English
Español
Italy legend Claudio Marchisio believes Juventus should pursue Sandro Tonali but accepts a move for Manchester City’s Gianluigi Donnarumma is unrealistic at this stage.
Juventus are currently facing a challenging situation as they continue to go through a transition phase both on and off the pitch, while simultaneously seeking to restore domestic authority, striving to reassert themselves in European club competitions.
Recruitment has become a crucial part of that phase with Juventus trying to blend youth with experience, while questions remain over leadership, the team’s identity, and whether the squad reflects the club’s traditional values.
In the past, the most successful Juventus teams were renowned for having a strong Italian core that gave the dressing room a sense of continuity and cultural grounding. And it is within that context that Italy legend Claudio Marchisio spoke to Gazzetta dello Sport.
As translated and relayed by Sport Witness, Marchisio – who remains closely associated with Juventus’ modern identity – addressed potential transfer targets during a wide-ranging interview.
Attention turned to names most recently linked with the club – including Bernardo Silva – but Marchisio instead emphasised what the team needed in terms of structure and cohesion rather than star appeal.
“Football changes, but the DNA of clubs does not,” he said. “Juventus have always had a core group of Italian champions and needs to rebuild it.”
Two names were raised with the former midfielder, in Manchester City’s Gianluigi Donnarumma and Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali.
The former, who only joined Manchester City last summer, is a long-term addition to Pep Guardiola’s squad, and given the timing of that move and the Etihad side’s contractual position, Claudio Marchisio was realistic about the prospects.
“Donnarumma seems unattainable to me, he just moved to Manchester City,” he said, effectively ruling out the goalkeeper as a near-term option.
But Sandro Tonali’s situation was viewed differently. In 2023, the midfielder left AC Milan for Newcastle United, going on to become a regular player for Eddie Howe’s team when he is available.
Tonali’s agent recently said that clarity would be required regarding his long-term future after this season, which has led to rumours that he might return to Serie A.
“Tonali seems more feasible,” Marchisio continued. “He would be an excellent starting point, but patience will be needed.”
Donnarumma’s return to Italy might evoke a nostalgic feeling for Italian fans, but the contractual reality makes that very unlikely. On the other hand, Tonali is a more realistic goal, though it will take careful planning and perseverance to attain his signature.
Juventus has a clear goal of rebuilding identity without losing competitive edge, and Claudio Marchisio’s approach is based on tradition, implying the way forward may not start with flashy signings but with bringing back the Italian spine that used to define the club’s golden era.
From Manchester City’s perspective, there is not much room for debate about Gianluigi Donnarumma’s future at present. The club sees the Italian as part of their long-term plans under Pep Guardiola, and any outside speculation is unlikely to change that.
City have historically operated from a position of contractual strength and strategic clarity, and there is no sign that they would be willing to entertain discussions so soon after signing him.