Socrates

Why Juventus cancelled Spalletti press conference ahead of derby against Torino Luciano Spalletti will not speak to the media on Friday ahead of Juventus’ Derby della Mole clash with Torino at the Allianz Stadium. The new Bianconeri head coach will skip his traditional pre-match press conference, with Juventus confirming that the engagement has been cancelled due to the club’s upcoming shareholders’ meeting. ............ Given the significance of the occasion, Juventus opted to forgo the usual press duties and maintain focus on the internal event. Spalletti will instead complete preparations with his squad behind closed doors before facing Baroni’s Torino side on Saturday evening. ............ The derby marks another key test for the new coach, who seems to have got off to a good start with Juventus. ............ . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/why-juventus-cancelled-spalletti-conference/

Spalletti considers starting struggling Juventus star Juventus boss Luciano Spalletti might decide to give Jonathan David the opportunity to prove his worth against Torino. The Bianconeri have been showing signs of improvement since the arrival of the experienced manager last week, even though they failed to beat Sporting CP in Tuesday’s Champions League contest. ............ The new Juventus manager resorted to the Canadian’s services in the final stretch of the match against Sporting. Unfortunately for the 25-year-old, he squandered a golden opportunity to win the match in the 93rd minute by heading the ball straight into the goalkeeper. ............ The manager is now considering starting the former Lille bomber in the Derby della Mole clash against Torino on Saturday. It should be noted that Vlahovic had complained of physical discomfort in the final stages of Tuesday’s match. ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/spalletti-jonathan-david-juventus-torino/

Juventus & Inter Milan set sights on rising Serie A midfielder Juventus and Inter could be embroiled in a tug-of-war for young Udinese midfielder Arthur Atta, who has been making large strides in recent months. ............ The Bianconeri and the Nerazzurri have both registered their interest in Atta, in addition to Napoli, who could join the Northern Italian giants in the race. The 22-year-old is Rennes native who began his career at his hometown club, before moving to Metz in 2019. ............ This season, Atta has managed to elevated his game to a whole new level. He has already contributed with a goal and two assists in his 10 Serie A appearances. He also scored a goal in his solitary Coppa Italia outing this term. ............ The Frenchman combines pace, physical strength with technical skills. His ability to make timely runs to the opposition’s area renders him a natural box-to-box midfielder. As the source notes, Juventus General Director Damien Comolli had admitted that the club needs a new deep-lying playmaker who can alternate with Manuel Locatelli. ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/juventus-inter-milan-udinese-arthur-atta/

Spalletti asks Juventus to keep revitalised out-of-contract player Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti is reportedly keen to maintain the services of Weston McKennie, who regained a starting berth. The American is the club’s second-longest-serving outfield player after Daniele Rugani, having signed for the Bianconeri in the summer of 2020. ............ MacKennie started as an attacking midfielder when the new manager made his bow in Cremona, and then maintained his place in the starting XI in Tuesday’s Champions League contest against Sporting CP, albeit he started as a right wingback, before later transitioning into a high role. ............ The manager has already requested McKennie’s stay. The versatile star is currently running on an expiring contract, and has already been linked with a potential move to Major League Soccer. ............ Last season, McKennie was said to be on the verge of penning a renewal. However, the departures of Thiago Motta in March and Cristiano Giuntoli in May hampered the deal. On the other hand, the new management led by Damien Comolli appeared less keen on keeping the former Schalke man in Turin. Nevertheless, with Spalletti specifically asking the directors to act on this front, we could soon witness new meetings between the two parties. ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/spalletti-juventus-contract-weston-mckennie/

Juventus willing to break salary cap to keep Chelsea & Spurs target Juventus are reportedly determined to keep Dusan Vlahovic at the club after reclaiming his starting berth under Luciano Spalletti. The Serbian supposedly had one foot out the door prior to the arrival of the 66-year-old manager. ............ The striker’s improved form has changed the club’s plans. Juventus General Director Damien Comolli had apparently given up on reaching an agreement with the player’s agent Darko Ristic, resigning to losing the player on a free transfer at the end of the season. Nevertheless, Vlahovic himself admitted that his future has yet to be written while Spalletti claimed that the centre-forward would like to stay in Turin. ............ As the source explains, Juventus have set a self-imposed salary cap, refusing to pay any player wages beyond €6 million per year. And yet, the hierarchy could make an exception for Vlahovic, who is currently enjoying a net salary of €12 million thanks to the lucrative contract handed by the club’s former management (Andrea Agnelli, Maurizio Arrivabene and Federico Cherubini). The Bianconeri are willing to offer the Serbian international a salary of €8 million per year. ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/juventus-willing-to-break-salary-cap-to-keep-chelsea-spurs-target/

