Socrates

Juventus vs US Lecce: Preview and Prediction Juventus step into the new year with momentum finally on their side, and Saturday’s clash with USC Lecce in Turin offers another opportunity to underline that resurgence. After months of inconsistency, the Bianconeri appear to have rediscovered their edge, and Lecce arrive at the Allianz Stadium knowing they face one of Serie A’s most in-form sides. A late surge at the end of 2025 has transformed the mood around Juventus. Victory over Pisa last weekend capped off a run that has seen them string together four straight wins across all competitions, a sequence that has reignited genuine belief in a title push. The gap to the summit now stands at just four points, with UEFA Champions League qualification firmly back in their sights. Much of that revival has been driven by efficiency rather than flair. Juventus have tightened up defensively under Luciano Spalletti, conceding just once during their recent winning run, while showing a newfound ruthlessness in decisive moments. Kenan Yildiz has once again emerged as the difference-maker, delivering when it matters most and continuing his development into a central figure of this side. His late strike last weekend underlined Juventus’s growing confidence in closing out matches, a trait they lacked earlier in the campaign. Spalletti’s impact has also been felt in big fixtures. Wins over direct rivals AS Roma and Bologna have given weight to their revival, and progress in the Coppa Italia has only reinforced the sense that this team is beginning to resemble a contender rather than a work in progress. History also leans in their favour: the Turin giants have not lost their opening league fixture of a calendar year in over a decade, and they traditionally start strongly after the winter break. ............ Team News & Tactics Juventus Juventus head into this fixture with a relatively stable squad, though Luciano Spalletti is still forced to manage a few key absences. Centre-backs Daniele Rugani and Federico Gatti remain unavailable, continuing to limit defensive rotation at the back. Up front, Dusan Vlahovic is also sidelined, depriving the Bianconeri of their most natural focal point in attack. On a more positive note, Francisco Conceicao is expected to return to the matchday squad after recovering from a minor setback, offering an additional option out wide if required. In Vlahovic’s absence, Lois Openda is expected to lead the line, having impressed with his movement and pressing in recent outings. The Belgian forward is likely to be supported by Kenan Yildiz, who continues to be Juventus’s creative heartbeat. The young Turk has already registered ten goal contributions this season, placing him among Serie A’s most productive attackers alongside Nico Paz and Lautaro Martinez. His ability to drift between the lines and carry the ball through pressure remains central to Juventus’s attacking structure. From a tactical standpoint, Spalletti is expected to retain his preferred 3-4-2-1 system, which has brought balance and defensive solidity in recent weeks. Michele Di Gregorio is set to start in goal, protected by a back three of Pierre Kalulu, Gleison Bremer, and Lloyd Kelly, a unit that blends physicality with ball progression. The wing-back roles should be occupied by Weston McKennie on the right and Andrea Cambiaso on the left, providing width and energy in transition. In midfield, Manuel Locatelli will anchor proceedings alongside Khephren Thuram, offering a mix of positional discipline and ball-carrying ability. Ahead of them, Teun Koopmeiners is expected to operate in a free central role, linking midfield to attack, while Yildiz drifts between the lines behind Openda. The shape allows Juventus to overload central areas while maintaining defensive security against Lecce, a balance that has underpinned their recent resurgence. Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Bremer, Kelly; McKennie, Locatelli, Thuram, Cambiaso; Koopmeiners, Yildiz; Openda US Lecce ............ Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Falcone; Veiga, Gaspar, Gabriel, Gallo; Kaba, Ramadani; Pierotti, Helgason, Sottil; Stulic Key Stats Juventus are unbeaten in their last 16 Serie A home matches against Lecce, winning 15 of those encounters and scoring an average of over two goals per game in Turin during that span. Lecce have failed to score in six of their last ten league matches, the joint-worst attacking record in Serie A over that period. Juventus have conceded just one goal in their last five matches across all competitions. Kenan Yildiz has been directly involved in ten Serie A goals this season, making him Juventus’ most productive attacking player and one of the top contributors among players aged 20 or under in the league. Lecce have picked up only one point from their last four away fixtures, scoring just twice during that stretch. Player to Watch Lois Openda With Dusan Vlahovc sidelined, Lois Openda steps into the spotlight as Juventus’s primary attacking threat and this fixture presents a timely opportunity for the Belgian forward to assert himself. Quick, direct, and relentless in his movement, Openda offers a very different profile to the traditional No.9, thriving on space rather than physical duels. What makes him particularly dangerous against a side like Lecce is his ability to attack the channels and exploit gaps between centre-backs and full-backs. Juventus are likely to dominate possession, and Openda’s sharp off-the-ball runs could stretch Lecce’s defensive block, creating openings not just for himself but also for runners like Kenan Yildiz and Teun Koopmeiners arriving from deeper positions. Beyond his pace, Openda’s work rate out of possession has become increasingly valuable under Luciano Spalletti. His willingness to press from the front helps Juventus sustain pressure high up the pitch, often forcing hurried clearances or turnovers in advanced areas. Against a Lecce side expected to sit deep and defend compactly, that intensity could prove decisive. ............ Prediction Juventus 2-0 US Lecce Juventus enter this contest with clear momentum, greater squad depth, and a tactical structure that has begun to look increasingly settled under Luciano Spalletti. Their defensive solidity, combined with growing confidence in the final third, gives them a strong platform against a Lecce side that has struggled to create chances consistently, particularly away from home. Lecce are likely to defend deep and attempt to frustrate, but their limited attacking threat and absence of key personnel make sustaining resistance over 90 minutes difficult. Juventus’s ability to control possession, recycle pressure, and exploit wide areas should eventually tell. . Read more -> https://thehardtackle.com/round-up/2026/01/02/juventus-vs-lecce-preview-and-prediction-2/

