Andrea Barzagli underlined his expectations for a new-look Juventus, the suitability of Nicolo Zaniolo and the future of Paulo Dybala.
The Bianconeri’s summer transfer market is beginning to heat up as they look to provide Massimiliano Allegri with the reinforcements needed to get them back involved in the Scudetto race again. The recent arrivals of Paul Pogba and Angel Di Maria will significantly boost the creativity in the Juventus squad, which’ll hopefully shake up the lethargic play seen last campaign.
Speaking to Tuttosport, Barzagli first discussed if Zaniolo would be a good fit for this Juventus squad.
“I don’t know. I don’t know how well I can place Zaniolo in this Juventus side. And I’m not saying this because of his qualities, because everyone sees those.
“It’s normal, though, that the club is aiming to take the best young Italians to create a new base. Zaniolo can give unpredictability at certain times, I would be curious to see him in a team playing for the Champions League.”
He gave his thoughts on Matthijs de Ligt, who is being heavily linked with a move to German giants Bayern Munich.
“Matthijs did not show his full potential despite an excellent championship last year, in which he started to take responsibility for leading the defence and the team. It’s a bit like Pogba at Manchester United, but with an added aspect.
“De Ligt arrived at Juventus young with the pressure of being paid so much and with two great defenders ahead of him like Chiellini and Bonucci. It’s not easy when you get paid like that and there are expectations.
“It is difficult to find consistency and have the right confidence with two such monsters in front of you. If he really were to leave, it would be a great loss for Juventus and also for the Italian league. It’s normal that he will then have to be replaced with a top defender. Top centre-backs are rare.”
The former Juventus defender still wants to see more from €80m man Dusan Vlahovic.
“Dusan has great potential, but he still has a lot to prove. He has to improve in playing with the team. He is a top finisher and has a remarkable mentality.
“I’m convinced that Di Maria and Chiesa, when he returns, will give Vlahovic a big hand. a bit of what was missing in the end of the season.”
Barzagli gave his thoughts on Dybala’s current situation; the Argentinian forward still hasn’t signed for his new club yet.
“It makes me feel strange to see Paulo without a team on July 10. Strange is the whole market, with important players leaving on free transfers.
“I’m curious to see where the Joya can go. I would like to see him abroad, in a league with more space for him. It would also be a new experience. But Dybala is Dybala, I think he’d do well anywhere.”
Finally, Barzagli discussed the arrivals of Pogba and Di Maria.
“Pogba and Di Maria shift the balance because that’s two arrivals. Lukaku has shown he can make a difference in Serie A, but the two Juventus signings bring that personality and quality that was a bit lacking. Pogba and Di Maria will make Juventus great again.”