TMW
Antonio Barillà, a writer for ‘La Stampa’, is a journalist covering the national team at Euro 2024
Antonio Barillà, what idea did you have about Di Lorenzo’s future after his press conference?
“He didn’t go out of his way, he made a single aside to comment on Conte’s sentences and on that occasion he expressed important words about the Napoli coach. But the fact that he postponed any choice, as well as implying a concentration for the Azzurri, is understandable , it may also mean that he has ideas that will need to be revised in light of the dialogues. Conte’s entry is not enough to mend the rift, we must still expect a tug of war to see to what extent the rift can be healed di Conte has designed a new scenario, but the initial position of rupture has the impression of being real”.
Is an exchange with Chiesa possible? His adventure at Juventus seems to be at a crossroads
“Chiesa is not a tolerated player, he is part of Juve’s plans but he is not untouchable. This is both for tactical and renewal reasons given that the new contract risks being very onerous in light of the initial discussions between the parties. Napoli on input di Conte is one of the interested teams, but whoever wants him will have to deal with a significant salary. Having said that, he is on the market: the exchange can only become a reality if all the parties involved want it.”
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A new Juve is being born with Motta. Can you already imagine an eleven?
“It’s difficult to answer today, but for a very simple reason: Juventus is working on many fronts and with profit, but they have a budget of 40 million and the rest will have to come from sales. This means that if they manage to make exiting moves there is an important range of market prospects, otherwise some sacrifices will necessarily have to be made. This is why a picture will only be possible to outline in a little while when the gap between exits and entry will give us the real budget. Giuntoli works on multiple tables but he must deal with the highest wages in Serie A despite the sacrifices made: the balance sheet has improved but is not yet in the black. And huge investments will have to be made in midfield because quality is necessary.”
Returning to Di Lorenzo, what could his market value be given that Conte has declared him untransferable?
“He is a player who has an important value and the European Championship can further amplify it. From a Juve perspective, if it were not to be negotiated on the basis of an exchange, it would lead to a further tightening because it would be an important investment in a role that today , for Giuntoli, is not a priority”.
