11/05/24
July 14, 2006
Juventus Unplugged: The Old Lady goes down. : Lazio and Fiorentina join the drop, AC Milan start the season 44 points in the hole. Should be interesting to see if they can avoid relegation. For Sale: World Cup Winner. Name your price.
posted by Texan_lost_in_NY to soccer at 06:10 PM - 13 comments
ooops.
posted by Texan_lost_in_NY at 08:19 PM on July 14, 2006
My big question is, is there enough money in America to lure one or two of those Juve players to MLS? I doubt it, but one can hope, no?
posted by rgchappell at 07:02 AM on July 15, 2006
Wow, that is a lot of big-name talent up for grabs!
posted by smithers at 11:32 AM on July 15, 2006
It will mainly be loan deals or cut-price with a buy-back clause for Juve players. Cannavaro is the only one likely to go for big money IMO.
posted by walrus at 11:43 AM on July 15, 2006
There is no way any of the players will come to the MLS. Beckham will probably be the first in a few years. After that it all depends on how much money will be invested into the league. If there is enough more will follow.
posted by wc2010 at 12:41 PM on July 15, 2006
I think you're on to something there, Walrus - I don't think there are many Italian clubs who can afford to pick up those over the side at Juve on full time deals. Inter might have enough clout to buy one or maybe two, but I think anyone moving permanently, for real money, will be leaving Italy. Anyone staying in the boot could well go on a "special" deal to an A club until Juve bounce back. I think Toni will be one of the ones moving on permanently.
posted by Mr Bismarck at 02:35 PM on July 15, 2006
Literally, the price paid for being "who you are".....
posted by wolfdad at 05:08 PM on July 15, 2006
van Nistelrooy, out Toni in? Ferguson has also been a big admirer of Gattuso for some time now and you have to wonder if Milan can keep him. He may be the only player in the world close to bringing the same as Keane.
posted by Texan_lost_in_NY at 08:27 PM on July 15, 2006
Milan will have no trouble staying in Serie A though, Texan. If you take 15 off their tally for last season I think they still finish fourth and that was in a division with Juve, Fiorentina and Lazio. They miss European football this year, but with a weaker Serie A, there's no reason why they can't take their -15 start point and still make European competition in 07/08.
posted by Mr Bismarck at 03:47 AM on July 16, 2006
You're right, Mr. B., but a guy can be hopeful.
posted by Texan_lost_in_NY at 12:09 PM on July 16, 2006
I'm very hopeful about Manchester United - I hope a decent sized comet strikes Old Trafford for a start.
posted by Mr Bismarck at 01:06 PM on July 16, 2006
c'mon, Mr. B., I know you're breaking down the doors to get one of these. What I want to know is, what the hell is Rio jumping over, and will it do severe damage to his jewels upon landing? It would certainly even the playing field if more footie was played in the jungle.
posted by Texan_lost_in_NY at 01:26 PM on July 16, 2006
*cough* It is a shocker of a story though. I have Juve needing more than 20 wins next season, just to stay in Serie B.