Former goalkeeper Stefano Sorrentino has revealed that Paulo Dybala sought his counsel before finalizing his move from Palermo to Juventus in the summer of 2015. In a wide-ranging interview, Sorrentino disclosed that his then-teammate was torn between joining Juventus and Inter Milan before opting for Turin, a decision influenced by Sorrentino's own experience as a former Juventus youth product.
According to Sorrentino, Dybala was being personally courted by Inter legend Javier Zanetti, which made the decision difficult. "He was tempted by the pressure from Zanetti," Sorrentino said, "but I advised him to choose Juventus because I knew they would wait for him and put him in the best conditions to perform at his best." The two were neighbors in Palermo, and Sorrentino described the young Dybala as a reserved and respectful talent who often stayed behind after training to practice penalties.
The transfer, which saw Dybala join Juventus for a fee reported at the time to be approximately 32 million euros, plus an additional 8 million in bonuses, proved foundational for the Argentine's career. He went on to win five Serie A titles and four Coppa Italia trophies with the Bianconeri, establishing himself as one of the league's most iconic players before his departure to Roma in 2022.
Sorrentino's interview also touched on broader themes of the modern goalkeeper and Juventus's current transfer strategy. The retired shot-stopper, who came through Juventus's academy, argued that the role has changed dramatically, with top clubs now prioritizing keepers who are proficient with their feet. He cited the lighter modern match balls and new rules as factors that have made the position more challenging.
When discussing Juventus's current squad and potential market moves, Sorrentino expressed skepticism about a move for Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski, suggesting the club should instead focus on younger profiles like Randal Kolo Muani and continue to develop Dusan Vlahovic. On the subject of goalkeepers, he praised Roma's Mile Svilar as the current best in Serie A but questioned whether Monza's Michele Di Gregorio, frequently linked with Juventus, possesses the requisite quality to be the long-term successor to the likes of Gianluigi Buffon and Wojciech Szczesny.
Sorrentino also recounted his own near-move to Juventus in 2010, when the club needed cover for an injured Buffon. He stated a deal was all but done, with a contract draft prepared, before negotiations fell through and Marco Storari was signed instead. Reflecting on his own career, Sorrentino identified his time at Chievo Verona as his peak, where his performances twice earned him pre-call-ups to the Italian national team.
The revelation about Dybala provides a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into a major transfer, illustrating how the advice of a seasoned professional can sway a career-defining decision. For Dybala, the choice to follow Sorrentino's guidance led to a trophy-laden seven-year spell in Turin, cementing his legacy in Serie A.