Spalletti: ‘I don’t need’ signings or new Juventus contract in January Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti admits he doesn’t need new signings or a new contract this month: ‘ I only need to feel good about my work and about the people who collaborate with me on and off the pitch.’ ............ “I came here with clear agreements when I accepted Juventus. I don’t expect anything; I’m very happy with the players at my disposal,” Spalletti said. “Allow me to welcome Marco Ottolini; everyone knows him, and I have met him before. Everyone says he’s a good person and a top professional, so much so that a club like Juventus brought him back,” “He will take care of the transfer market. It’s a market of opportunities to eventually complete the squad. It’s not a topic I intend to spark myself. I’m happy with the players I have, and for now, I don’t need anything.” ............ “If I had needed something else to feel more secure with a longer contract, I would have addressed it from the start when I spoke with Comolli,” argued the Juventus boss. “I didn’t, and I’m fine in every aspect. “I only need to feel good about my work and about the people who collaborate with me on and off the pitch. I’ve found extremely professional people who respect the roles and the work that has to be done. We share the same objectives. The goal is to be in the Champions League, and we’re working in that direction. In June, we’ll make the best evaluations based on the work we’ve done, for the good of Juventus and Juventus fans.” ............ . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/spalletti-no-need-signings-juventus-contract/

Spalletti makes David-Openda admission, says ‘Conte is right’ about Juventus Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti feels Napoli’s Antonio Conte ‘is right’ when he says the Bianconeri have a better infrastructure and is delighted that Jonathan David and Lois Openda have ‘improved in every aspect.’ Spalletti spoke to reporters at a press conference on Friday, on the eve of a Serie A match against Lecce. ............ “Since we want to go and win the ball back, the striker covers a lot of ground because he also has to press the goalkeeper,” Spalletti noted. “The centre-forward has to attack the goalkeeper and then drop back below the defenders’ line. Tomorrow they’ll probably both play again, not together, but both of them. “They are different, and they complement each other. They may play a part of the match together. We work with them every day, trying to give some information about things you don’t always see in training, to complete them and believe we can still add something. I’ve found them improved in every aspect since we started working together, and I expect even better things.” ............ “I expect continuity and the same level of attention, perhaps adding something new that can give us strength. In modern football, it works like this,” Spalletti said. “They [the footballers] are the protagonists. The match won’t be easy, I know many people at Lecce, including Di Francesco, whom I worked with at Roma. I’ve played against him, and we are friends. He is a very modern coach who has always promoted proactive football. It will be an open match as they’ll come to press us.” ............ “Conte is right. From a technical point of view, I have nothing to envy about his team,” said the Juventus boss. “From a structural point of view, he’s right again. When I arrived at Juve, I found the wall of free kicks moving, whereas at Napoli it was static, so we are also ahead from a structural standpoint.” . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/spalletti-openda-david-conte-right-juventus/

Queste potrebbero essere le maglie della prossima stagione 2026-2027

Picture: Juventus’ possible kits for 2026-27 leaked Juventus’ possible kits for the 2026-27 season have been leaked. Footy Headlines has unveiled the potential Juventus kits for the 2026-27 campaign. ............ The next home kit seems to be inspired by the 1976-77 shirt. Naturally, it features classic black and white stripes, a retro-style collar and gold logos. The away kit is mainly pink with a retro Adidas logo and a zebra-inspired pattern. The third kit is black with gold logos. ............ . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/picture-juventus-possible-kits-for-2026-27-leaked/

