Due to competing in the FIFA Club World Cup, which they exited at the last 16 stage to Real Madrid on 1 July, the squad were given just over three weeks to recuperate.
Pre-season training started today, with Juve’s initial goal being to sharpen up their skills and for head coach Igor Tudor to run his eye over his squad.
The no-nonsense Croatian is a single-minded soul, who once he makes up his mind about something tends to stick with it. Although there are exceptions, like his U-turns regarding Francisco Conceicao and Dusan Vlahovic.
Winger Conceicao immediately fell down the pecking order when Tudor replaced Thiago Motta. The 22-year-old eventually got his chance, and made such an impact that Juve have turned last season’s loanee into a permanent deal from FC Porto.
The Serbia striker has gone in the opposite direction, from hero to zero. It’s now a question of which club will sign the 25-year-old, as he is the highest-paid Serie A player.
Tudor has Canada international Jonathan David as his new target man. The prolific goal poacher became the club’s first summer signing, and is expected to replace Vlahovic.
Tudor does not favor wide players
As Tudor’s 3-4-2-1 tactical approach doesn’t encourage wide players, there will be a plethora of attackers who are anticipated to depart like Juventus Next Gen graduate Samuel Mbangula.
Belgium U21 ace Mbangula has joined the German Bundesliga's SV Werder Bremen, despite Juve refusing to entertain the versatile youngster from leaving just six months ago.
Tudor kicks off their summer schedule with a gentle friendly opener against Serie B outfit AC Reggiana on 2 August, which will be followed by a visit to Germany against Borussia Dortmund on 10 August.
Reggiana boss Davide Dionigi brings his squad to the Juventus Training Center Continassa for a behind closed doors contest (11am ko CEST).
10-year wait for Dortmund to host Juve
Dortmund will host Juventus inside the Signal Iduna Park on 10 August (5.30pm ko CEST). The teams have not met since 2015, when the Bianconeri romping past the German giants 3-0 to breeze into the Champions League quarter-finals.
Although they have a fortnight to prepare for their Serie A when Parma visit the Allianz Stadium, the club have only signed a trio of players so far this summer. Defender Joao Mario has been added to the squad after signing from Porto, to join the arrivals of Conceicao and David.
Juve’s promised shake-up should be virtually complete by the time their pre-season friendlies have been wrapped up, although they do appear to be in disarray at the moment.