Pavan believes Juventus next game will determine if they are on the right path Juventus have shown encouraging signs of progress in their recent performances under new manager Luciano Spalletti. Despite being held to a draw by Sporting Club in their latest Champions League fixture, the team’s improvement compared to previous weeks has been noticeable. The Bianconeri appear more organised, energetic, and confident, suggesting that Spalletti’s influence is beginning to take effect. ............ In their two matches under Spalletti so far, Juventus have looked far more cohesive and purposeful than in recent outings under the previous manager. The players seem to have embraced the new tactical approach, showing greater intensity and creativity, particularly in transition. This sense of renewed energy has rekindled optimism among supporters that the team can soon re-enter the title race. However, as with any managerial transition, consistency remains key. Juventus will need to build on these positive performances by turning encouraging signs into concrete results. The derby against Torino offers the perfect stage for Spalletti’s side to demonstrate that their improvement is sustainable rather than fleeting. ............ Journalist Massimo Pavan has shared his thoughts on Juventus’ recent displays, emphasising that the weekend’s match will provide a clearer indication of their true progress. He said: “I saw a new light, but on Saturday we’ll have our definitive answer. Against Sporting, we finally had the reaction we hadn’t seen in the games against Como or Lazio. Playing at home helps, but let’s remember that even against Atalanta and Borussia, despite going behind, we managed to draw. The problem of conceding goals remains evident: we’re conceding too many. On Saturday, we’ll see if the light we showed tonight is real. We need to win without any ifs or buts to confirm the positive signs seen on the pitch.” ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/pavan-believes-juventus-next-game-will-determine-if-they-are-on-the-right-path/

Spalletti’s micro management: Three new roles imposed at Juventus With Luciano Spalletti now at the helm, things have drastically changed at Juventus, starting with the daily life at Continassa. The Serie A giants resorted to the experienced manager’s services after sacking Igor Tudor last week on the back of a horrendous run of results. ............ Spalletti immediately implemented three rules upon his arrival at the club. First of all, the 66-year-old has been in close contact with the staff entrusted with the maintenance of the training pitches at Continassa. The manager has reportedly instructed them to cut the grass short, while identifying the length required for all three pitches, as he wants the ball to move rapidly. This tactic is designed to improve the players’ ball control. ............ Spalletti had prohibited cell phone use during team meals, a tactic designed to strengthen player bonds by encouraging communication. Finally, with the former Italy boss in charge, the starting lineup is no longer revealed on the eve of the contest, but only a few hours before the kickoff. The aim is to keep everyone on their toes and avoid any complacency. ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/rules-luciano-spalletti-juventus/

“It’s a matter of timing,” Zhegrova reacts to Juventus draw after his return Edon Zhegrova made his long-awaited return from injury during Juventus’ Champions League fixture against Sporting Club last night, marking an important moment for both the player and the team. His comeback came during the second half, as he stepped onto the pitch determined to contribute to Juventus’ ongoing pursuit of consistency and success. ............ Zhegrova, who joined Juventus during the summer transfer window, has faced challenges with injuries and fitness since his arrival, limiting his playing opportunities so far. His return to action symbolises a fresh start, not only for him but also for the club’s attacking options. Coming on as a substitute in the second half, he looked eager to make an impression and help his team maintain their recent momentum. ............ Following the 1-1 draw at the Allianz Stadium, Zhegrova took to social media to express his optimism and fighting spirit. On Instagram, he wrote: “Is all about timing! We keep fighting.” This short but meaningful message reflects both his personal resilience and the collective mindset within the Juventus squad. Despite the disappointment of not securing a win, his words capture the essence of perseverance and belief that define successful teams. ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/its-a-matter-of-timing-zhegrova-reacts-to-juventus-draw-after-his-return/

Oppini comments on Juventus attacking struggles Juventus’ attacking inefficiency was once again on display during their Champions League encounter against Sporting Club last night, as the Bianconeri failed to convert several clear opportunities into goals. Despite dominating large parts of the match and creating multiple chances, they were unable to secure the victory that many had anticipated. ............ Several moments stood out as examples of Juventus’ ongoing struggles in front of goal. Despite generating numerous scoring opportunities, they lacked the composure and precision required to make them count. One of the clearest chances fell to Jonathan David in the closing stages of the match, a moment that could have sealed all three points for Juve. However, as has been the case in several recent fixtures, Juventus failed to take advantage of key moments. These missed chances have become symptomatic of a larger issue within the team’s attacking structure. While they continue to create opportunities through effort and possession, their finishing touch has not matched the quality expected from a club of their stature. The draw served as another reminder of how their offensive inefficiency can undermine otherwise solid performances. ............ Football analyst Francesco Oppini offered his assessment of Juventus’ recurring attacking difficulties, providing insight into their lack of cutting edge. He remarked: “If you shoot ‘ON GOAL’ 10 times and only score 1-1, there’s a problem in the offensive phase, but if you don’t go beyond the equaliser, even with the chance that came to #David at the end, there’s something else too! It’s true that with 11 points you can qualify for the playoffs, but today, after four matches, you’re at 3 points.” ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/pundit-comments-on-juventus-attacking-struggles/

