Juventus President Jean-Claude Blanc caused quite a stir last week. Following comments made to the media, the Frenchman has stated his intent to embellish the Bianconeri jersey with a third star next season, provided his club successfully claim the Scudetto this term. Somewhat controversial when you consider his disregard of the decision made to rescind two Serie A titles following Juve’s alleged involvement in the Calciopoli scandal in 2006.

‘You know that on all our official documents there are 29 Scudetti, with two asterisks for those that they have taken away from us’.

As part of a proud footballing tradition for clubs in Italy, a commemorative golden star signifies 10 winning Scudetti titles, with Juventus currently the most successful side in history with 29, or 27 as it may be, Serie A titles to their name. Thus, on winning another title, Juve will be in line to add a third star to their collection. We all have our opinions on the scandal that rocked Italian football back in 2006, and we have dealt with the subsequent punishments. However, the fact remains that Juventus lifted the Serie A trophy on those two occasions and we are perfectly within our rights to celebrate a potential 30th Scudetti. There are no rules to prevent us from taking this action, and so it is perfectly acceptable that it should be considered for next year, depending on what happens on the pitch this season.

Expectedly, there will be many that object to this view, namely Inter’s tifosi who are chasing down our record, and fast. However, despite all the allegations, and I emphasise allegations, the players involved in those two years were good enough over a 38-match course, 76 in total, to clinch success. It is also worth noting that the evidence was inconclusive and the verdicts are still widely-debated today with recent civil appeals supporting the argument against any wrongdoing. Without solely re-opening the debate on the Calciopoli, there were sound reasons why Juve accepted their punishment at the time, none of them on the basis of guilt. In the eyes of many Bianconeri fans those titles should be counted, and I for one will proudly wear the black & white jersey next year, in the hope that there will be three stars emblazed on my chest.

Perhaps it was intended as a PR act, a gesture to gain the support of the Juve faithful. On deeper consideration, it is a very important statement from the club. All in all, my main concern is to first see a title winning campaign and worry about the implications as and when they arise. Despite the disappointment of succumbing to an enthralling comeback from Napoli last night, let us hope it will be a headache that we will have to consider next summer! Forza Juve!