Juventus is gearing up for a season devoid of European Cup action after more than a decade of dominating the continental scene. The club’s entry into the Conference League after overcoming penalties was swiftly followed by a surprising exclusion from UEFA competitions, solidifying their absence from the international stage. The upcoming season, however, promises to be a pivotal one for the Bianconeri, as they set their sights on the 2023/2024 domestic championship and the subsequent path to European qualification in 2024.
The absence of European commitments presents a mixed bag for Juventus. Freed from the demanding three-day matches, the team will focus their energies on the domestic front, punctuated only by the Coppa Italia battles in 2024. With this shift, Juventus’ squad dynamics are poised for transformation. Limited by the solitary major tournament, the team’s lineup will be more focused, defined, and consistent. The days of extensive rotations and a vast ballot of starters and substitutes are over.
One striking development has been the reshuffling of the left-wing position. Serbian star Kostic, who once held the reins with authority, now finds himself relegated to a secondary role, signaling a significant change in Allegri’s tactical vision. Kostic’s benching against Udinese in the opening fixture indicated a downward spiral in his hierarchy, hinting at a possible summer transfer or a mid-season exit.
A notable bright spot in this transitional phase is the emergence of Cambiaso. Hailing from Serie D and progressively ascending to Serie C and B before landing in the top-flight league, Cambiaso epitomizes perseverance and adaptability. Allegri’s confidence in him is evident, as he secures the position of the starting left-footed winger. Cambiaso’s humility and enthusiasm have already endeared him to the fans, marking a new era for Juventus.
Backing up Cambiaso is the young talent, Iling Junior. While Cambiaso stands as the primary choice in Allegri’s plans, Iling Junior, born in 2000, is determined to seize his chances from the bench. His spirited efforts could potentially disrupt Cambiaso’s reign, promising healthy competition for the coveted left-wing spot.
The enigmatic case of Federico Chiesa presents an interesting twist. Though renowned as a striker, Allegri envisions Chiesa’s role further up the field. In a 3-5-2 formation, Chiesa’s deployment as a winger has raised concerns about his isolation and limited influence. Allegri’s insistence on Chiesa’s goal-scoring prowess and his compatibility with Vlahovic suggests a more central role for the player.
Fantasy football enthusiasts are advised to closely monitor Cambiaso’s trajectory. Listed as a defender but positioned in midfield, Cambiaso holds the potential to be a game-changer in the upcoming season. His partnership with Iling or Kostic could prove to be a trump card in the fantasy league.
As Juventus embraces a season of recalibration, the left-wing position stands at the heart of the club’s transformation. Allegri’s strategic choices, along with the emergence of promising talents, will shape the team’s fortunes in a post-European Cup era.