Le Pagelle: Juventus vs. Sporting CP It was an excruciating day at the J Stadium on Tuesday, as Juventus came agonizingly close to a winning goal against Sporting CP, only to be denied by last-second blocks, misjudged runs, or high-level saves by goalkeeper Rui Silva. In short, rotten luck. ............ MICHELE DI GREGORIO - 6. ............ PIERRE KALULU - 7.5. Easily one of the best players on the night on either side. He was second on the team with three tackles, held his side of the back three very well, and picked and chose his moments to move forward and help supplement the attack. He finished with three key passes, tied for the game high with Khéphren Thuram, and how he didn’t come away with at least one assist is beyond my comprehension. The balls he put in for Vlahovic in the first half and David at the end of the game were superb, yet Silva managed to get hands to both of the resulting headers. FEDERICO GATTI - 6. He didn’t light up the stat sheet defensively—for once the defenders didn’t have a whole lot of opportunity to rack up numbers—but his success on the day was clear in the statistics of two other players. Fotis Iannoidis and Luis Suárez (not that one), Sporting’s top two strikers, combined for zero (0) shots in this contest. TEUN KOOPMEINERS - 6. I wasn’t expecting Luciano Spalletti to send Koopmeiners back out in the back three against higher-level competition, especially in the Champions League. In the initial stages when Sporting looked like they might run away with things it looked like the communication in the back was all over the place, especially on his side—which would make sense given that he’s done this in one game and less than half a dozen training sessions. But he seemed to settle in, making two tackles and holding his own as Juve started to take control of the game. The really interesting thing, though, was the occasional line-breaking pass from his spot on the back line. This is likely what Luciano Spalletti was envisioning when he decided to put Koopmeiners here, and having those kind of balls to feed on further upfield could have a huge impact on the attack. It’s worth watching to see where this goes. WESTON McKENNIE - 5.5. ............ MANUEL LOCATELLI - 6.5. ............ KHÉPHREN THURAM - 6. Made three key passes, including the assist on Dusan Vlahovic’s equalizer on a pass that was far more complicated to make than it looked. Completed 93.9 percent of his overall passes and aided the defense with a pair of interceptions. It’s good to see him making those big runs through midfield again, but this grade was dinged half a point or so for the egregious misses he had on some shots midway through the second half. ANDREA CAMBIASO - 6. ............ FRANCISCO CONCEIÇÃO - 6. ............ KENAN YILDIZ - 6. Made a huge effort but seemed a bit off on final product. There were times he couldn’t get past defenders and into shooting positions we’ve seen him get to this year. Either his knee really is hurting him and disrupting his play, or he was simply fatigued from a heavy workload this year. DUSAN VLAHOVIC - 7. Played like a man on a mission today. Denied early by two smart saves from Rui Silva, but it looked like all that did was make him angry over not scoring. Good finish to push the ball hard past the keeper at the near post. By the time he was withdrawn, he had taken six shots and put every one of them on target—something I don’t think I’ve ever seen. SUBS FILIP KOSTIC - 5.5. ............ EDON ZHEGROVA - 5.5. Drew three fouls in his time on the pitch but didn’t quite show the quality we know he can display in his first game back from injury. VASILIJE ADZIC - NR. ............ FABIO MIRETTI - NR. Well look who’s here! Miretti made his season debut Tuesday and actually looked pretty good for his first eight minutes after a long time away. Picked up a key pass and completed all 12 attempts overall. JONATHAN DAVID - NR. Ok, there are a lot of people up in arms over David’s failure to score at the end of the game. Head it into the ground! To the left or the right of the keeper! I’d like to point out that Kalulu’s ball, while fantastic, came in on a trajectory that it didn’t really allow David to jump, meaning he had to hope to beat Silva with something high—and nearly did. That also probably affected his ability to aim. In the end he delivered a powerful header that would’ve been a goal had Silva not again made a fantastic save. MANAGER ANALYSIS It’s going to be very interesting to see where Spalletti eventually takes this team tactically, but what he has done so far is fascinating. As I said before, I was very surprised that he stuck with Koopmeiners in the back against a team with far more quality than Cremonese (no disrespect to the Grigiorossi), but the multi-line passes that the Dutchman occasionally pulled out were the kind of pass this team hasn’t been very good at over the last few years, and having Koopmeiners back there to provide it is an intriguing prospect. How far that goes, of course, depends on where Spalletti goes with his tactics, which is still impossible to determine after only six days on the job. But he has Juve playing at a very good clip right now, and the attack is looking quite dangerous indeed. But for a little luck, Juve would have won this game. If they play the same way on Saturday, they could make Torino very uncomfortable. ............ . Read more -> https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/serie-a-campionato-2025-26-juventus/33536/juventus-sporting-cp-player-ratings-manager-analysis-2025-uefa-champions-league-league-phase-matchday-4-final-score-result

