‘Iturbe can change Juve’s shape’

Angelo Di Livio has backed Juventus’ interest in Juan Manuel Iturbe and also Roma’s transfer work this summer.

Angelo Di Livio has backed Juventus’ interest in Juan Manuel Iturbe and also Roma’s transfer work this summer.

Di Livio, who was born in the capital and developed in the Giallorossi’s ranks before later enjoying senior success with the Old Lady, has cast his eye on both sides’ work in the transfer window so far.

“It is clear that the two clubs have the same tastes and different strategies,” Di Livio has told the Gazzetta dello Sport.

“They have the same tastes as often you find them on the same targets. Moreover, it is undeniably always talented players.

“They have different strategies because there are different needs highlighted by last season.

“Juventus are looking for an alternative to a formation that has allowed them to dominate the last championships in Italy, but has not been at its best in Europe.

“Roma, meanwhile, are carrying out a project started last year, mixing youth with experience.”

Juve are increasingly linked with a move for Verona’s Iturbe, as talks with the Gialloblu continue.

“With Iturbe, Conte can think on the field of reintroducing his preferred formation, the 4-3-3.

“Certainly, it is risky to change a playing system that has been successful, but it seems pretty clear that in order to emerge in the Champions League, they have to come up with something different.”

Roma are expected to tie up deals for Salih Ucan, Ashley Cole and Urby Emanuelson this week, to add to Seydou Keita’s capture earlier this summer.

“Keita, Emanuelson and Cole are all players of depth and substance. They are exactly what is needed for Garcia to deal with next season’s Champions League, and a League championship that will not be easy.

“I believe, however, that Roma will not only limit themselves to deals of this kind. They have a big name in mind, and it could be Cuadrado.

“He is perfect for Roma’s formation, similar in some ways to Gervinho, but with different characteristics and across different positions on the pitch.”