Frattesi rejects Fenerbahce and waits for Juventus Inter midfielder Davide Frattesi has turned down an offer from Turkish side Fenerbahce as he hopes to join Juventus this month. ............ Frattesi has been struggling with playing time at Inter under Cristian Chivu and hopes to leave the Nerazzurri this month. ............ Frattesi was Italy’s best scorer during the Luciano Spalletti era, so, according to the report, he feels that a move to Juventus is the best option to revive his career, especially in a World Cup year. Inter, however, have set a price tag exceeding €30m on the 26-year-old, so the Bianconeri will likely need to negotiate a lower fee to secure the midfielder’s services this month. ............ . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/frattesi-rejects-fenerbahce-waits-for-juventus/

Official: Marco Ottolini becomes the new Juventus sporting director Juventus have officially confirmed the appointment of Marco Ottolini as their new sporting director, ending months of speculation after he emerged as the club’s leading candidate for the role. The announcement brings clarity to a key position that has remained vacant since the dismissal of Cristiano Giuntoli during the summer. The Bianconeri had operated without a formal sporting director for several months, with Damien Comolli overseeing transfer activity during that period. ............ Ottolini has built a strong reputation as one of the most respected sporting directors in Italian football in recent seasons. His work has been widely recognised, and Juventus have monitored his progress closely as he continued to enhance his profile within the game. His experience and track record made him an attractive option as the club looked to strengthen its executive structure. He previously held a key role at Genoa, where his work was regarded as highly effective and instrumental in shaping the club’s sporting direction. His success there did not go unnoticed, and Juventus identified him as a suitable candidate even before he stepped away from that position. Following his departure, it was widely expected that a move to Turin would eventually materialise, despite reports linking other names with the role. ............ Juventus have now secured its preferred choice, with the club confirming the appointment through an official statement. According to Juventus’ official website, the club said, “Juventus is pleased to announce the appointment of Marco Ottolini as the Club’s new Sporting Director. Ottolini officially joined the Bianconeri organisation on 1 January 2026, reporting directly to Chief Executive Officer Damien Comolli. “Marco Ottolini brings with him a wealth of experience, built up over time through various roles within the world of football.” ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/official-marco-ottolini-becomes-the-new-juventus-sporting-director/

Pazzini reveals what Juventus needs as it improves under Spalletti There are clear signs of improvement within the current Juventus team, and the players can take pride in the progress they have made so far. Over recent months, the Bianconeri have shown renewed confidence and delivered more positive performances, reflecting steady development under Luciano Spalletti. While the upward trajectory is encouraging, there is also a shared understanding that the team is capable of reaching an even higher level. ............ The impact of Spalletti’s appointment is becoming increasingly evident. Performances have stabilised, and the team appears more cohesive, with a clearer identity emerging on the pitch. This progress has been noted by observers who have closely followed Juventus during the managerial transition. Giampaolo Pazzini is one such figure. Having monitored the team’s development since Spalletti took charge, he believes Juventus possess the qualities needed to perform well, but insists that more is still required. Pazzini highlighted both the positives and the areas that demand attention. ............ Speaking as cited by the source, Pazzini said, “Having consistency at the start is crucial, because a result, a victory, brings back that enthusiasm that in today’s football, but also in the past, makes all the difference in the world. In my opinion, Juventus needs to find something different up front, because in Pisa when Zhegrova came on, he sparked Juventus’ creativity a bit, because they struggled in the first half, and were also lucky on two occasions, but they still need to get up front, so either trust Yildiz or Zhegrova, and still find something between the two forwards.” ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/pundit-reveals-what-juventus-needs-as-it-improves-under-spalletti/

Baiocchini reveals why Juventus are refusing let Perin leave Juventus have decided to reject Genoa’s offer for their second-choice goalkeeper Mattia Perin, who now appears set to stay in Turin. The 33-year-old rose through the ranks of the Grifone and established himself as one of the finest shot-stoppers in Serie A, which earned him a transfer to Juventus in the summer of 2018. ............ In recent weeks, Perin has been heavily linked with a homecoming sponsored by Daniele De Rossi. The new Genoa boss is keen to sign a new goalkeeper who can be an upgrade on Nicola Leali, and he has identified his former Italy teammate as the ideal profile. But while some sources claimed that the goalkeeper was only a few steps away from sealing a return to the Ligurian club, Juventus have suddenly pulled the trigger on the whole operation. ............ According to Italian journalist Manuele Baiocchini, the Bianconeri would like to maintain the services of the custodian, who is considered an important figure in the locker room. “Juventus had even considered letting Perin go, given that he’s pushing to join a club where he’s proven himself and has done very well in the past,” said the transfer market expert. “However, at this time, Perin has been put on hold. Negotiations have been put on hold because he’s clearly an important player, not only on the pitch but also in the dressing room, and for this reason, Juventus doesn’t want to let him go.” ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/journalist-reveals-why-juventus-are-refusing-let-perin-leave/

