Juventus: Starting XI for the 2011-12 Serie A Season

Juventus have been very active on the transfer market of late, and have a number of new players to consider in the starting line-up.

Antonio Conte will most likely employ a 4-4-2 formation, which is what the article will base itself on. However do not be surprised to see a possible 4-3-3 formation be employed throughout the year.

So let's take a look a Juventus 2011/2012.

Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Buffon

Name: Gianluigi Buffon

Age: 33 

Nationality: Italian (Italy)

Position: Goalkeeper

Other Players Vying for the position: Marco Storari, Alex Manninger

Last Season: 17 Appearances 0 Goals

Buffon always proves to be a reliable choice between the sticks. Last season was marred by injury so he, as well as Juventus fans around the world will be hoping the Italian number one can produce a great season.

Left Back: Reto Ziegler

Name: Reto Ziegler

Age: 25 

Nationality: Swiss (Switzerland)

Position: Left Back, Left Winger

Other Players Vying for the position: Paolo De Ceglie, Fabio Grosso

Last Season: Played for Sampdoria who got relegated from the Serie A

Ziegler knows what it is like to play in the Serie A spending three seasons with Sampdoria, but he has also played in the EPL and Bundesliga. He will surely secure Juventus' left back position which has been so vulnerable in the past.

Centre Back: Giorgio Chiellini

Name: Giorgio Chiellini

Age: 26

Nationality: Italian (Italy)

Position: Centre Back, Left Back

Other Players Vying for the position: Andrea Barzagli, Zdenek Grygera

Last Season: 37 Appearances for Juventus and 3 Goals.

Chiellini has established himself as one of the best defenders in all of Europe over the past few years. Solid at the back, as well as versatile he will ensure that Juventus are almost unbeatable at the back in 2011/2012

Center Back: Leonardo Bonucci

Name: Lenonardo Bonucci

Age: 24

Nationality: Italian (Italy)

Position: Centre Back

Other Players Vying for the position: Andrea Barzagli, Zdenek Grygera

Last Season: 34 appearances and 1 goal 

Bonucci signed for Juventus from Bari last season, and although he did not make the same impact he did for Bari at Juventus, he was one of the better defenders on the squad. His partnership with Chiellini will prove crucial if Juventus are to go on to win the title.

Right Back: Stephan Lichtsteiner

Name: Stephan Lichtsteiner

Age: 27

Nationality: Swiss (Switzerland)

Position: Right Back

Other Players Vying for the position: Marco Motta, Frederik Sorenson,

Last Season: 35 appearances for Lazio in the Serie A

The final part in a new look Juventus backline. Lichtsteiner joins Swiss counter-part Ziegler in what will hopefully be a free flowing Juventus wing back position. Lichtsteiner is nicknamed "Forrest Gump" for his free flowing runs down the wings.

Left Midfield: Simone Pepe

Name: Simone Pepe

Age: 27 

Nationality: Italian (Italy)

Position: Left Midfielder, Right Midfielder

Other Players Vying for the position: Jorge Martinez, Albin Ekdal

Last Season: 37 appearances and 4 goals

Simone Pepe may not be the most technically gifted player on the field, but if there is one thing that you will get from him, it is that he will give it his all no matter the situation. Pepe also proves to be one of the fittest players on the pitch making the left side of the field his own with his tireless effort.

Center Midfield: Andrea Pirlo

Name: Andrea Pirlo

Age: 32

Nationality: Italian (Italy)

Position: Central Midfield

Other Players Vying for the position: Claudio Marchisio, Albin Ekdal, Michele Pazienza, Manuel Giandonatao

Last Season: 25 appearances and one goal for Milan

Andrea Pirlo has established himself as one of the great modern day midfielders. His passing ability is something marvelled by younger players coming through the ranks not to mention his free kick and shooting ability. The Italian will prove to be a useful asset and a great signing for Juventus.

Center Midfield: Arturo Vidal

Name: Arturo Vidal

Age: 24

Nationality: Chilean (Chile)

Position: Centre Midfield

Other Players Vying for the position: Claudio Marchisio, Albin Ekdal, Michele Pazienza, Manuel Giandonatao

Last Season: Played with Bayern Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, leading them to the final of the German Cup.

Arturo Vidal is quite possibly the best signing Juventus made this transfer window. The Chilean brings to Turin consistency along with technical ability. Something Juventus has somewhat lacked in their last few campaigns. Along side Andrea Pirlo he will prove to be a formidable force in midfield.

Right Midfield: Milos Krasic

Name: Milos Krasic

Age: 26

Nationality: Serbian (Serbia)

Position: Left Midfielder, Left Winger

Other Players Vying for the position: Jorge Martinez, Luca Marrone

Last Season: 41 appearances and 9 goals

Milos Krasic was arguably Juventus' best player last season. After a move from CSKA Moscow, Krasic went on to scroe a number of crucial goals and bag a number of assists. Although Juventus' league standing did not reflect his performance, he will be a real danger for other clubs in the Serie A.

Striker: Alessandro Matri

Name: Alessandro Matri

Age: 26

Nationality: Italian (Italy)

Position: Striker

Other Players Vying for the position: Fabio Quagliarella, Alessandro Del Piero, Vincenzo Iaquinta, Luca Toni, Cristian Pasquato

Last Season: 39 appearances and 20 goals between Juventus and Cagliari

Alessandro Matri was brought to Juventus on loan to ease the pain of being dished out by other clubs on the Old Lady. He grabbed nine goals in 16 appearances for Juventus, and somewhat prevented the Bianconeri from tumbling further down the table. Upfront he will be key to Juventus' title chances.

Striker: Mirko Vucinic

Name: Mirko Vucinic

Age: 27

Nationality: Montenegrian (Montenegro)

Position: Striker, Left Wing

Other Players Vying for the position: Fabio Quagliarella, Alessandro Del Piero, Vincenzo Iaquinta, Luca Toni, Cristian Pasquato

Last Season: 11 goals in 36 appearances

Mirko Vucinic will prove to be Juventus' "marquee" signing for 2011/2012. He proved to be a crucial part of Roma's attack last season. His size and power are a combination that most defenders feared. Combined with Matri, Quagliarella and Del Piero Juventus will have a potent attack, probably the best in Italy!