Managerial Change and Squad Adjustments
Juventus has undergone a significant managerial change, with Luciano Spalletti now at the helm. His appointment has been met with approval from former players like Claudio Marchisio, who trusts Spalletti to lead the club forward [1]. This comes amidst calls for Antonio Conte’s return, which the club’s CEO Giovanni Carnevali has dismissed, expressing strong support for Spalletti [2]. Spalletti’s positive impact has already been noted by returning players such as Neto, who praised the coach’s influence [3]. The team is expected to see a tactical shift, with Allegri reportedly trying a back three, and Spalletti will need to find goals through players like Conceicao, Nico González, and Weston McKennie [1]. The club also made an impressive summer signing in Kerim Alajbegović [2], though he is considered not yet at the same level as the injured Kenan Yıldız [1]. Meanwhile, Edon Zhegrova, despite being omitted from Juventus’ Europa League list by Spalletti, remains committed to the club and is determined to perform [4]. He has already shown his scoring ability, netting twice off the bench at Sassuolo [4].
Injury Woes and Player Performance
Juventus is currently grappling with several key injuries that have significantly impacted their squad depth and performance. Goalkeeper Kamil Grabara has suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament and is ruled out for the rest of the season [3]. This injury led to the signing of Neto as a free agent [3], and Carlo Pinsoglio is expected to step in as a starter [3]. Another significant blow is the absence of Kenan Yıldız, whose injury has notably affected the team’s capabilities [1]. The club is also reportedly tracking a Frosinone goalkeeper, indicating potential further adjustments in the goalkeeping department [5]. In terms of attacking output, Randal Kolo Muani is yet to score in Serie A [1], highlighting a need for other players to step up. Douglas Luiz is seen as a key player who can contribute more, especially in front of goal [1].
What it means
Juventus currently sits 7th in Serie A with 10 points from five matches, having secured three wins, one draw, and one loss. Their goal difference stands at 8 goals scored and 4 conceded. The team’s recent form shows a mixed bag of results, with a 2-0 home win against Atalanta BC, a 2-3 away loss to US Sassuolo Calcio, and a 1-1 home draw against AC Milan in their last three Serie A fixtures. This inconsistent form, including a friendly loss to Cremonese [3], suggests that the new managerial setup and player adjustments are still bedding in. The club finished sixth in Serie A last season [2], and the current position indicates a similar challenge to climb the table. The expectation within the club is to return to fighting for top positions from Christmas onwards [1]. Their next fixture is an away game against Cagliari on October 11th, which will be another test of their ability to gain consistent points and improve their standing in the league.
Sources
- Football Italia: Marchisio: ‘I trust Spalletti but understand the calls for Conte, Mancini needs time’ football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Carnevali: ‘Juventus bloodbath without Champions League, extraordinary Spalletti’ football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Neto: ‘Juventus changed a lot, positive Spalletti impact’ football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Zhegrova reveals why he stayed at Juventus as Ravanelli hails his ‘incredible quality’ football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Today’s Papers: France vs Italy dominates as Zidane revisits Materazzi headbutt football-italia.net ↩
