Juventus: Refurbishment complete, almost

Whatever way you look at it, and whoever you support, Serie A is just not complete without Juventus. Its like having a toaster without any bread, its not right. Rightly or wrongly they spent a season in the cadetti and last year completed a solid season finishing a respectable third behind AS Roma and Champions Inter. This season passed they improved that to a decent second place and the second round in the Champions League after going out, perhaps undeservedly after a ridiculous sending off, to semi finalists Chelsea. But that does not tell the whole story.

The League Campaign
When Juve were good, they were very good. The 4-1 away win in Rome over Roma, the 4-2 win at home to AC Milan. However, they just fell short of Inter's consistency throughout the season. Silly defeats at home to Palermo and Cagliari with points also dropped against Lecce, Atalanta and Reggina ensured Ranieri got the sack, and frankly rightly so. He was not the man to take them to the elite level of Europe's elite once again, and silly tactical and personnel decisions throughout the season eventually saw him shown the exit. In comes Ciro Ferrara, and unknown commodity, much like Pep Guardiola at Barcelona last season. Its a gamble no doubt, but Juve's directors seem to be giving him the tools to compete for the Scudetto and last four in the Champions League.

The new players
Brazilian revelation Diego has arrived. Quite how it would appear no other team in Europe was to compete for his signature was beyond me. Maybe an agreement has been their for a while, but this is a player who is capable of the sublime and will be a perfect replacement for Nedved down the left channel. Great feet, a lethal shot and genius passing give Juve a player who can be as influential as Ibrahimovic was for Inter last year, or Kaka was for Milan in 2007. In other words, world class. The defence has been tightend also, Fabio Cannavaro has arrived and will bring a sense of stability to the back line and additional options to the brilliant Chielini and robust Legrottaglie. However, additional players are needed. The midfield requires a central playmaker. The move for D'Agostino appears dead in the water but Fiorentina revelation Felipe Melo could be moving to Turin to fill this hole. Additionally, a left back is required. Andre Santos could be the man to fill this position after a good showing for Brazil and the confederations cup, Fabio Grosso has been linked also. Rumour has it they are looking for a forward to. With Giovinco, Amauri, Del Piero, Iaquinta and Trezeguet on the books one questions the need for this, but with Trezeguet rumoured to be on his way out Goran Pandev is rumoured to be on his way in. This has been met with some resitence for the Juve faithful, but he will not be first choice and perhaps satisfied to offer cover off the bench at a European giant like Juve.

Seasons expectations
The signing of Diego was a real coup, and factor into this the potential signing of Melo then Juve arguably have the best midfield in Italy, and one of the best in Europe. They have in Diego found the player that Inter has craved for, a creative midfielder than can assist the attack with devastating effect. It looks like a very good side, and I believe a Scudetto challenge is well on the cards.