Tacchinardi insists Juventus not good enough to be champions With Luciano Spalletti now leading Juventus, expectations have risen sharply both among supporters and neutral observers, many of whom believe that the Bianconeri should be strong contenders for the Serie A title by the end of the season. The club has entrusted the experienced Italian coach with the task of reigniting their domestic dominance and restoring belief after a period of inconsistency. ............ The Juventus hierarchy is confident that Spalletti is the right man to guide the team forward. His contract currently runs until the end of the season, with the option for renewal depending on whether he secures Champions League qualification. The arrangement reflects both the club’s immediate expectations and its long-term vision to restore stability and success under his guidance. In support of their new manager, Juventus are expected to strengthen the squad during the upcoming transfer window, ensuring Spalletti has the necessary resources to compete at the highest level. Known for his tactical intelligence and ability to extract the best from his players, the former Napoli manager has won trophies both in Italy and abroad, proving his capacity to deliver results when given the right tools. ............ Despite the optimism surrounding Spalletti’s arrival, not everyone is convinced that the current Juventus squad has what it takes to win the Scudetto this season. Former Juventus midfielder Alessio Tacchinardi shared a measured perspective on the situation. He said: “Spalletti? He seems like a very charismatic coach. He showed he can play real football at Napoli, where he played spectacular football. Juve needed a leader. We’re really curious to see how he’ll be received at the Maradona stadium, but right now he’s very important for Juve. For me, he’s the best coach ever; Juve doesn’t have the squad to aim for the Scudetto.” ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/tacchinardi-insists-juventus-not-good-enough-to-be-champions/

Juventus legend Del Piero surprised by Spalletti’s decision on David Alessandro Del Piero was surprised that Luciano Spalletti didn’t introduce either Jonathan David or Lois Openda as replacements for Dusan Vlahovic in a 1-1 draw against Sporting CP on Tuesday. ............ Vlahovic scored the equaliser for Juventus in the first half, but when he was subbed off at minute 83, the central midfielder Vasilije Adžić took his place on the field. By doing so, Spalletti also moved Kenan Yildiz into a centre-forward role for a few minutes before David was ultimately introduced at minute 87 with little chance to leave his mark. ............ “I was a bit disappointed by the final 15 minutes. Vlahovic was subbed off, but neither David nor Openda were introduced,” Del Piero said. “Spalletti put Yildiz in a more advanced position, but he’s not a No.9, and he decided to strengthen the midfield without involving the players Juventus invested in. This left me perplexed. In this moment, Spalletti is studying the team, but it’s something Juventus have to fix because they struggle to score goals. If you invest so much, you must make the most of it.” ............ Juventus will probably need from eight to nine points to qualify for the Champions League playoff, while a direct place in the Round of 16 seems practically impossible. They have four Champions League games remaining against Bodo/Glimt, Pafos, Benfica and Monaco. . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/juventus-del-piero-surprised-spalletti-david/

“Not giving up” Di Gregorio discusses Juventus draw against Sporting Juventus were held to a 1-1 draw by Sporting Club in their latest Champions League outing, extending their recent struggles in Europe. Despite coming off a morale-boosting win against Cremonese at the weekend, the Bianconeri were unable to build on that momentum against a well-organised Portuguese side who proved difficult to break down. ............ Sporting entered the contest in good form, having won two of their opening three Champions League fixtures, and they showed no intention of being overwhelmed in Turin. The visitors took the lead and came close to doubling their advantage before Juventus managed to claw their way back into the game with an equaliser. Although the draw ensured that Luciano Spalletti’s side avoided defeat, it did little to improve their position in the group. Juventus now face an uphill battle to qualify for the knockout stages and will need a significant turnaround in their remaining fixtures if they are to keep their European ambitions alive. ............ Goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio played an important role in preventing Juventus from suffering defeat, producing several key saves to keep the scoreline level. His efforts, however, were not enough to secure all three points or a clean sheet. Following the match, Di Gregorio took to Instagram to share a message of determination and resilience with supporters, writing: “Not the result we wanted, but we’re not giving up. We keep working.” ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/not-giving-up-di-gregorio-discusses-juventus-draw-against-sporting/

Gianluca Di Marzio gives an update on Vlahovic Juventus relationship Luciano Spalletti’s latest remarks regarding the future of Dusan Vlahovic indicate that the striker may be open to extending his stay at Juventus. The Serbian forward is approaching the end of his current contract and would become a free agent at the conclusion of the season if he does not sign a renewal. For some time, such an extension appeared improbable, with many believing the club had already resigned itself to his eventual departure. Vlahovic has long been considered one of the most important players in the Juventus squad. ............ Juventus are currently striving to rediscover their best form, and retaining a player of Vlahovic’s calibre would be a major boost to those efforts. His performances this season have been outstanding, demonstrating the determination and clinical finishing that made him one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards. Spalletti’s recent comments have therefore provided encouragement to supporters who hope that both sides can reach an agreement before his contract expires. The notion of extending his stay is not only a sporting decision but also a strategic one. Juventus understand that losing Vlahovic without compensation would represent a significant setback, given his current form and market value. For the player, remaining in Turin could offer stability and a platform to continue his development under a manager who appears to have renewed confidence in his abilities. ............ While optimism has begun to surface among supporters, Gianluca Di Marzio has offered a measured update on the situation. He explained: “It remains to be seen whether Vlahovic and his entourage will be open to discussions, though the management has yet to begin discussing a possible continuation. Or whether the deal will end, as is natural, at the end of the season, leaving Vlahovic free to make other decisions.” ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/gianluca-di-marzio-gives-an-update-on-vlahovic-juventus-relationship/

