New season, same old story. After a summer of lavish spending in the transfer market, the ‘new Juve’ were set to begin the new season in emphatic fashion by comfortably defeating Bari in the season opener. However, after toiling for large parts at the San Nicola, the home side were victorious thanks to a blockbuster strike from Massimo Donati.

Coach Gigi Del Neri handed debuts to several newcomers including Fabio Quagliarella, but the ex-Napoli striker was unable to get his side off the mark. In truth, the Bianconeri looked poor and failed to really trouble the Bari goal. Alex Del Piero was valiant as ever in trying his utmost to break down a stubborn home defence but to no avail with many of his team-mates anonymous for huge slices of the game.

So what does this mean for the new look Juve? Are we to expect more of the same from last season or is this a minor blip in a promising future for the club? With so many new faces it will naturally take time for the side to gel and establish themselves in the starting XI. With rivals Roma and Inter failing to find a way through against newly-promoted Cesena and Bologna respectively, results suggest that this season will be a long, hard slog for the top teams as the standards continue to rise.

Milan looked especially impressive as they crushed Lecce 4-0 at San Siro thanks to a brace from Alexandre Pato, and Massimiliano Allegri looks to have found the right formula. Having to play catch up to these sides will prove to be a very daunting prospect for Del Neri as the pressure will inevitably build.

As we leave Serie A for the international break, Juve will hope to bounce back as they welcome Sampdoria to the Olimpico in a fortnight’s time. Following their impressive home victory against Lazio on Sunday night, Del Neri will hope to put one over his old side and kick-start his season in Bianconeri colours.

Trezeguet departs after 10 years ©AP

On a separate note, Bianconeri tifosi bid farewell to a legend this week as David Trezeguet confirmed his exit from the club to join Spanish side Hercules. After almost 10 years at the club, the Frenchman has become the highest scoring foreign player in Juve colours and will long be remembered for the glory he brought in a Bianconero jersey. Grazie Trezegol!