Why Juventus Should Not Bring Pablo Osvaldo Back to Turin

Pablo Osvaldo could make a surprising return to Juventus in the coming weeks, according to new reports. But the Serie A champions would be better off without their former forward, who brings more trouble with him than success on the pitch.

The rumour originates in Portugal, where the 29-year-old Osvaldo is currently on the books with Porto. According to A Bola (h/t Football Italia), Osvaldo could "rescind" his contract with the Primeira Liga side and rejoin Juventus following his 2014 loan spell in Turin:

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The Bianconeri may reinforce their attack this winter with a former player of theirs, albeit one known for his short temper.

According to Portuguese newspaper A Bola, Osvaldo may rescind his contract with Porto in the near future, leaving him as a free agent.

This would allow Juventus to pick him up for free if they believe Coach Max Allegri can handle the player.

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The final sentence is the key one. Signing Osvaldo could give Juventus depth in the attack as the Bianconeri chase honours on multiple fronts. After their awful start to the season, Allegri's men currently sit seventh in the Serie A table, nine points behind leaders Fiorentina.

In Europe, Juventus are in position to advance to the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League. Through four of six matches, the Bianconeri trail Group D leaders Manchester City by one point. Sevilla are five points behind in third place.

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With fixtures set to pile up in the new year, a veteran like Osvaldo could be a valuable addition to the squad. With Porto this season, the 29-year-old has scored once in six league appearances (five as a substitute). He has played just four minutes in the Champions League (h/t WhoScored.com).

If he were another player, Osvaldo's experience would serve as an asset to Allegri. However, the forward's past makes a move less appealing.

Last February, his loan spell with Inter Milan ended early after reports of "bust-ups" with team-mates, per FourFourTwo. In January of 2014, Southampton suspended Osvaldo for two weeks following a fight with team-mate Jose Fonte on the training ground (h/t BBC Sport).

That same season, the Italian forward drew a three-match ban for his role in a touchline incident during a game with Newcastle (h/t Nick Purewal of the Independent). Southampton terminated his contract this past summer.

For the Guardian, Jacob Steinberg wrote the following of Osvaldo in 2014:

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There will always be people who are confident enough to think they will be the one to tame the bad boy.

Mauricio Pochettino thought he was The One. He was convinced that he could keep Dani Osvaldo under control at Southampton. After all, Pochettino knew what made the volatile striker tick, having worked with Osvaldo at Espanyol.

How misguided that conviction has turned out to be, though.

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“This is something nobody expects. It is completely unpredictable. In light of that, there is no explanation I can give," Mauricio Pochettino, who was then Southampton's manager, said of the Newcastle incident, per Alex Crook of the Daily Mirror. “More than anything, Dani needs to feel he has let himself down—everyone has to take responsibility for their actions. We need to focus on what is best for this club."

If Juventus really are considering a move to bring the striker back to Turin, the club's directors ought to consider Pochettino's words.

Though Osvaldo might still be capable of helping the club, his presence in the dressing room would represent a risk to the team.