Torino, sabato 8 novembre 2025 ore 18:00 Serie A - 11^ di andata JUVENTUS - TORINO Confronti ufficiali Campionato di Serie A 211 Giocate 160 95 Vittorie Juventus 78 60 Pareggi 47 56 Vittorie Torino 35 316 Gol Juventus 248 245 Gol Torino 159 Campionato di Serie A: precedenti in casa contro il Torino Giocate 80 Vittorie Juventus 43 (l'ultima il 09.11.2024, 2-0 ) Pareggi 21 (l'ultimo il 18.02.2022, 1-1 ) Vittorie Torino 16 (l'ultima il 09.04.1995, 1-2 ) Gol Juventus 140 (media a gara 1,75) Gol Torino 80 (media a gara 1,00) Ultimi confronti diretti (tutte le competizioni) Data Competizione Partita Ris. 05.12.2020 Campionato Serie A Juventus-Torino 2-1 V 03.04.2021 Campionato Serie A Torino-Juventus 2-2 P 02.10.2021 Campionato Serie A Torino-Juventus 0-1 V 18.02.2022 Campionato Serie A Juventus-Torino 1-1 P 15.10.2022 Campionato Serie A Torino-Juventus 0-1 V 28.02.2023 Campionato Serie A Juventus-Torino 4-2 V 07.10.2023 Campionato Serie A Juventus-Torino 2-0 V 13.04.2024 Campionato Serie A Torino-Juventus 0-0 P 09.11.2024 Campionato Serie A Juventus-Torino 2-0 V 11.01.2025 Campionato Serie A Torino-Juventus 1-1 P Giocate: 10 Vittorie: 6 Pareggi: 4 Sconfitte: 0 Gol fatti: 16 Gol subiti: 7 Le ultime partite in casa contro Torino (Campionato di Serie A) Data Competizione Partita Ris. 31.10.2015 Campionato Serie A Juventus-Torino 2-1 V 06.05.2017 Campionato Serie A Juventus-Torino 1-1 P 23.09.2017 Campionato Serie A Juventus-Torino 4-0 V 03.05.2019 Campionato Serie A Juventus-Torino 1-1 P 04.07.2020 Campionato Serie A Juventus-Torino 4-1 V 05.12.2020 Campionato Serie A Juventus-Torino 2-1 V 18.02.2022 Campionato Serie A Juventus-Torino 1-1 P 28.02.2023 Campionato Serie A Juventus-Torino 4-2 V 07.10.2023 Campionato Serie A Juventus-Torino 2-0 V 09.11.2024 Campionato Serie A Juventus-Torino 2-0 V Giocate: 10 Vittorie: 7 Pareggi: 3 Sconfitte: 0 Gol fatti: 23 Gol subiti: 8 FONTE

