Why Mattia De Sciglio Would Be a Bad Signing for Juventus

When the transfer market opens in July, one of Juventus' priorities will likely be a right-back.

That's not because the current right-back has underperformed.  Quite the contrary—Stephan Lichtsteiner has continued the excellent play he's put up since he arrived from Lazio in 2011, filling a gaping hole in the lineup that had previously been held by the likes of Zdenek Grygera and Marco Motta—that last one being a name that still brings back bad memories for Juventini.

But regardless of how well the Swiss Express continues to play, right-back is still a need.  For one thing, Lichtsteiner's only backup, Martin Caceres, is likely to move on when his contact expires at the end of the season.  Depth is needed.  

For another, Lichtsteiner turned 32 in January, and no one can go on forever.  Juventus needs to start developing a succession plan for when the Switzerland international does begin to falter.

One name that surfaced during the winter transfer window was Mattia De Sciglio of AC Milan.  

In February, the 23-year-old's agent told Tuttosport (h/t Football Italia) that his client was "very close to Juventus in January," and last week Quotidiano Sportivo reported (also via Football Italia) that head coach Massimiliano Allegri has asked the club to buy the full-back this year, with €10 million being the reported price.

It's not a move Juventus should make.

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Three years ago, the idea of signing De Sciglio would have been impossible, because there would have been no way Milan would let him go after he broke out in the 2012-13 season.  

According to WhoScored.com, he recorded a career-high 2.9 tackles per game, along 1.5 interceptions.  He notched a pair of assists and displayed excellent crossing ability and the versatility to play on either flank.  All indications were that the comparisons to Milan legend Paolo Maldini were on their way to being realized.

Then things fell apart. We're not talking about a stagnation in development here, we're talking about an out-and-out decline.

In the years since, De Sciglio has regressed in a major way.  Injuries have played a part, limiting him to 15 starts in 2013-14 and 16 the next year.  But when he has played, he hasn't impressed.  

He's the clear third-choice full-back behind Ignazio Abate and Luca Antonelli.  Nineteen-year-old Davide Calabria impressed early this year when injuries pressed him into a starting role, putting pressure on De Sciglio from behind.

What's behind this regression?  Injuries and inconsistent playing time certainly had a part in it, as they prevented him from developing an on-field rhythm.  His versatility could actually be more of a curse than a blessing, as he has shuffled from the right to the left frequently depending on who else is healthy and in form.  The fact that he's had four coaches in the last three years probably doesn't help either.

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He may also be suffering under the pressure of expectation.  

Comparisons to an iconic figure like Maldini create massive expectations, and if a player begins to falter under them—no matter how young they are—they are set upon and carved apart by media and fans alike. That can't be good for their confidence.

It's possible that a change of scenery will do De Sciglio good.  Moving to another club—one where he won't be in the shadow of Maldini—could give him new life.  A reunion with Allegri, who presided over his breakout, could also be beneficial.

But a team in Juve's position shouldn't be looking to bring in reclamation projects.  If the last seven games of this season go to plan, the Turin side will be looking for a record sixth consecutive Scudetto next season.  They'll also look to take the next step to become true contenders in the UEFA Champions League.

If they're to do that, the Bianconeri will need a surer thing behind Lichtsteiner.  There are other players who could be available in the market that are just as young and talented but aren't damaged goods.

Sassuolo's 24-year-old Croatia international Sime Vrsaljko has been liked with Juve by the likes of Italian transfer guru Gianluca Di Marzio (h/t Football Italia) since July.  Udinese's Silvan Widmer has been linked by the likes of Tuttosport (h/t Football Italia) for even longer.

Vrsaljko in particular is a promising talent who would be a natural successor to Lichtsteiner.  His reading of the game is outstanding—exemplified by his 2.5 interceptions per game, as clocked by WhoScored.

He's also averaging nearly two tackles a game and is a force going forward.  He's notched four assists this year and has had seven since his arrival at Sassuolo last year.  He doesn't do it just with crosses either—he averages 1.1 key passes per match, an indication of how well he can read the game at both ends of the field.

De Sciglio has talent, and if it can be tapped again, he could realize some—if not all—of the potential that he showed three seasons ago.  A change of scenery could be good for him.

But he's not a good fit for Juve—especially at an eight-figure price.  The Bianconeri are in a position where they would be far better served with someone like Vrsaljko, who won't have to make a comeback before showing his true quality.

De Sciglio is an option that should be far down on the list.  The Bianconeri have better options in the market to find Lichtsteiner's successor.