The summer of 2006 was one of the darkest chapters in Juventus’ proud history. In the wake of the Calciopoli scandal, Italy’s most successful club was relegated to Serie B for the first time ever. For a club used to winning titles and competing in Europe, the punishment was seismic. Yet, the 2006/07 season became a story not just of redemption, but of loyalty, resilience, and class.
06/07
— My Greatest 11 (@MyGreatest11) January 20, 2023
Del Piero Tearing Up Serie B 🤪pic.twitter.com/D1LcXAy0Hy
The Team That Stayed
Despite the mass exodus of some stars, several legends remained and carried Juventus through their solitary season in Serie B. The lineup often featured world-class names who could have easily left for Europe’s biggest clubs:
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GK – Gianluigi Buffon
One of the best goalkeepers in football history, Buffon shocked the world by pledging to stay. He became the ultimate symbol of loyalty. -
RB – Alessandro Birindelli
The dependable full-back gave consistency and experience, embodying the grit needed in the second tier. -
CB – Jean-Alain Boumsong
Signed from Newcastle, Boumsong was part of the reshaped Juve defence, offering physical presence. -
CB – Giorgio Chiellini
Then just 22 years old, Chiellini began to grow into the warrior defender who would define the next decade for Juventus. -
LB – Federico Balzaretti
An energetic full-back, he provided drive and width, a reliable figure in the promotion campaign. -
CM – Matteo Paro
A youth product thrown into the spotlight, Paro symbolised Juve’s reliance on squad depth in their most turbulent year. -
CM – Cristiano Zanetti
A composed midfielder who added structure and balance in the heart of the pitch. -
RM – Mauro Camoranesi
Fresh off winning the 2006 World Cup with Italy, Camoranesi shocked many by staying. His creativity and work rate were crucial. -
LM – Pavel Nedvěd
At 34, the Czech Ballon d’Or winner could have retired or moved abroad, but instead chose to fight for Juve in Serie B, showing his trademark passion and professionalism. -
AM – Alessandro Del Piero
The captain and heartbeat of Juventus. Del Piero was Serie B’s top scorer with 20 goals, leading from the front with dignity and class. His most famous quote summed up his loyalty: “A gentleman never leaves his lady.” -
ST – David Trezeguet
One of Europe’s deadliest strikers, Trezeguet provided goals and quality up front, despite links to moves away.
A Season of Redemption
Juventus dominated Serie B, finishing top of the table with 85 points, scoring 71 goals and conceding just 31. More than just statistics, the season represented resilience. The players who stayed restored pride to the club and laid the foundation for the dominance that would return in the following decade.
Legacy
The 2006/07 campaign is remembered as more than a punishment season. It became a badge of honour for Juventus and their fans. Legends like Del Piero, Buffon, Nedvěd, Camoranesi, and Trezeguet enhanced their reputations not just for their ability, but for their loyalty.
Juventus returned to Serie A stronger, and their fans still cherish those who chose to stay when leaving would have been the easier path.