Juventus 1 - Sporting CP 1: Initial reaction and random observations If Luciano Spalletti’s first two games as Juventus manager have shown us anything, it’s that he’s been able to unlock a few things when it comes to this team’s previously frustrating chance creation issues. The finishing of those chances, though? That’s still a problem. Juventus outshot Sporting CP by nearly a 5-to-1 margin on Tuesday night, with half of the Bianconeri’s 18 shots in the game being on goal. The problem was, you combine some relatively poor finishing with an opposing goalkeeper making a couple of world-class kinds of saves, and you get what Spalletti got in his second game in charge — a frustrating day at the office. Juventus should have beaten Sporting with how much they dominated after falling behind all of 12 minutes in. That turned out to be Sporting’s only shot on goal of the night, but Juventus couldn’t take advantage of their superior advantage in scoring opportunities, recording a 1-1 draw against the Portuguese side, their third result of that kind through their first four Champions League league phase fixtures. ............ There is certainly progress being made in the attacking phase under Spalletti. There’s faster movement, there’s more chances being created and just the overall prospects when it comes to Juve creating things feels much better than they did in the final games of the Igor Tudor experience. But, the catch as has been the case with previous Juventus managers, is just how many of those chances will they will actually socre. It didn’t matter if it was Dusan Vlahovic, Kenan Yildiz, Chico Conceição, Jonathan David or Khephren Thuram, Juve’s ability to finish chances against Sporting was a letdown on top of a little unlucky. That’s because on a night in which Juve should have probably have two or three goals, it was only Vlahovic who was able to find the back of the net — and that was only after he saw his first three attempts on goal either go wide or get thwarted by Sporting keeper Rui Silva. So positive signs, yes. But also some lingering frustrating ones that a coach may or may not be able to actually change for the better as time goes on. ............ This team is looking better in the two games under Spalletti than they had in a long time under Tudor. On the face of it, these sorts of unlucky draws in which you feel like Juventus should have won happen every so often during the course of a season. But knowing Juve’s situation in the Champions League entering the night and how they desperately needed three points, that’s where it’s a hard one to take. It’s disappointing with how they responded to falling behind. It’s disappointing with how many chances they created and should have scored. It’s just disappointing this team is its own worst enemy once again — and that is something Spalletti is going to need all of his coaching experience to try and rectify as time goes on. RANDOM THOUGHTS AND OBSERVATIONS This should have been a win, man. I feel 150% safe in saying that. Sporting came into the night in a much, much better place in the UCL league phase table. Yet it was Juventus who played much, much better overall. Sporting definitely did not play well. Juventus did play well. But, unfortunately, those issues that we’ve seen under Tudor and Thiago Motta (and Max Allegri) before him, were ones Spalletti saw first-hand against Sporting. The question is now: Can Spalletti do enough to improve things mentally where the confidence improves of the strikers and they can actually get some of these finishing issues out of their system. Or else it’s just going to be more of the same from these guys — and nobody wants that. ............ Also, I have no idea what was going on with Thuram’s shooting in this game, but holy smokes was he completely off target with those couple of second-half chances he had. You can’t sky both of those, and have the second one be even worse than the first. Hey, we got to see Edon Zhegrova for the first time in a long time! His hair is a little longer compared to his last appearance for Juventus, but he sure did show just how in limited minutes what he can do. Now it’s ............ Speaking of Portuguese things, the traveling fans relentlessly whistling and booing Conceição whenever he was in front of them and on the ball had to be one of the least surprising things ever, right? I mean, those Sporting-Porto roots run DEEP and Chico’s Porto past — as well as his father’s! — will never be forgotten by those in Lisbon. This isn’t breaking news, but I just want to say how fun it is to watch Kenan Yildiz when he is in the mood like he was against Sporting. Sure, he didn’t score, but that young man was absolutely out there looking to destroy ever single person who was marking him on Tuesday night. I think Morten Hjulmand might have some sore ankles in the morning because of the move Yildiz put on him in the first half. ............ Spalletti might really be onto something with Koopmeiners playing at the back. Obviously a back three isn’t Spalletti’s preferred tactical setup, but it’s hard to go against what has suddenly been working for a player that prior to Juve hiring a new manager has looked rather helpless under their previous two coaches. Juve may still have defensive issues going forward these next few weeks and months, but if Koopmeiners keeps playing this way in this position, then he’s certainly not going to be one of them. That passage of play from Koopmeiners to Yildiz to Thuram for Vlahovic’s goal was just so nice. It took all of three passes to cover all of that space. That’s direct and effective football right there, baby. Should we rate Spalletti’s outfit on a chilly early-November night in Turin? Yes, I feel like we should… ............ This version of Dusan Vlahovic we’ve seen the last couple of games is the one we’ve been waiting for the entire time he’s played for Juventus. We’ve seen it in little spurts, so there’s no reason to get too excited about his form over the last week or two just yet, but it sure is nice to see him come to life. Yes, if this is the Vlahovic that Juve will get the majority of the time, then a contract extension offer seems like a logical step as other strikers not named Yildiz continue to struggle. But, again, it’s always been about consistency with Vlahovic, and he still needs to prove that under Spalletti. ............ I repeat, Sporting had all of four shots. Outside of the goal and the shot that hit off the crossbar, they did next to nothing. And yet, it’s a draw — that’s what makes it so frustrating with this team. But this club now has three draws in Europe and five draws in the league, so it’s just par for the course no matter how they play. Getting the draw-itus out of this team might be one of Spalletti’s biggest challenges amongst many of them the rest of the season. But hey, they’re up to 23rd place! Can’t forget that part! Now we hope that they can at least head into the international break with a win over Torino at the weekend. That should, if they win, be a nice foundation or Spalletti to hopefully build off of as they head into a big couple of weeks after the break, including his first matchup with Napoli since winning the title in Naples. Read more -> https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/previews-reviews/33502/juventus-sporting-cp-2025-champions-league-league-phase-matchday-4-final-score-initial-reaction-random-observations

Kalulu hits back at Juventus criticism and ‘nastiness’ Pierre Kalulu hits back at criticism after Juventus were held to a 1-1 draw by Sporting CP in the Champions League. ‘I expected a reaction, perhaps there is more nastiness when you evaluate.’ ............ “We wanted a victory today, because we needed the result,” Kalulu said. “We had lots of chances, more than Sporting, even if they are a team who move the ball around well. It’s a pity. This is a Champions League game, it’s difficult to dominate for an entire match, but we can build on this for the next matches.” ............ “I was not surprised by my team, because there are many games where we conceded first and reacted. I expected this from my teammates, perhaps in your eyes there is more nastiness when evaluating, but I have faith in my teammates,” said the former Milan defender. “We are working well and keep going.” ............ Juventus have only three points from their first four Champions League matches, and a goal difference of -1, so by the end of tomorrow’s games could find themselves in the elimination places. . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/kalulu-hits-back-juventus-criticism-nastiness/

