US & Canada Tour: Old, New, Borrowed, Blue

Juventus head to North America on Friday with an ill-fitting squad for what will be the last rites of Alberto Zaccheroni's time as coach. That none of the new regime want to associate themselves with this group tells you both how poor it is, and also gives an insight into the futures of many of the players, a large percentage of which lie away from Turin.

"YESSSS! I'm staying home!"

Manninger, Trezeguet, Grygera, Legrottaglie, Zebina, Salihamidzic, Amauri, Diego, Paolucci, De Ceglie & il Capitano Alessandro Del Piero from the first team squad are to travel. Grosso & Candreva will be the most disheartened members of the squad, given that they are only going following Marcello Lippi's decision to axe both from his World Cup squad yesterday.

The club has continued its tradition of "borrowing" players for these post-season tours, with Livorno duo Francesco Bardi & Alessandro Bernardini, Goncalo Jardim Brandao of Siena & Atalanta's Simone Padoin all joining the group.

The sad point in all this is that only Luca Belcastro & Luca Marrone from the Primavera will make the journey, which would be a great opportunity for young players to experience first team action without real pressure. Albin Ekdal - on loan at Siena - will travel, which is a boost for fans in North America as he is an exciting talent in a group short on both.

The Juve tifosi that I know from those places are passionate & knowledgeable about il Bianconeri, so many will know these names & appreciate the opportunity to support their team, no matter the make up of the group or the poor season just ended.