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Cristiano Ronaldo and co were hugely underwhelming in the 2020-21 season, as Juventus fell well short of winning a record-extending tenth consecutive Serie A title. The Bianconeri almost failed to secure a top-four finish, edging out fifth-placed Napoli by a solitary point.
Moreover, Juventus’ 25-year wait for a Champions League title also continued, as they stumbled in the Round of 16 hurdle for the second consecutive season. Along with the Coppa Italia, Cristiano Ronaldo’s exceptional goal-scoring form was one of the few positives for the Old Lady in the 2020-21 season. With 36 goals to his name across all competitions, Ronaldo finished the season as the Serie A and Juventus’ top goalscorer.
Under new manager Massimiliano Allegri, the Bianconeri faithful will be hoping for Juventus' revival of fortune. On that note, let's take a look at the five players who could partner Cristiano Ronaldo up-front for Juventus in the upcoming season.
#5 Dusan Vlahovic
Juventus have been heavily linked with Serbian international Dusan Vlahovic in the past few weeks. The 21-year-old produced impressive performances for Fiorentina last season and could partner Cristiano Ronaldo at Juventus next season.
Vlahovic found the back of the net 21 times in the 2020-21 Serie A campaign, finishing as the league’s fourth-highest goalscorer in a misfiring Fiorentina side. The Serbian was involved in over 44% of La Viola’s Serie A goals last season as he also notched up two assists.
Vlahovic would undoubtedly be a stellar signing, who will inject some dynamism and flair into the struggling Juventus outfit. The Serbian's goalscoring ability could prove to be the perfect foil for Cristiano Ronaldo. However, the Bianconeri will face stiff competition from the likes of Sevilla, Tottenham and Liverpool for the services of Vlahovic.
#4 Paulo Dybala
A regular starter at the Allianz Stadium since his arrival in 2015, Paulo Dybala has witnessed a significant dip in form in the past few seasons.
Nonetheless, the Argentine remains one of the most exciting talents in the game, as evidenced by his tally of 141 goal contributions (100 goals, 41 assists) at Juventus. Paulo Dybala will be keen to rediscover some of his old form in the upcoming season and pair up with Cristiano Ronaldo to form a lethal attacking partnership.
The 27-year-old often found himself restricted to the sidelines during Andrea Pirlo’s season-long tenure at the club. Injuries didn’t help either, as Dybala only made 26 appearances for the Bianconeri in the last campaign, ten from the bench.
Despite an underwhelming season, La Joya became the first non-European player to register 100 goals for the Old Lady. He reached the historic milestone against Sassuolo last season - the same match in which Cristiano Ronaldo brought up his 100th Juventus goal (in just 131 appearances) as well.
#3 Alvaro Morata
Alvaro Morata, on loan from Atletico Madrid, extended his loan stint for another season with the Bianconeri to join forces with Cristiano Ronaldo once again.
In 44 appearances across all competitions last season, Morata racked up 20 goals and 12 assists. The Spaniard was only second behind Ronaldo in Juventus’ goal-scoring charts for the 2020-21 campaign. Morata was also second in the assists chart among Juventus players.
The 28-year-old continued his fine goal-scoring form at Euro 2020, where he notched up three goals in six appearances. Morata was instrumental in Spain’s run to the semi-final, where he scored an 80th-minute equaliser against Ital before La Roja bowed out on penalties.
#2 Mauro Icardi
Mauro Icardi is another rumoured target of the Bianconeri. Exceptional performances in his six-year spell at Inter Milan earned him a move to PSG, where he formed a devastating attacking quartet with Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Angel Di Maria.
Initially brought in as a replacement for Edinson Cavani, the Argentine has struggled for first-team opportunities in the star-studded outfit. However, Icardi has showcased his immense potential in the limited playing time he received - registering an output of 33 goals and ten assists in 62 appearances in all competitions for the Parisians.
Despite playing for one of the most exciting teams in Europe, Icardi may consider a move back to Italy in search of regular first-team minutes. In a Juventus side that struggled in front of goal last season, Icardi may prove to be the injection of energy and pace the Old Lady and Cristiano Ronaldo are in desperate need of.
#1 Federico Chiesa
Italy’s Euro 2020 winner, Federico Chiesa, will be one of Juventus’ main men in the final third next season. Chiesa showcased immense talent for the Bianconeri during his first season at the club as he moved from Fiorentina on a year-long loan deal.
However, after his stellar displays at Euro 2020, Chiesa could form an ideal strike partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo. Only 23, the winger already possesses the pedigree and class to be Juventus’ leader in their forward line for many years to come.
Chiesa played a key role in Italy’s glorious Euro 2020 campaign, registering two goals from seven appearances. His best performance at the tournament arguably came in the all-important final, where he was a constant threat on Jordan Pickford’s goal down the right wing.
Bayern Munich’s new coach, Julian Nagelsmann, too, heaped praise on the Italian youngster, saying:
“I find him exceptional because he often goes for a one-on-one and then tries to shoot very quickly.”
However, the Old Lady will have their work cut out in retaining Federico Chiesa’s services for the upcoming season, as the likes of Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Manchester City are interested in the services of the youngster.
