Black and White Stripes: Juventus Week 1 Preseason Recap

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Juventus' 2011/2012 campaign looks set to be one of the most important in recent times. With major changes occurring in Turin, this season could dictate Juventus' progress in years to come. This new segment called Black and White Stripes will take a look at all the happenings from Turin on a weekly basis.

The segments will include:

A match report from the most recent game

Transfer rumours and signings and news

What did they say? (quotes and comments from Juventus related persons)

Juventus video of the week

Look back into the past (relive a great moment)

So without any further ado, onto Juventus preseason Week 1: 2011/2012

Juventus' American Tour: A Recap

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After spending 10 days in America ahead of the 2011/2012 season, Juventus headed back to Turin. All in all the Bianconeri ended up with a 2-1 record against their opposition, and although there were minor flashes of brilliance (MINOR), the overall consensus is that there is a lot to work on before the 2011/2012 season.

Let's recap on how the Bianconeri faired:

Juventus 1 - Sporting Lisbon 2 saw the new-look Bianconeri together for the first time. Understandably Conte's men were a little shaky throughout the match conceding two goals, one of which was a spectacular effort. Although, Juventus will take comfort in the fact that captain Alessandro Del Piero still has it, scoring a remarkable chip towards the end and ensuring that Juventus could take something positive from the match.

(Y.Djalo 13', 36'; A.Del Piero 80')

Juventus 1 - Club America 0 proved to be the first win for the new-look Bianconeri. After minor tweaking from the first match, youngster Pasquato got on the score sheet, hammering home a well worked volley. The goal proved to be the only one of the match as Juventus ran out winners. Quagliarella and Matri played some nice passages upfront, but could not make them count.

(Pasquato 42')

Juventus 1 - Chivas 0 ended up being decided after the first 15 minutes. Fabio Quagliarella scored his first goal for Juventus after his long layoff. A defending error saw the former Napoli man pounce, to comfortably slot the ball into the net. 1-0 was how it stayed for the match. Juventus' defence recorded their second consecutive clean sheet in the process.

(Quagliarella 12')

Juventus now head to Chiusa Pesio where they will resume their preseason before clashing with Inter and AC Milan in the annual TIM Cup. They officially begin their Serie A campaign on the 28th of August away to Udinese.

Juventus Transfer News: Vucinic, a Left Midfielder and Players Leaving Turin

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Juventus confirmed the capture of Mirko Vucinic midweek, and his signing will definitely boost Juventus' chances of getting goals upfront. Paired with Matri, Quagliarella, Del Piero, Laquinta and Toni, Juventus will have one of the most potent attacking forces in the Serie A. The €15 million price tag, is certainly a bargain when compared with the €30 million being asked for Villarreal striker Giuseppe Rossi. 

Aside from Vucinic, Juventus is in the hint for a left midfielder. With Simone Pepe not the most ideal starting left midfielder Juventus have made their targets clear. Nani, Perotti and Vargas head the list of midfielders wanted at Turin. Each player will require a bid in excess of €10 million to secure his services, with Nani likely to attract a bid of over €20 million (probably out of the Juventus price range).

With the squad for the Chiusa Pesio training camp announced, two players, Amauri and Fabio Grosso were left out. With both players now considered fringe Juventus players, it would seem that their time at Juventus is nearly up. Where will they go? Well aside from back to Brazil for Amauri, there is a possibility that they may both be used in trying to lure Manuel Vargas to Juventus.

Juventus also announced the sale of 23,000 season tickets, which is up greatly from the previous year.

What They Said: Del Piero, Moggi, Marotta

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Yet again Moggi predicts the demise of Juventus before the season gets under way. Let us hope for our sake he isn't right!

Giuseppe Marotta said when asked about the future of players at the club particularly Manninger and Sorenson.

"For all other players, we can only say that we have great respect for those who are here and we would possibly consider proposing incentives for those who can't find a club to go to."

Alessandro Del Piero expressed his excitement for the upcoming season.

"The games that count are always getting closer and I cannot wait to get started,"

Luciano Moggi commented on AC Milan's chances of winning the Serie A in his weekly column. He also talked about a possible Tevez to Inter move.

"Milan's squad, though inferior, are favourites for the Scudetto next season,"

Mirko Vucinic upon his first interview in Juventus colours aid:

"I'm both excited and happy to be playing for Juventus. Roma was in my heart but it's over now.”

Video: How the New Juve Is Growing Up

Juventus' stars talk about their preparation for the upcoming season. Things look a lot calmer than in previous years. Hopefully they can start off their campaign with a win against Parma.

The video is courtesy of the Juventus YouTube channel.

Flashbacks: Juventus vs. Real Madrid 3-1 Champions League 2003

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Our first look back into the past takes us back to the second leg 2003 Champions League Semi Final clash between Juventus and Real Madrid. The clash was one of the most anticipated of the tournament with Juventus heading home to the Del Alpi down 1-0 on aggregate. The Turin Giants had assembled a squad which would go all out attack against Los Blancos.

With seemingly all the odds against them Juvenus did the impossible and progressed through at the expense of Madrid. Lead by captain Del Piero, the Bianconeri scored a 3-1 victory which included goals from the captain, David Trezeguet and Pavel Nedved. An inspirational performance by Buffon who saved a penalty also added to the magic of the night, which would surely live on in all the memories of the Juventus faithful. Juventus went on to lose on penalties in the Final.