Three Juventus players who could replace Conceicao against Lecce With Francisco Conceicao still struggling with an injury, Juventus head coach Luciano Spalletti is reflecting on his options ahead of Saturday’s contest against Lecce. The 22-year-old scored the opener in the 2-1 win over Roma 10 days ago, but he had to leave the pitch at the hour mark after picking up a knock. ............ Conceicao has yet to fully recover, so barring a late twist, he will likely skip Juve’s first fixture in 2026. The Bianconeri will host Lecce at the Allianz Stadium on Saturday evening, and Spalletti must now find a solution. The 66-year-old tactician has three main options. The first is to entrust Teun Koopmeiners once more in an advanced role. The Dutchman has been deployed all over the pitch since Spalletti’s arrival, but the coach admitted that the 27-year-old struggled to make a difference while playing as an attacking midfielder against Pisa. ............ The second option is to field Edon Zhegrova alongside Kenan Yildiz. The Kosovar’s introduction at the hour mark proved decisive in Pisa, allowing Juventus to find a breakthrough. That being said, the 26-year-old has yet to regain his optimal physical condition following the serious injury he suffered last season, so Spalletti has been reluctant to field him from the first minute. ............ Finally, the ultra-versatile Weston McKennie represents the third solution. ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/three-juventus-players-who-could-replace-conceicao-against-lecce/

Preview: Juventus vs Lecce - prediction, team news, lineups Aiming to start a new year as they finished the last, resurgent Juventus will seek a fifth straight win when they welcome Lecce to Turin on Saturday evening. Following three consecutive victories in Serie A - plus another in Europe - Juve hope to mount a Scudetto challenge in 2026, while their visitors are merely fighting for survival. Match preview After wrapping up a troubled year by beating Pisa last weekend, Juventus kept themselves within four points of top spot in Serie A - and just one shy of the Champions League places. So often the Bianconeri's saviour in recent months, Kenan Yildiz netted the second of two goals in the final 20 minutes, marking his team's seventh success out of eight across all competitions. Having taken 20 games to post their previous seven wins, that represents real progress under new coach Luciano Spalletti, whose initial contract expires at the end of this season. Conceding only one goal along the way, Spalletti's side have recently overcome direct top-four rivals Roma and Bologna, and they booked a place in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals. History will also be on their side this week, as Juventus have not lost their first league game of any calendar year since 2013, racking up nine wins and seven clean sheets in the process. Furthermore, Juve have scored in all but one of their 22 home games against Lecce - averaging over two goals per match - and they will expect to extend such dominance on Saturday. ............ Before making the long trip north, Lecce have also lost four of seven away fixtures - only finding the net five times - so visiting Juve may not be the best way to start 2026. Juventus Serie A form: D W L W W W Juventus form (all competitions): W L W W W W Lecce Serie A form: D L W L W L Team News While Juventus hope to welcome Francisco Conceicao back from a brief layoff, Spalletti will be still be missing centre-backs Daniele Rugani and Federico Gatti, plus Serbian striker Dusan Vlahovic. In the absence of Vlahovic, Lois Openda should beat Jonathan David to selection up front, with support provided by chief creator Yildiz. The latter's tally of 10 goal involvements place him third in Serie A this season, only behind Argentinian pair Nico Paz and Lautaro Martinez. ............ Juventus possible starting lineup: Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Bremer, Kelly; McKennie, Locatelli, Thuram, Cambiaso; Koopmeiners, Yildiz; Openda Lecce possible starting lineup: Falcone; Veiga, Gaspar, Gabriel, Gallo; Kaba, Ramadani; Pierotti, Helgason, Sottil; Stulic We say: Juventus 2-0 Lecce Extending their winning run into 2026, Juve's revival is set to continue with a routine win over Lecce, who rarely travel well. Even if the hosts fail to find an early breakthrough, they will not panic: Juventus have effectively gained more points than any other Serie A side during the second half - nine so far. . Read more -> https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/juventus/preview/juventus-vs-lecce-prediction-team-news-lineups_588924.html

