Juventus: A History in Black and White

by Adam Digby

The story of Juventus FC, one of world football's truly great clubs and one of the oldest on the peninsula, is truly the story of Italian football. Known as La Vecchia Signora - "The Old Lady" - she is the perfect blend of flair, artistry and skill, combined with a ruthless determination and will to win that constantly flirts with the less savoury elements of the game.

For every Michel Platini or Alessandro Del Piero to win the hearts of fans of the beautiful game, there has been a Claudio Gentile or Paolo Montero waiting their moment to launch a well-timed elbow into an opponent. For every Gianni Agnelli to woo the crowds with his sartorial elegance and well chosen words, a Luciano Moggi lurks, playing the villain and serving to heighten the levels of hate felt towards the club by rival supporters.

It is all encapsulated by those starkly contrasting stripes which have become synonymous with the Turin giants.

This is that story, a history in black and white.

Genres: Football, Sports, Nonfiction, Soccer, History

229 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 23, 2015

Reviews

[Ming Wei · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable book.

[Jad · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very disappointing! A recount of all Juve matches since 1900, so boring. Lack originality and behind the scene stories. Writing style is not engaging and sometimes it is obvious that author is trying hard to sound original. I don’t recommend spending any $ on this book.

[Menno Pot · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writer is a bit biased: his tone of voice is, sometimes, that of a fan. The closer we get to the present, the more he zooms in, so that (by 2010) it's almost a chapter for every season. I tend to like the 'timeless' approach more. Digby is a very good storyteller, though: he really makes you understand the essence of Juve, he makes the club culture almost tangible and he makes you understand that the story of Juventus is in fact the story of Italian football as a whole. I've learned a lot.

[Vernes Bisic · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a joyful read for all the fans of the Old Lady. Pretty comprehensive overview of the club's history form it's mere beginning to nowadays. It contains a lot of interesting trivia, like the fact that Juventus helped out certain ex players in their business ventures, covered their medical bills etc. I wish there was more of that though.
Also, it would be great if all those stellar names and achievements were complemented with pictures of them, further enriching the book. Fino all fine, great read.

[Kristian Gunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellently written sports biography. Flows very well when names and statistics can often bog down sporting books. A treat for not just all Juventini, but lovers of Italian football

[Wahyu Yulianto · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of a kind

[Dan Iacono · Rating 3 out of 5]

a nice summary of my beloved juve. i would've liked a more thorough season by season structure but this was fine

[Caleb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book and will likely read it again. Mr. Digby does a great job tracing the struggles and triumphs of the best football club in the world. The book opens on November 1st 1897 and ends with the signing of Allegri as manager from AC Milan in 2014. This book made me truly appreciate Juventus and 'lo stile Juve'. A must-read for all Juventini.

[Vakil · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good history of Juventus. Only interesting if you're a fan. I learned quite a bit.

[Daniel Jafari · Rating 5 out of 5]

highly recommended to the Juventini of the world. tons of tidbits and trivia for even the most zealot fans of La Madama.