You have to admire the work that Antonio Conte and Juventus have done this summer.
Despite winning the Scudetto comfortably the last two seasons, Conte knew that if Juventus was to get back to its former glory, it had to be more competitive in the Champion League. And to do that, they needed to improve the quality of their striker.
Last week’s signing of Carlos Tevez from Manchester City for around €9m was the first step. And today Juve unveiled Spanish striker Fernando Llorente. Llorente joins Juve on a Bosman from Athletic Bilbao and should form a terrific partnership with Tevez.
Llorente was reduced to a role player season at Athletic Bilbao, due to his contract situation, but in the previous four season, the World Cup and Euro winner, scored 89 goals in 188 games. Not a bad strike rate.
What makes the Juventus dealings so cost is the cost. In a summer when other top striker like Higuain (€25m), Cavani (€60m), Falcao (€60m), and Suarez (€45m) are being quoted at massive prices, Juventus were able to sign two top striker for practically nothing.
Soccer fans in the USA will be the first to see Juve’ new strikeforce as Juventus will take part in the International Champions Cup this summer.
Juventus International Champions Cup Schedule
July 31: Everton v Juventus in San Francisco – Buy Everton v Juventus Tickets
August 3: Juventus v Real Madrid or LA Galaxy in LA – Buy Tickets
August 6: 5th Place and 7th Place Game in Miami (6.30pm/9pm) – Buy Tickets
August 7: 3rd Place and Championship Game In Miami (6.30pm/9pm) – Buy Tickets