Spalletti: ‘Juventus deserved more, but will win with this spirit’ Luciano Spalletti insists Juventus ‘deserved to take the lead’ in their 1-1 Champions League draw with Sporting CP, but ‘if we continue with this spirit, we will win many games.’ ............ “Sporting are a very good team, because they play an attacking style of football, they like to keep possession and have a ferocious press,” Spalletti said. “We had a complicated start, then this great reaction, we took the game in hand and deserved to take the lead, creating three or four good chances. At the start we lost the ball too cheaply, weren’t clean enough in our passing, struggled under pressure, but in general after that the team played well. “What gives me confidence is that we have talented players with quality who can make the difference when taking men on. Dusan worked so hard throughout too. We need to improve the speed of our passing, to circulate the ball and make the opponents move around.” ............ “There is the risk of being too attacking against Sporting, as they are so good at playing in tight spaces, that is the Portuguese school of football,” noted Spalletti. “We took possession off them and at times were a little too frenetic with our choices, giving the ball back after winning it. We had to claw it off them with tooth and nail, whereas we gave it back to them too easily. “I still believe this is a strong team, I am convinced that if we continue with this spirit, we will win many games.” ............ “Clearly, passing the ball quickly is what makes the difference, but there are many different phases of the game. Sometimes you have to pin the opponents back, move them around and pick the moment to break through. At others you have to counter and get the finish as quickly as possible,” added Spalletti. ............ This means Juve run the very real risk of first stage elimination, having amassed only three points from the opening four match days, with a goal difference of -1. It is a tough fixture list coming up, with a trip to Bodo/Glimt always tricky in November, then hosting Pafos and Benfica, before finally visiting Paul Pogba’s AS Monaco. ............ “The stadium was packed, it’s a beautiful atmosphere with everyone surrounding you. The players felt it too with a good performance, we can always improve, but I feel we can achieve something together,” concluded Spalletti. . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/spalletti-juventus-deserved-more-this-spirit/

Vlahovic ‘felt pain’ before substitution, Juventus ‘not happy’ with draw Dusan Vlahovic reveals he felt ‘a twinge in the flexor’ so he was forced to be subbed off against Sporting CP, in a 1-1 draw that makes the Old Lady ‘absolutely not happy.’ Vlahovic scored the equaliser for the Bianconeri on Tuesday evening, contributing to a 1-1 draw in Round 4. ............ Vlahovic has joined Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonzalo Higuain in scoring at least nine goals in his opening 20 Champions League appearances with the club. “It is a nice statistic, it’s pleasing, but I’d prefer to talk about today’s match,” the striker said. “We are absolutely not happy with the result, because we think that we played well, did better than them, even though Sporting are a strong side who can dominate teams. We reacted well and it was just a pity we couldn’t score more goals. “I can only congratulate the coach and team for the performance, hopefully we can play like this and win. We want to win all four remaining matches now.” ............ “Yes, we talked, I am concentrated on the present and my only focus is Saturday’s game,” he replied. “We will try to win, as it is the derby, that means a lot and won’t be easy, but we want the points.” ............ “I felt a twinge in the flexor, and I asked to come off. I don’t know if the coach wanted me to come off or not, I was sad not to finish the game, but I felt this pain,” he said. “I speak for myself, I didn’t play much during pre-season, then didn’t play regularly, so I am still lacking a little something in terms of match fitness. I feel bad because I was unable to help the team to the final minute, but I’m trying to give 100 per cent of myself.” ............ . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/vlahovic-pain-substitution-not-happy-juventus/

Koopmeiners spoke to Juventus and Spalletti about his role: ‘Much better’ now Teun Koopmeiners reveals he spoke to Juventus directors and Luciano Spalletti about his role and highlights the ‘positive spirit’ in the dressing room under the new coach. Juventus were held to a 1-1 draw by Sporting CP at the Allianz Stadium on Tuesday. Koopmeiners started the second consecutive match as a left centre-back in a three-man defence. ............ “It’s true, in the first 15 minutes we didn’t find the right shape in defence to press, but we were more aggressive after that and had chances to score,” Koopmeiners said. “After the break, we attacked and it’s a pity we weren’t able to score more, as we needed to win this game. There are many positives we can take going forward, but also things we have to work on.” Tonight’s draw means Juventus are still winless in four Champions League games, having collected three draws and one defeat. ............ “I feel much better in this position, because I am not a forward who plays with his back to goal, where I played in other games. I told the representatives of the club that too, and I told Spalletti. I had already played this role many years ago in Holland and it is where I feel comfortable,” he said. “I am a player who wants the ball, to pass to my teammates, to push everyone else forward, and I can do that with a midfielder and another defender near me.” ............ “Spalletti surprises me a little compared to other coaches, he is quite unique. He has a positive spirit, and in this game we saw Conceicao and Yildiz putting energy into helping defence and attack, which is what you need in modern football.” . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/koopmeiners-spoke-juventus-spalletti-role/

