Marotta: 'Juve must stay young'

By Football Italia staff

Juventus sporting director Beppe Marotta reveals his strategy is to keep 'a compact group' whilst lowering the average age.

The 59-year-old is cementing his reputation as one of Italy's most powerful directors after having been essential to the Bianconeri's dominance of Serie A for several years.

“If we're dominating now, it's precisely because we always did our best to keep a compact group,” he told Tuttosport. “Except for certain specific situations, and cases when it was inevitable.”

Marotta then discussed specific players such as Alvaro Morata and Sassuolo's Domenico Berardi.

“We'll define Alvaro's future in the next 10 days to two weeks. His preference will bear a certain weight too.

“We'll have a chat with Real Madrid, then we'll move on the transfer market. We're considering a variety of options, though our scope is restricted inasmuch as our players must fit the 'Juventus criteria'.

“Berardi is an excellent player. We'll consider calmly what's best for us and for the lad. In any case, if we buy him, he'll stay with our squad.

“[Manchester United's Matteo] Darmian and [Milan's Mattia] De Sciglio? We know we have to gradually bring down the average age of our defence, which – let it be said – delivered an exceptional service so far and can still guarantee it.”

Finally, Marotta discussed his most successful signing last year, Paulo Dybala.

“At one point we were about to lose him, so we moved at once and we raised our bid. When you're so confident of a player's skills, you can't afford to lose him, no matter if it costs you a bit more.

“That money was an investment anyway. The fact that Dybala doubled his value in 12 months is proof of that.”

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