he can play in any of the front four positions. Were Juve to play a 4-3-1-2, he could also arguably take up the trequartista role.

OUT (8):

Olof Mellberg - The Scandinavian did not have a bad season after arriving on a Bosman from Aston Villa, but he was far too average, and not good enough for a club looking to win major honours. In the big games he is outfoxed by top-class forwards.

Dario Knezevic – “Kne...kze...” as Luciano Moggi famously referred to him was one of Alessio Secco’s most bizarre loan signings last season, and he will return to parent club Livorno this summer.

Cristian Molinaro – The cult villain among Juventus fans, it is clear that Molinaro is out of his depth. Despite possessing lightning pace, the ex-Siena man is tactically and defensively a disaster at times. His level is more suited to a mid-table or UEFA Cup team.

Sergio Almiron – The Argentine will return to Turin after a disappointing loan spell at Fiorentina, but he will be on his way again, either temporarily or permanently. Sampdoria have been linked.

Tiago – Improved slightly last term after a disastrous first season in Turin, but Juventus will win nothing if he is a regular in the midfield. A summer sale would bring in some useful funds to use on the likes of Grosso and Zapata.

Christian Poulsen – What Tiago was to 2007-08, Poulsen was to 2008-09. Once again, the Dane is not going to help Juventus win titles, and he could also probably fetch a transfer fee of around €8-10m from a Bundesliga side.

Marcelo Zalayeta – Juventus still own half of the 30-year-old with Napoli, and should now release the other 50 per cent.

David Trezeguet – While the Frenchman would be the ideal reserve to Amauri in the centre forward position, he will not accept a backup role and is only likely to cause problems in the dressing room. Trezeguet could fetch a healthy fee of around €12-15m. This money would then go on Goran Pandev, who can play in any of the front four roles.

Who do you believe Juventus should buy and sell? Goal.com wants to know what YOU think...

Carlo Garganese, Goal.com

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