Miralem Pjanic returns to MCG after $46 million switch from Roma to Juventus

FOR the second year running, Miralem Pjanic will start a new season in Melbourne. Only this time he won’t be wearing an AS Roma jersey.

Miralem Pjanic playing for Roma in last year’s Cup. Picture: Michael Klein

JUST as he did last year, Miralem Pjanic will start the new season in Melbourne.

This week however the Bosnian midfielder will be doing so as a Juventus player for the first time.

Having made the $46 million switch from one Italian giant, AS Roma, to another last month, Pjanic is itching to make his debut for the five-time defending Serie A champion when it takes on Melbourne Victory at the MCG on Saturday night.

The 26-year-old went so close to winning several Scudettos during his five-year stay in the capital, with Roma finishing second, second and third in the past the three campaigns.

Understandably then Pjanic is hellbent on keeping Juventus at the top of the Italian tree so that he too can experience Serie A success.

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Miralem Pjanic playing for Roma in last year’s Cup. Picture: Michael Klein

“I’m here to do my bit for the team and achieve big targets,” Pjanic said.

“A team like Juventus always wants to beat any opponent in any competition. Winning a sixth consecutive Scudetto would represent a wonderful feat and see history rewritten.

“I hope I’m able to contribute to us getting there.”

Despite last year's domestic success, the influence of Andrea Pirlo - who left for New York City after four seasons in Turin - was sorely missed, particularly in the Champions League, where Juventus went from a runner-up finish in 2014-15 to a Round of 16 exit last season.

But Pjanic is keen to play down any suggestion he might fill the Italian legend's giant boots.

“I think our games are a little different,” he said.

“Pirlo was the best midfielder in Serie A and displayed his exceptional qualities wherever he played.

“I hope I’m able to do just as well.”

When Pjanic was at Roma the team travelled to Melbourne last July to play in the International Champions Cup against Real Madrid and Manchester City at the MCG.

That experience - particularly playing in front of 80,000 fans in the game against Real - has him chomping at the bit for his return.

The Juventus squad arrives tonight ahead of games against Victory and English giant Tottenham Hotspur next Tuesday, both at the 'G.

“Last time was the first time that I was in Australia and in Melbourne and I really enjoyed it, it was a very good. It was very beautiful,” he said.

“The MCG was incredible. It was a fantastic atmosphere in the stadium and it was beautiful to play inside there.

“I really (look forward) to being there and to play there now with my new team Juventus in this stadium because it was a great experience.”