There are those who convince but do not conquer. And those who, in silence, take back the stage. From here a perfect fit can arise
Juve, Di Gregorio è un “ni”: scambio portieri con la rivale (Foto: Ansa) – serieanews.com
There is a verb in soccer that is not willingly conjugated, but it still pops up from time to time. Neither win nor lose, neither convince nor disappoint: stay in the middle. It is the verb that today best tells the story of Michele Di Gregorio’s first season in a Juventus jersey. A championship that is neither a full yes nor a resounding no. A “ni,” in fact.
He was taken from Monza with a clear idea in mind: lower the salary cap, raise the freshness and, perhaps, find a medium- to long-term profile between the posts. The price? Important: 18 million euros plus bonuses. But Juventus had made up its mind: change. Away with Szczesny, in with Di Gregorio.
In a complicated year for Juve as a whole – with peaks of tension more than of play – the former Monza goalkeeper did his part. No ducks, a few important interventions, but also that constant feeling of not being the man to change the face of the team. In short, without too much infamy or praise.
And in fact in Turin, between coffee and meetings, someone began to wonder: is this really the best we can afford between the posts? Not because Di Gregorio is not up to it. But because, if there is room for improvement, Juve is not the type to have qualms.
Juve, Di Gregorio non convince? Idea scambio con De Gea
And lo and behold, a name, in mid-spring, begins to turn. Not just any name. One who knows what it means to play to win, and who has been quietly making waves for months. A name who is back in the game with the same hunger as a rookie, but with his reflexes still intact. The scene, however, is not Turin. It is Florence.
Juve, Di Gregorio non convince? Idea scambio con De Gea (AnsaFoto) – serieanews.com
Hard to imagine, just a year ago. David De Gea, out of the big leagues, walking around after his farewell to Manchester United. Then the Fiorentina call, the gamble, the rebirth. The Spaniard’s season has been simply sumptuous. Highlights saves, quiet leadership, personality to spare. And one certainty: he is back.
The contract? One year with option. But that’s not the point. Because if De Gea, at 35, decides he wants one last big challenge-and if Juventus knocks on the door-Fibrentina would certainly not put sticks in his gloves. Not least because, in the meantime, an idea looms that has some logic: Di Gregorio in the purple with Raffaele Palladino (if he stays), who did wonders with him at Monza.
It would not be an actual exchange, but almost. A natural fit. De Gea for experience and solidity, Di Gregorio for the future. And to complete the department, Juve could also think of flanking the Spaniard with a youngster to grow. To wit, one like Monza’s Turati, whom we already mentioned a few days ago.
On paper it sounds like a suggestion, moreover already readily denied by both sides. But between technical entanglements, prior relationships and shared goals, this idea has a firmer foundation than many others. Because in soccer, when the “ni” lasts too long, it almost always becomes a “no” in disguise.
This article Juve, Di Gregorio is a “ni”: goalkeeper swap with rival appeared first on SerieANews.