Four redundant players could leave Juventus in January Juventus are willing to let four players leave in January, either on permanent transfers or temporarily. The Bianconeri are reportedly planning to make some moves on the market, especially in the middle of the park. Moreover, Luciano Spalletti would also like a new wing-back who can give him some options in this department. ............ The club has identified four first-team players who are considered surplus to requirements. The most obvious name on the list is Joao Mario, who hasn’t started a match since September. The right-back joined from Porto last summer in a double deal that saw Alberto Costa heading in the opposite direction. ............ The same applies to Filip Kostic, who enjoyed a brief revival under the new manager, but has now been relegated to the bench. ............ While Joao Mario and Kostic could leave the club permanently, Juventus will also attempt to find temporary homes for Vasilije Adzic and Jonas Rouhi. The Montenegrin teenager famously scored the winner in the epic Derby d’Italia victory over Inter in September, but he remains too green to compete for a regular spot at Juventus. ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/kostic-joao-mario-adzic-rouhi-juventus-january/

Top 5 Juventus moments in 2025 ranked: Two Derby d’Italia victories After 12 long and agonising months, Juventus fans certainly won’t look back fondly on 2025, a year that witnessed some embarassing results for the Old Lady, two sackings on the back of two horrendous runs, and more chaos at the top managerial level. Nevertheless, this forgettable year still left us with happy memories, albeit too few and far between. Therefore, it’s time to look back at the five top moments for Juventus in 2025. 5. Conceicao brings down Inter (February 16) While this wasn’t the most enchanting Derby d’Italia victory of 2025, it’s still worth a mention, especially amidst the lack of competition. The Bianconeri managed to survive Inter’s charge before snatching a winner in the 74th minute through Francisco Conceicao following some neat footwork from Randal Kolo Muani. ............ 4. Jonathan David breaks his drought in Norway (November 25) After failing to win a match in their first four Champions League group-stage contests of 2025/26, Juventus could ill afford another slip-up. However, they had to earn a result against the stubborn Bodo/Glimt while playing an unaccustomed synthetic pitch in freezing conditions. The first half was arguably the worst of Luciano Spalletti’s era thus far, but the Italians rallied back after the break, turning the result upside down. The Norwegians then scored a late equaliser, but Jonathan David ended his goal drought by poaching an injury-time winner to secure a vital victory. 3. Vlahovic & Kelly to the rescue against Dortmund (September 16) ............ After a goalless first half at the Allianz Stadium, the second period was absolute mayhem. A series of defensive blunders allowed Borussia Dortmund to enter into injury with a 4-2 lead. However, Dusan Vlahovic dragged the Bianconeri back to the contest, first scoring in the 94th minute (his second on the night), and then creating the equaliser for Lloyd Kelly in the 96th minute. 2. Locatelli’s spot-kick secures Champions League football A slim victory over a relegated side through a spot-kick shouldn’t be this high on the list, and yet, the lack of joyful events in 2025 meant that this one almost grabbed the top spot. ............ 1. Adzic seals Derby d’Italia for the ages Between the back-and-forth action, the quality of the strikes, and two brothers replying to one another on the scoresheet, this was already an instant classic prior to Vasilije Adzic’s winner. However, the young Montenegrin’s astonishing 91st-minute winner elevated this contest to an absolute epic, one that Juventini will cherish for years to come. . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/top-5-juventus-moments-in-2025-ranked/

Felice 2026 a tutti

Juventus impressed with Spalletti as club prepare renewal Juventus are increasingly satisfied with Luciano Spalletti’s early impact and are already considering a long-term renewal, despite the coach having only recently arrived in Turin. Spalletti is currently under contract until June, with an automatic extension triggered by Champions League qualification. However, Juventus would prefer to move ahead of that clause and secure continuity sooner. ............ In just a short period at Continassa, Spalletti has overseen a clear shift in confidence and direction. Results have improved, but Juventus are equally encouraged by the authority, clarity and renewed ambition he has brought to the squad. Internally, his experience is seen as crucial during a delicate phase of transition. The relationship between Spalletti and the club’s hierarchy is described as highly positive, with strong alignment on sporting priorities and financial realities. Juventus believe that stability on the bench would also send an important signal to the dressing room, particularly to emerging talents such as Kenan Yildiz. ............ A new agreement running until 2028 has already been discussed at executive level, with Damien Comolli open to formal talks once the Champions League group stage concludes. ............ . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/juventus-impressed-with-spalletti-renewal/