Juventus Need To Make Drastic Changes In The Summer Following Siena Debacle

Despite defeating Fiorentina and Fulham earlier in the week, Juventus’ minor resurgence was brought to a grinding halt at the weekend, as they surrendered a three goal lead against the cellar dwellers of Serie A Siena. The match finished 3-3, and although it may have been an entertaining spectacle for the neutrals, it clearly highlighted the need for change in Turin.

Scoring three goals in the opening 10 minutes of play, Juve seemed to be cruising towards the three points, however that all changed when Massimo Maccarone pulled one back for the visitors towards the end of the opening half. When Nicola Legrottaglie was later forced off through injury, the Italian giants were in deep trouble, as their depth was severely tested. It was a test that they failed to overcome, as their defensive approach faltered, which resulted in them missing out on the opportunity to reclaim a place in the top four.

In their defence though, they were without a number of key players through injury, including number one goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, undoubtedly their best defender this season in Giorgio Chiellini, as well as Amauri, Giovinco and Jonathan Zebina, who was suspended. Nevertheless, this was a match that they certainly had to win, and failing to do so has heaped further pressure on the under-performing club.

The Bianconeri currently find themselves in fifth place, one point adrift of fourth placed Palermo, meaning that Champions League football is by no means a certainty for the proud club next term. And at this point, even if they do manage to qualify for Europe’s premier club competition next season, it is very unlikely that this squad would pose a serious threat to claiming the crown – which raises questions on whether or not they even deserve to qualify for the competition.

Recent reports have suggested that they are looking to spend around €80 million in the summer to lure some big names to the club, including Real Madrid’s Gonzalo Higuain, Bayern Munich’s Franck Ribery, Roma’s Philippe Mexes, and Bari’s young Italian international Leonardo Bonucci. It is unlikely however that players of their stature will join the Bianconeri if they fail to qualify for the Champions League, and maintain their status as one of Italy’s most dominant clubs.

With an aging defence, a midfield struggling for form and fitness, and an injury depleted attack, the Bianconeri are going to have to dig deep in the remaining matches of the campaign, if they want to have any hope of playing amongst Europe’s elite next season.