It’s always been the shirt that the fans have fallen in love with; the number 10, the play-maker, or fantasista as it’s known in Italy. From Maradona to Messi, Pele to Platini, Baggio to Del Piero these were just some of the players whose name will always be associated with the number. So special was the relationship between Del Piero and Juventus, the jersey was actually not assigned the following season.
 

Then came Carlos Tevez, who had a glorious two years in Turin wearing the number 10 shirt. It was then passed onto Paul Pogba last season but now its future at the club looks uncertain. Many people expected striker Paulo Dybala to be the next wearer but despite pressure for the bianconeri’s kit manufacturer Adidas, the youngster opted to stay with 21. If his scintillating form of last season is repeated this time around, there could be more pressure for him to switch his allegiance to the legendary number 10 jersey to carry on the tradition and give fans the romance they so crave.

By Marco Demicheli. Adapted & translated by Steve Mitchell