Juventus: Three hopes, one fear

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Patrice Evra during Serie A match between Juventus v Fiorentina, in Turin, on August 20, 2016 (Photo by Loris Roselli/NurPhoto via Getty Images). /

The big fear: That their aging defense cannot hold for another season.

Last season, Juventus’ defense was one of the most imposing back lines in all of world football. Conceding just 20 goals in league play and three in the Group Stage of the Champions League the side dominated across all competitions and became the backbone of a very solid side.

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While it is certainly plausible that Allegri’s side could pull off another impressive effort, father time is not on their side. Giorgio Chellini is 32 (nine appearances this season). Andrea Barzagli is 35 (nine appearances). Dani Alves is 33 (six appearances). Stephan Lichsteiner is 32 (four appearances). Patrice Evra is 35(four appearances). Their aging defense coupled with an aging Gianluigi Buffon at goalkeeper means that the side may not hold up for an entire full season in Italy and in Europe.

Now that is not to say that Juventus is going to slide this season. The club did acquire the services of Medhi Benatia (29) from Bayern Munich in the offseason and seems to be keen on Leonardo Bonucci (29), Alex Sandro (25), and Daniele Ruggani (22). Although the Old Guard may still reign supreme at Juventus, Allegri does seem to be willing to give younger players minutes and a chance to show what they can do.

But the age of their defense and the toll of competing in Serie A, the Champions League, and the Coppa Italia can certainly be high. Allegri will have to be careful in managing his players minutes if the club has any designs on a treble.

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