This Week In Black & White

The first week after the season ends is always quiet, especially when its the worst year in living memory. Much time for reflection and assessment by the new management. Agnelli, Marotta & Del Neri have much work ahead of them, made more difficult by the forthcoming World Cup, which means many players with which the club would want to talk to are locked away in training camps across the world.

Of course half the clubs players were on the post-season tour to the US & Canada, where the team lost to both the New York Red Bulls & Fiorentina. For an inside look at the tour from Canada, read an excellent blog post here.

Time to roll up those sleeves boys!

With very little news being made public you would have to assume that the three men, plus Jean Claude Blanc have been busy beginning to make the moves needed to bring la Vecchia Signora back into contention for honours. The rumour mill has been working overtime in order to fill the news void created, and a number of interesting things have been said.

The first has to be the interview with Del Neri, which is a candidate for the worst translated chat since a Chelsea steward claimed Claudio Ranieri said "it was a game of two halves". According to some versions the new coach was giving the captaincy to Marchisio next season, when the truth was far less sensational. A full summary can be read here.

The comments on Del Piero, Buffon and indeed Marchisio were great to hear, and show the new coach already has a good understanding of what the fans want next term. Also good to hear have been the words of Mattia Cassani & Domenico Criscito, both of whom spoke of their pride at being linked to Juventus, and how great they view the club despite the recent demise.

"Genoa? The roads will be busy!"

Also a lot of stories regarding ex-Bianconeri men coming from Genoa this week, where Ciro Ferrara has been linked with the coaching post, as Gasperini is expected to move to Fiorentina to replace Cesare Prandelli who is in turn replacing Marcello Lippi. Hopefully Ferrara can rebuild his career and show the qualities which convinced Blanc to take a chance last summer.

While speaking of Genoa, their President Enrico Preziosi has said while Inter do not want Leo Bonucci, Juve certainly do. He went on to say it would take "an offer from the asylum" to free the Italy defender.

So, lots of words, little action, & even less real news in what will probably be the dullest week of the summer leaves us fans doing what we always do. Watch & wait...