Why Relegation Might Be Good For Juventus

The verdict in the Italian match fixing scandal has been delayed till later this week to allow Italians a few more days to revel in their nations World Cup victory before the taint of corruption pulls them all back down to earth like gravity on a watermelon. But unlike smashed watermelon, the debris of this scandal wont taste as sweet. Though it will contain some grit. Or will it. Perhaps relegation is just what Italian football, and Juve in particular, need.

Juve stormed out of the gates last year, but by mid season were beginning to show signs of age. Patrick Vieira, Juve’s high profile signing from Arsenal, personified the teams’ struggles, scoring a few early goals and steam rolling opponents then tiring by mid season. Pavel Nedved struggled with injury. Ibrahimovic and Trezeguet seeming forgot how to play together. The team that had built it’s self a huge lead in Serie A and looked unbeatable early on was taken to school but the youth and vision of Arsenal’s team of youngster in the Champions League. Beaten by AC Milan, their main title challengers, who are also facing charges for match fixing, Juve were losing the plot. They limped to the finish line, drawing 8 consecutive games as they closed out their season. Only their meteoric beginning that saved them in the end, winning the league by three points, barely holding off AC Milan.

Rumour has it Juve have already made an deal with prosecutors to accept relegation to Serie B/ Teams around Europe are lignin up to pick at the carcass. Juve have asked some players to stay on, for reduced wages, then, upon promotion to Serie A, be recompensed with bonuses. Nedved and Del Pierro have apparently agreed to this, but others, like the hard working Zambrotta and Cannavaro, are already house hunting in Milan and Madrid, respectively. Juve hope to loan out other of their high-priced talent for the year, till they return to Serie A.

This may be just what Juve need. In the Champions League, Juve were made to look like a retirement home side by Arsenal. They were run ragged by Arsenal’s movement. They seemed unable to come up with a response. Divisions appeared in the team, Ibrahimovic taking and giving much stick from his teammates for selfish play. Trezeguet, usually only of any use in the six yard box, found the sea a hard target to find from the beach. AC Milan nearly caught them in the end. They looked like a team of over-priced, aging, ego consumed old men playing at being world-beaters.

Relegation may be the best thing to happen to Juve. Blood some youngster and benchwarmers that are probably more deserving of playing time. Build a squad from the ground up with youth and the mentoring of a few veterans. New manager, Didier Decamps, formerly of Monaco who surprised many by making the Champions league final two seasons ago, is known as a no nonsense type manager hired specifically for the purpose of charting a demoted Juve’s course through Serie B back to the top flight. If nothing else, relegation may rid Italy’s most successful team of its complacency. Perhaps not. At least it will rid them of the cheating … in theory.