Кристиано Занети
Former Juventus and Inter midfielder Cristiano Zanetti believes the Bianconeri are still Scudetto favourites.
The 38-year-old won the Coppa Italia with the Nerazzurri in 2005, before switching to the Old Lady for the Serie B season in 2006-07.
“Juventus’ start to the season is just down to some unfortunate incidents, like the last-second goal against Frosinone,” Zanetti told TuttoJuve.
“Things like that are part of football, and they happen over the course of the campaign. The team was overhauled, and while the new buys are clearly good, they have to get used to playing in a team.
“I’m sorry for [Sami] Khedira, who was injured, and in my opinion is a very important player. [Paulo] Dybala is a player with infinite potential, while [Mario] Mandzukic is well-established.
“It’s true that the team lost important players, but it’s also true that the signings were made in a targeted manner, and in the future we won’t be talking about that anymore, as these young players have quality.
“I’d also point out that Juventus have one of the best Coaches in Italy [Max Allegri] who knows how to develop cohesion between top players. He’s suffered a little because of the injuries.
“I wouldn’t worry, Juventus are always the favourites, regardless of this difficult spell which sees them 10 points off the top of the League. It’s a few games, it’s nothing.
“All you have to do is win two or three head-to-head and you’re back up there, and I say this because the League is more balanced than in recent years.”
Juve take on Sevilla in the Champions League tonight, and Zanetti believes it will be good to focus on something other than Serie A.
“The League is one thing, the Champions League is another. Juventus know that very well. The Bianconeri are a big team, and they’ll already have motivation for a European match.
“Perhaps this initial struggle in the League will be good for the Champions League.
“If I were Juventus, I’d look at myself and not at others. The important thing is for Juventus to be Juventus, if they do that I don’t foresee any problems.”
Finally, Zanetti named the best player he’s ever played with, and perhaps unsurprisingly he chose the Juventus captain.
“I played with a lot of strong teammates,” the former Italian international recalled.
“But I think the one who made the difference and always brought home the points was Gigi Buffon. At the end of the season he’ll have earned you seven or eight extra points which other goalkeepers can’t give you.”