How do you replace the seemingly irreplaceable? That was the question on most Juventus' fans lips when the man who had delivered them three straight Scudettos in three seasons, Antonio Conte, abruptly left the club to manage the Italian national team. The answer to that question brought sighs and grumbles all over Turin as a man once voted one of the worst managers in AC Milan's history was assigned the task of walking in Conte's shoes. Massimiliano Allegri seemed such an underwhelming appointment at the time having left Milan in infamy but the much maligned coach managed to win over the hearts of the Bianconeri fans with a near historic campaign. The manager didn't tinker much with the squad that Conte left and why would he? Most of them had won the title three times in a row. Patrice Evra arrived from Manchester United as a proven winner and he was a prominent fixture in the side all season whilst youngsters Roberto Pereyra and Alvaro Morata also came into the club, both making impacts in the latter part of the campaign. Despite the new management, it was the same old story as Juventus dominated Serie A from start to finish. Roma again looked like early season challengers but completely collapsed in the second half of the campaign and it was virtually a one horse race for months. Some might ask the question "So what?" and believe that Allegri had simply piggy-backed off what Conte had built. However, that couldn't have been further from the truth as the former Milan coach was able to achieve things that even Conte couldn't. His flexibility in terms of formation was a big change as Conte's stubborn insistence on 3-5-2 had often caused Juve to fail on Europe's biggest stage. Allegri switched to a 4-3-1-2 mid-season which not only made them a more difficult proposition in the Champions League but it allowed the side to incoporate Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal, Claudio Marchisio and Paul Pogba all in the same majestic midfield. The defence was already impeccable but looked even stronger as a back-four whilst Carlos Tevez remained the energetic dynamo who set the tone up front. He worked superbly with whoever he was partnered with - whether it be Fernando Llorente or the emerging Morata who made a huge impact towards the end of the season. The former Real Madrid man helped knock his former side out of the Champions League at the semi-final stage with a goal in both legs and the Spaniard also scored in the final but it wasn't enough to oust a brilliant Barcelona side in the end. That would have been the third leg of what would have been an incredible treble as Allegri also managed to deliver the Coppa Italia but it wasn't to be. Nevertheless, the manager has rejuvenated his reputation beyond belief with the work he has done at the club and it will be interesting to see if he tries to put more of his own stamp on things in terms of player recruitment in the summer. Pogba had another tremendous campaign which may see him leave with the biggest clubs in Europe ready to write a blank cheque for his services. How long can the mercurial Pirlo and some of the rest of the old guard go on? Tevez looks set for an emotional return home to Boca Juniors but Paulo Dybala and Mario Mandzukic are two excellent replacements who have already been acquired. Sami Khedira looks set to be on his way too so the champions are far from standing still.
