Juventus legend Claudio Marchisio believes Chelsea and Italy starlet Cesare Casadei is ‘ready’ to move to Turin and insists Massimiliano Allegri’s tactics didn’t suit Dusan Vlahovic in 2022-23.
The Serie A giants are interested in Casadei and would bring him to the Allianz Stadium on loan with an option to buy or include him in a swap deal for Dusan Vlahovic.
“Casadei is ready. We admired him at the U20 World Cup in South America and he didn’t surprise me, but I think this experience made him grow as a man,” Marchisio told Gazzetta when asked about Casadei’s possible move to Turin.
The interview is available in Wednesday’s printed edition on page 5.
“I’d also be happy to see Davide Frattesi play for Juventus, not only because we are friends. I like him so much, he is doing well and is on the agenda of many clubs. I hope he can have a chance to play at a high level. He deserves it and needs a team that makes him grow at an international level,” added Marchisio.
Vlahovic was Juventus’ best scorer last season but only managed 14 goals in 42 matches.
“He wasn’t always up to the task, but on the other side, there must be a coach who is able to develop him. It’s part of the coach and the staff’s tasks,” noted Marchisio.
“Many times Juventus’ style didn’t suit Vlahovic, but he has the quality and he can improve so much.”
Does this mean Allegri is not the right man for the job?
“It’s not easy to judge the coach and players after such a season,” claimed Marchisio.
“Juventus didn’t live up to their potential in the first part of the season, especially in the Champions League, where they had every game wrong. If they wanted to change [coach] they should have done it before the World Cup break when there was time to rebuild. We know what happened very well and you need people who can handle these moments. I don’t know if another team and another club would have managed to do the same.”
Allegri will remain in charge of Juventus in 2023-24 despite completing the second consecutive trophyless campaign in Turin. His contract at the Allianz Stadium expires in June 2025.
“My [ex] teammates and I were lucky to have a coach [Antonio Conte] who was able to convey his determination to the team,” continued Marchisio.
“That’s what Juventus need now. Many experienced players have left and young players much confirm themselves. They need a strong and stable group and a lot of desire.”
The ex-Italy international is a close friend of Paul Pogba who was also highly disappointing in 2022-23, making just 10 appearances across all competitions. The Frenchman struggled with injuries and off-the-field issues.
“I already knew what had happened. I am convinced that if an athlete is not ok mentally, then his body is also affected,” said Marchisio.
“Something very serious happened to him and his family and it’s not surprising that he wasn’t at his best. Hopefully, he can get back in shape this summer, especially mentally because he knows he must give something more to this team. That’s why he returned. Hopefully, we can see him at high levels next season.”