One of the Greatest European Teams Ever? Juventus 2005-2006 Squad

Adrian AgiusJun 7, 2018

After the 2006 Calciopoli scandal there is no doubting that Juventus have not yet rebuilt.

The squad from 2005-2006 were labelled as "cheaters" and "undeserving" of the title—which is now set to be revoked from Inter, resulting in two consecutive years 2005 and 2006 that no Serie A Title would have been awarded.

Yet call them "cheaters" if you like—I don't think so— there is no doubting that the squad assembled by Juventus in 2005-2006 was one of the strongest in all of Europe. Regardless of whether you like Juve or not, this squad had potential to be one of the greats.

Let us take a look at one of the greatest Juventus squads ever assembled, even if they were only together for a few years.

Adrian is the Editor at Play the Advantage Football

Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Buffon

1 of 13

Although part of his 2005 season was disrupted by injury, Buffon still proved to be an irreplaceable asset at Juventus.

He boasts the record of having won eight successive Serie A goalkeeper of the year awards (1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008).

After the 2005 Calciopoli scandal, Buffon stayed with Juventus, his agent claiming that "Buffon has never won the Serie B and would like to." He returned to the Serie A in 2008 and took back the place of best goalkeeper.

He is still at Juventus to this day.

Right Back: Jonathan Zebina

2 of 13

The former French International stayed with Juventus until last season.

Although he wasn't classed as being the best defender in the world, his ability to play anywhere along the back line helped Juventus during times where injury got the better of players. Eventually, he cemented the left back position until Giorgio Chiellini proved himself.

Zebina played for Brescia for a year and is now looking for a new club after terminating his contract.

Centre Back: Fabio Cannavaro

3 of 13

Juventus were graced with a number of leaders on the pitch. One such leader was former Italian captain Fabio Cannavaro. his first stint at Juventus saw him lead one of the best defences in all of Europe.

His tactical awareness and strength on the ball made him a defender to be reckoned with.

He left Juventus after Calciopoli to Real Madrid but returned a few years later. Upon his return, he partnered Giorgio Chiellini at the back, but was never able to recapture his form.

He left Juventus in 2010 moving to Al Ahli. He played there for a year before retiring from football.

Centre Back: Lilian Thuram

4 of 13

Ranks among the greatest centre backs of all time.

Lilian Thuram not only represented Juventus 200 times, but is to this date, the most capped French International player of all time. He formed countless unbreakable defensive partnerships during his time at Juve. He scored two goals all up during his time but will be remembered for his crunching tackles.

Thuram left Juventus after Calciopoli to Barcelona but had to call it quits on his career after being diagnosed with a rare heart condition.

Left Back: Gianluca Zambrotta

5 of 13

Zambrotta was first introduced to Juventus in 1999.

Since then, he developed into the best wing-back of his generation and was on the radar of clubs such as Chelsea, Madrid, Barcelona and AC Milan (Where he is today). Although since he left Juve, he never recaptured his form.

After Calciopoli he left for Barcelona and following a "below-par performance" as he describes it, returned to Italy joining up with AC Milan.

Right Midfield: Mauro Camoranesi

6 of 13

Camoranesi to this day still lives in the minds of Juventus fans.

Although he does not play at the club anymore, he was one of the few who pledged loyalty to Juventus during the season in Serie B. He made his mark on the world as a right midfield.

He represented Italy on numerous occasions and collected a World Cup winning medal in the process.

Camorenasi left Juventus in 2010 after 224 appearances. He moved to Stuttgart, and after seven matches, left back to his original birth country to play for Lanus.

Centre Midfield: Emerson

7 of 13

He only played for two seasons at Juventus but notched up 67 appearances for the Bianconeri.

The Brazilian provided the creative flair Juve needed in the midfield, linking up superbly with the men upfront. He left after Calciopoli but quickly stated his desire to return to the club after poor performances at Madrid.

Emerson returned to Italy, but to AC Milan where he made little impact on the side. He left Milan for Santos in 2009 and is now retired.

Centre Midfield: Patrick Viera

8 of 13

Remembered for his time at Arsenal, Patrick Viera spent three seasons at Juventus.

During his time at the club, he was Juve's "hard man" in midfield. Joining in 2005, he only spent a year at the club making 21 appearances. He never really recaptured the form that made him superior at Arsenal. Nevertheless he proved good enough to hold a position in the centre of midfield for Juve.

After Calciopoli, he left to rivals Inter. He is now retired after a short stint with Manchester City.

Left Midfield: Pavel Nedved

9 of 13

The most successful Czech player of all time (from the new Czech Republic).

Pavel Nedved was simply "awesome" during his time at Juventus. At Turin, he won the Balon d'Or, led Juventus to a Champions League final and a number of Serie A titles. He formed the core of Juventus after Calciopoli pledging his loyalty to Juve.

He stayed at Juve until 2009 when he retired as a legend of the club. He now works in the administrative ranks of the club.

Striker: David Trezeguet

10 of 13

As goalscorers go, Trezeguet ranks as the best foreign goalscorer at Juventus and fourth on the all-time scorers list. He formed a formidable attacking force together with Del Piero at the club.

He remained loyal to Juventus during Calciopoli, helping Juve to return to the Serie A the very next season.

He was a French International scoring 34 times in 71 appearances.

Trezeguet left Juve in 2010 for Spanish side Hercules, scoring 12 goals in his first season at the club.

Striker: Alessandro Del Piero

11 of 13

The colours of black and white surely run through Del Piero's veins.

He is a leader, goalscorer, free-kick specialist, gentlemen on and off the pitch and has broken every possible record at Juventus. Del Piero has played at Juventus for 18 years now, winning countless Serie A titles and scoring 205 goals in the process.

Del Piero proved his role as captain of Juventus was justified by staying at Juve during Calciopoli. Age hasn't seemed to slow the legendary No. 10 down, netting 11 times in Juventus' most recent campaign.

He still plays for Juventus signing a one-year contract extension recently.

Coach: Fabio Capello

12 of 13

Capello has coached at countless great clubs. Milan, Madrid and Juventus not to mention his current role as England head coach and former role as Italian head coach.

Capello left Juventus after Calciopoli, losing both the titles he had won with Juventus as a result of the allegations.