ROME (AFP) - Juventus centre-back Giorgio Chiellini believes the club is on the verge of bringing in a big name to reignite the fires of anticipation at the famous old club.
Juve have just suffered a second successive seventh-place finish making the last two years amongst the worst in the club's history.
They have missed out altogether on European qualification and just two years after finishing second, they seem a long way away from being viable title contenders.
But having hired former club captain Antonio Conte as their new coach, Chiellini believes there is reason for optimism.
"I expect a coup, I wouldn't be disappointed (if there wasn't one) but I'd be surprised if someone who can reignite the fire doesn't arrive," he said.
"To improve we need players who can make a difference. We've already changed a lot and I don't know if a revolution now would be the best solution.
"The important thing is to build on these foundations so we don't go through another period of transition.
"I understand that being out of Europe could put someone off but our new stadium is an ambitious project and that could motivate someone who is coming."
Chiellini also believes Conte, a fiery midfielder in his playing days, has the personality to turn things around in Turin.
"I wasn't lucky enough to have played with him but he transmits enthusiasm and determination," he said.
"I'm intrigued, the fans wanted him but that's not why the club chose him."
Chiellini turned his attentions to the unwanted news on Wednesday morning that a number of people had been arrested in a match-fixing and betting scandal.
The 26-year-old joined Juventus in 2005 and a year later they were relegated for their part in the Calciopoli match-fixing scandal.
This current incident, dubbed Calcioscommesse in Italian—which means football betting—is a nasty reminder for Chiellini of those dark days.
"It was a tempestuous reawakening but before we jump to conclusions we need to wait and find out more," he said.
"For sure no-one wanted this, it doesn't do any good for the image of football or footballers and there will be disappointment and anger if it's proved true.
"Quite apart from the money, those who work in football are lucky and to ruin everything for this is a bit stupid."
Juve have just suffered a second successive seventh-place finish making the last two years amongst the worst in the club's history.
They have missed out altogether on European qualification and just two years after finishing second, they seem a long way away from being viable title contenders.
But having hired former club captain Antonio Conte as their new coach, Chiellini believes there is reason for optimism.
"I expect a coup, I wouldn't be disappointed (if there wasn't one) but I'd be surprised if someone who can reignite the fire doesn't arrive," he said.
"To improve we need players who can make a difference. We've already changed a lot and I don't know if a revolution now would be the best solution.
"The important thing is to build on these foundations so we don't go through another period of transition.
"I understand that being out of Europe could put someone off but our new stadium is an ambitious project and that could motivate someone who is coming."
Chiellini also believes Conte, a fiery midfielder in his playing days, has the personality to turn things around in Turin.
"I wasn't lucky enough to have played with him but he transmits enthusiasm and determination," he said.
"I'm intrigued, the fans wanted him but that's not why the club chose him."
Chiellini turned his attentions to the unwanted news on Wednesday morning that a number of people had been arrested in a match-fixing and betting scandal.
The 26-year-old joined Juventus in 2005 and a year later they were relegated for their part in the Calciopoli match-fixing scandal.
This current incident, dubbed Calcioscommesse in Italian—which means football betting—is a nasty reminder for Chiellini of those dark days.
"It was a tempestuous reawakening but before we jump to conclusions we need to wait and find out more," he said.
"For sure no-one wanted this, it doesn't do any good for the image of football or footballers and there will be disappointment and anger if it's proved true.
"Quite apart from the money, those who work in football are lucky and to ruin everything for this is a bit stupid."
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