Serie A: 'The Old Lady' rise to the challenge

We may be destined to witness one of the most intense summer Mercato in years. The big spenders of the Premier League are expected to be wiser given their newly appointed coaches.

Leicester city are not short of money this year while rumor has it that West Ham United will hold on their precious Payet and are ready to spend big.

In Germany, many departures have taken place in Borussia Dortmund, yet they made great signings as well. Ousmane Dembele and Blaszczykowski (back from loan) to name a couple. Bayern will invest big, else they won’t be called FC Hollywood.

They new spenders come from Italy. To be more precise, they are the new ‘old’ spenders.

The Chinese company Suning acquired 68% of Inter Milan which theoretically means that they will have some money to spend. Although we have seen nothing so far but we expect to see some signings.

And while we are in Italy, let’s take a look at one of the most active- if not the most active- clubs in the market, the Old Lady.

Juventus signed Miralem Pjanić for a 32 million euros fee, Dani Alves for free, Mehdi Benatia on loan and last but not least the Croatian youngster Marko Pjaca for a reported 25 million euros.

So far, Morata departed and Cuadrado is an uncertain asset, Pogba is expected to depart and Bonucci is still in the gray zone.

So how good are these signings?

Let’s start with Alves. Despite his attacking abilities and his talent, I don’t see that he is that much of an upgrade to Stephan Lichtsteiner (although I think that Dani Alves is made for a 3-5-2 formation). The Swiss might not be as talented or as flashy as the Barcelona right back but what he lacks here, he makes up in terms of defense and physical abilities. If the Swiss is staying then the addition of Dani Alves is a great thing since it gives Juve the depth required to fight on all levels.

Their second capture was Roma’s talisman, Pjanic. Despite having a dip in form last season, he regained most of his 2014 form during the closing stages of last season. If he is able to regain his 2014 form then the guy totally worth every single penny. His free kicks are an extra fear factor that Juve needs.

To evaluate this capture we have to know why Juve signed him. If they signed him for any reason other than being a Pogba replacement, then it is a hit. And frankly speaking I don’t think he is a Pogba replacement. I guess if Juve sell Pogba then they are going to emulate what they did after selling Zidane.  They will sign 2 or 3 champions and build a great team.

The Benatia loan is very smart. The guy is talented, that’s for sure. But after a less than impressive time with F.C. Hollywood nobody is sure whether he is going to reach his peak again or not. That what makes the loan with a buy option the best scenario. Since Chellini is not getting any younger and he is not always fit, the Moroccan international will provide the required depth. This will lead to a less play time for Daniele Rugani. I expect the 21 years old Italian will ask to leave, at least on loan.

The latest of 'The Old Lady' signing is the 21 years old talented Pjaca. What he showed in the euro 2016 against Spain was very promising. He was one of the match stars. Although he didn’t manage a lot of shots on target or decisive passes, the lad impressed because of his abilities in the one on one situations. Marko Pjaca managed 7/8 take-ons. Which gives an idea about how talented this kid is. Definitely that was a single games and proves nothing but it gives an indication about what he is capable of. The question is, how will Allegri utilize Pjaca? I don’t see him as a wing/ back in a 3-5-2 formation. I doubt he can act as a second striker either. The guy is a classic winger. Using him wisely will be a big challenge for Allegri.

The Juve summer market is far from over but so far it looks very promising.

Selling Pogba has to be done early to have the time for replacing him although I am certain that the post Pogba plan is already there.

One thing that may harm Juve and threaten their champions league dream is selling Bonucci. In my opinion, Juventus should keep their rock. He is irreplaceable. Arguably, Bonucci is the best in his position. Add to that his accurate long balls and I would say the guy is priceless.

If Juventus manage to keep Bonucci then we may be Buffon will have his last chance to put a hand on the Precious trophy in the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.