Wasteful Juventus share the spoils with Sporting Club Juventus were held to a 1-1 draw against Sporting Club in their latest European outing, failing to convert several promising chances that could have secured them victory. The result left many reflecting on missed opportunities in a match where Juve showed determination but lacked the finishing edge to claim all three points. Luciano Spalletti, making his European debut on the Juventus bench, faced immediate pressure to deliver a strong result. ............ From the opening minutes, Juventus showed purpose and control, seeking the breakthrough that would calm any nerves. Dusan Vlahovic came close to opening the scoring, but his effort was well saved by Rui Silva, who reacted superbly to deny the Serbian forward. The missed opportunity proved costly, as Maximiliano Araujo found the net for Sporting just a minute later, leaving Juventus unexpectedly trailing. Falling behind prompted a strong response from the hosts, who began to dominate possession and create more chances. Vlahovic, leading the line with power and intent, continued to unsettle the Sporting defence with his movement and physicality. His persistence paid off as he scored the equaliser, restoring parity and giving the Bianconeri momentum before the interval. ............ Spalletti’s half-time team talk appeared to energise his players, as Juventus resumed the second half with renewed intensity. They pressed high, dictated the tempo, and forced Sporting deeper into their own half. Jonathan David came agonisingly close to scoring what looked like the winner, only for Rui Silva to once again deny Juventus with a crucial save. ............ Despite their relentless effort, Spalletti’s men were unable to find a decisive goal, bringing an end to their winning streak. ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/wasteful-juventus-share-the-spoils-with-sporting-club/

Player Ratings: Juventus 1-1 Sporting CP – Refreshed Vlahovic Dusan Vlahovic was the best Juventus player in a 1-1 draw against Sporting CP on Tuesday. Juventus vs. Sporting CP Player ratings Di Gregorio 5.5 – ............ Kalulu 6.5 – Finally returned to his natural role, and it’s no coincidence that he put down another solid defensive performance. He still had the strength to push forward in the final minutes. Gatti 6 – ............ Koopmeiners 6 – Played as a centre-back for the second consecutive game. Contributed to the build-up with 74 touches; only Locatelli had more (75). McKennie 5 – ............ Locatelli 6.5 – Some good cross-field passes and a fine reading of the game that helped the team defensively (82′ Miretti N/A). Thuram 7 – Tough start to the game as Sporting found space in the middle, but the assist for Vlahovic was pure quality. (71′ Kostic 6) Cambiaso 5.5 – ............ Francisco Conceicao 6.5 – It’s never easy to face in a one-on-one. He lost pace in the second half, but put quality in every pass, ending with 100% accuracy. (71′ Zhegrova 6) Kenan Yildiz 6 – Some good moves down the left flank, but ultimately lacked the final touch to inspire the Juventus attacks. (86′ David N/A) Vlahovic 7.5 – The best Juventus player had the best chances in the game and scored a beautiful goal to level the score. He seems revived under Spalletti. He showed the right attitude, and the home crowd loved it. (82′ Adzic) Coach: Spalletti 6.5 – Juventus probably created enough chances to win the game, but, at the same time, they were lucky not to go down by two goals in the first half. The reaction was there and the performance as well, at least until they pressed high. They naturally dropped intensity in the second half, but still created a couple of chances to win it. Sporting: Rui Silva 7.5; Vagiannidis 6 (67′ Quaresma 6), Diomande 6, Gonçalo Inácio 6, Araújo 7; João Simões 6 (82′ Morita N/A), Hjulmand 6.5; Quenda 5.5 (67′ Catamo 6), Trincao 7, Gonçalves 5.5 (82′ Santos); Ioannidis 5.5 (72′ Suárez). Coach: Rui Borges 6 . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/juventus-sporting-player-ratings-vlahovic/

Champions League | Juventus 1-1 Sporting: Vlahovic not enough for first victory Dusan Vlahovic cancelled out the early Maximiliano Araujo goal, but it was not enough for Juventus to get their first Champions League victory after Luciano Spalletti’s arrival. ............ The pressure was already on Juve, who were still without a single win in the Champions League after high-scoring draws with Borussia Dortmund and Villarreal, then a 1-0 loss to Real Madrid. Dusan Vlahovic’s scuffed volley was smothered at the back post on a Weston McKennie cross from the right, but it was Sporting who took the lead in Turin. ............ They nearly doubled the advantage moments later, as Francisco Trincao’s strike was deflected off Koopmeiners to smack against the crossbar, having wrong-footed Michele Di Gregorio. Juventus also threatened, as Rui Silva made an extraordinary reaction save one-handed to deny the Vlahovic diving header from close range on Pierre Kalulu’s cross, then got down to fingertip the Serbian’s daisy-cutter round the far post. ............ Manuel Locatelli scuffed a finish wide from a promising position, and the Bianconeri equalised when Khephren Thuram surged down the left to roll across for Vlahovic, sliding in at the near post from seven yards. ............ Kenan Yildiz pulled back from the by-line for Francisco Conceicao to score in an identical position to the goal, but this time a crucial Goncalo Inacio deflection turned it wide of the near stick. ............ Fabio Miretti came on for his season debut, but Geny Catamo drilled wide after Koopmeiners was nutmegged, while Filip Kostic smashed into the arms of Rui Silva from distance. Jonathan David had a huge opportunity to win it in stoppages, but his header on Pierre Kalulu’s ball over the top was acrobatically fingertipped out from under the bar by Rui Silva. Kostic also saw his volley deflected over by Morita with practically the last kick of the game, as the Old Lady was held to another disappointing European draw. Juventus 1-1 Sporting CP Araujo 12 (S), Vlahovic 34 (J) ............ . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/champions-league-juventus-1-1-scp-vlahovic-not/