Why Juventus clearly have a case for the defence

It is official; the race for the Scudetto is over! With Juventus slipping up against lowly Chievo, their somewhat slim title hope have now well and truly been extinguished. But with second place sewn up and Champions League football guaranteed next season, I feel an intelligent and well thought out transfer strategy from Alessio Secco could take the Old Lady to the summit of Serie A and enhance their impact on European competition.

Juventus have been constantly linked with playmakers and attacking wide players, Diego, David Silva, Franck Ribery and Antonio Cassano. All of which would improve their squad but will all cost a fair few Euros. A replacement for Nedved is imperative but not one that will stifle the development of the ‘Atomic Ant' Sebastian Giovinco.

In my view they should look to invest in remoulding their backline. The question must be asked would Grygera, Molinaro and Mellberg get anywhere near the Juve starting eleven pre Calciopoli?

Grygera is at best an average full-back no better then Jonathan Zebina but with out the anger issues. Molinaro has come in for criticism this season and doesn't look comfortable when put under pressure. While Mellberg produced a horror show against Cheivo and does not look to be the answer for the Bianconeri. Only Giorgio Chiellini can be considered a world-class defender, and when alongside Nicola Legrottaglie they seem to complement each other well.

It would therefore seem apparent that a couple of fullbacks, most certainly on the left side and a centre back would be paramount in the transfer policy of Juventus this summer, but judging by the recent speculation, it appears these problems will not be addressed. A mistake in my view that exudes a lack of knowledge on the part of Secco, who is no Luciano Moggi (Pre Calciopoli).

The man between the sticks Gianluigi Buffon has also come under some pressure from fans, as he no longer seems to be making those mesmeric saves of two years ago, and one fan in Tuttosport has even called for Alex Manninger to be given the No.1 slot, "with Buffon conceding two-three goals a game, he doesn't deserve to be starting right now! Give us back Manninger!" Strong words indeed.

Thus it falls to transfer guru Secco to rectify these faults and aid Claudio Ranieri in his quest to put Juventus back on top of Serie A.