Editorialist and market man for Tuttomercatoweb, he is a speaker and host for Radio Sportiva. Market expert for Rai Sport
Federico Chiesa and Juventus it was a story destined to end. A defeat for everyone. For the club that invested millions in Chiesa. For the player himself who thought he had found the home of a lifetime and a football career in black and white. For the coach that was, Massimiliano Allegri, who was unable to enhance him tactically and vice versa also for the player who showed he was unable to adapt to the choices of the Livorno coach. Federico Chiesa at Liverpool, however, is a victory. For everyone.
Juventus chooses its own path. And Chiesa… Takes a step forward
Thiago Motta had chosen his technical project and it did not include Chiesa. The Juventus management handed the keys to the future to Motta who, in agreement with Cristiano Giuntoli, chose to give up the Italian striker. His style of play is not in line with that of the former Bologna coach, and Chiesa’s very heavy salary is not in line with the Old Lady’s salary philosophy. Goodbye at the cost of not earning something, even losing something, but not leaving a very heavy burden in the locker room with possible (certain) internal and media consequences to follow. And Chiesa? He takes a step forward. Because the current reality of Liverpool is that of one of the biggest battleships in Europe and Juventus is not up to par at this moment in history. The results achieved in recent years at home and in Europe have led the Reds to be one of the best in the world and Chiesa will go to compete for his place with some of the best strikers ever, from Diaz to Salah.
Why didn’t the Italians bet on us?
The narration of Chiesa’s story and his downward spiral have somehow also had an effect on the appeal he has had among our clubs. Although esteemed by Antonio Conte and Daniele De Rossi, when Chiesa’s name was mentioned to the fans of Naples and Rome, few would have considered him as the big signing of the summer. Inter were thinking about him but only as a free transfer opportunity and the fact that he didn’t go to a direct competitor was also a good thing for Juventus. Why didn’t they take a chance on him? On the one hand, because Chiesa’s story in Italy has led to him no longer being a cover man. On the other, because of the tactical doubts, the salary, the many problems that have accompanied him even in recent weeks. Why did Liverpool do it? Because he needed a touch-up. Because Chiesa is an economic opportunity that, at 12 million plus 3 in bonuses, with a similar salary, a great English team couldn’t miss out on. And it’s another snapshot of the gap between our league and the English one. Good luck, Federico. It’s the chance to become Great again.