Despite their relegation in 2006, Juve managed to hold on to a core of their top stars, including strikers David Trezeguet and Alessandro del Piero, Gianluigi Buffon - rated the best goalkeeper in the world - and midfielder Pavel Nedved.
Despite relying on the likes of Patrik Berger and Pavel Nedved to implement his policy of attack, he was quick to overlook Berger in the warm-up games when he knew a replacement would be needed for the Liverpool midfielder who is suspended for the first two games.