Socrates

UCL | Monaco 0-0 Juventus: Spalletti seals play-offs Juventus have confirmed that they will compete in the Champions League knockout play-off round after settling for a 0-0 draw away against AS Monaco in their final league phase match on Wednesday night. The Bianconeri came into this evening’s tie knowing that even with a victory, they would need favours from several other sides if they were to reach the top eight. Luciano Spalletti made a few interesting personnel choices, including the decision to leave both Kenan Yildiz and Jonathan David out of the starting line-up in favour of Francisco Conceicao and Lois Openda. ............ A slightly sleepy Bianconeri side were caught out at the back on a few occasions in the first period. Perin was successfully closed down by Balogun towards the end of the half, and Lloyd Kelly was also guilty of gifting Monaco possession deep into Juve territory. Balogun had the ball in the back of the net within the first quarter of an hour, but his goal was ruled out after a fairly quick VAR check, which confirmed that he had shoved Pierre Kalulu to the floor on his way into the area. ............ Going in at the interval, and for much of the second half, a single goal would have sent Juventus into the top eight, and importantly, straight into the round of 16. Despite that fact, Juventus’s first shot of the second half came through late substitute Edon Zhegrova in the 94th minute. They were also unable to register a shot on target at all across the 90 minutes. Happy to settle for the draw, Juventus end their Champions League league phase campaign in 13th position, which means that they will be among the third seeds in Friday’s play-off draw. Monaco 0-0 Juventus ............ . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/champions-league-monaco-0-0-juventus-play-offs/

Addio Koopmeiners

Ecco Zhegrova

Sí ma la Juve e il Monaco mi sa che hanno progettato un bel biscotto

Con una vittoria la Juve entrerebbe fra le prime 8. Spalletti fai entrare i migliori!

Denis Zakaria ex della Juventus. Erroraccio di Perin.

Tonight’s Champions League results could help Juventus sign a striker Juventus have reportedly reignited its interest in Randal Kolo Muani after failing to secure his signature during the summer transfer window. The French forward remains a player admired in Turin, and circumstances have now reopened the possibility of a renewed approach. ............ That decision reportedly strained relations between the two clubs. Paris Saint-Germain were understood to be unhappy with Juventus for walking away from discussions while there was still scope for a deal to be reached. As a result, Kolo Muani was instead sent out on loan to Tottenham, forcing the striker to continue his season elsewhere. ............ Kolo Muani is believed to be keen on a return to Turin, a factor that has encouraged the Italian club to revisit the situation. His willingness to rejoin Juventus has given fresh momentum to their pursuit, even though the circumstances are now more complex than before. Paris Saint-Germain may be open to repairing its relationship with Juventus, but any move would also require Tottenham’s cooperation. The Premier League club currently hold the player on loan, meaning their stance will be decisive in determining whether negotiations can progress. Tottenham’s decision is closely linked to their Champions League campaign. The report states that Spurs are likely to keep Kolo Muani if they manage to secure automatic progress in the competition, valuing his contribution during a crucial phase of the season. ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/tonights-champions-league-results-could-help-juventus-sign-a-striker/

Tottenham ready to terminate Kolo Muani loan amid Juventus talks Tottenham are ready to cut Randal Kolo Muani’s loan spell short, but Juventus must reach an agreement with PSG as well. ............ Kolo Muani joined Tottenham on loan from PSG on deadline day last summer after Juventus had spent weeks negotiating with the French giants to retain the striker after a six-month loan spell. ............ Kolo Muani has only scored two goals in 23 appearances across all competitions with Tottenham this season, but hasn’t yet found the net in 15 Premier League games. Juventus, Tottenham and PSG directors are expected to hold talks on Thursday after the final league phase round in the Champions League, which is played tonight. ............ . Juventus are eager to include an option to buy in the deal, but won’t pay more than €5m for Kolo Muani’s loan until the end of the season. . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/tottenham-terminate-kolo-muani-loan-juventus/

Champions League: Monaco vs. Juventus – probable line-ups Lois Openda is expected to start in attack for Juventus in an away Champions League match against Monaco. It kicks off at 21:00 CET (20:00 GMT) at the Stade Louis II in Monaco. ............ Multiple sources claim that Openda will start as a sole striker, pushing Jonathan David to the bench. Kenan Yildiz and Weston McKennie are confirmed in the Bianconeri’ XI, while Fabio Miretti returns to the line-up replacing Francisco Conceiçao. Andrea Cambiaso is expected to start on the bench, making room for Juan Cabal as a left-back. Manuel Locatelli will also rest as Spalletti will likely pick Teun Koopmeiners and Khephren Thuram in the middle of the park. ............ Monaco vs. Juventus – probable line-ups Monaco (3-5-2): Kohn; Vanderson, Teze, Kehrer; Caio Henrique; Zakaria, Camara, Akliouche, Ansu Fati; Golovin, Balogun. Juventus (4-2-3-1): Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Bremer, Kelly, Cabal; Thuram, Koopmeiners; McKennie, Miretti, Yildiz; Openda. . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/ucl-monaco-v-juventus-probable-line-ups-tv/

Champions League Preview: Monaco vs. Juventus Ninety minutes to go. The second edition of the Champions League league phase is down to its final matchday. And just as was the case 12 months ago, we’re entering a final day of the league phase in which there will be all 36 teams playing at the same time and there will likely be plenty of chaos and movement in the table before the 18th and final triple blast sounds on Matchday 8. ............ For Juventus, that final league phase fixture comes in the Principality against a Monaco side that is hanging on for their Champions League life and enter Wednesday night’s matchup sitting in 21st place. For Monaco, a positive result likely means they’ll sneak into the play-off round, but a loss pretty much leaves their fate in Europe to what the other teams around them — including our old buddy Antonio Conte and Napoli down in 25th — during the course of the final matchday. But when it comes to Luciano Spalletti and Juve, they may already be in the knockout phase, but there’s the chance for three more points — and if that does happen, then the chance to move even further up the league phase table with their fourth consecutive win is very much a possibility. There’s just the fact that Juventus have a chance at being one of the top seeds in the play-off round — or maybe even more than that — was something that didn’t exactly feel all that possible when Spalletti took over at the end of October and saw his new club play to a draw against Sporting a few days later. But what has happened over the next two-plus months has played a big reason as to why Juve are where they are in the Champions League table now. Juventus’ three European wins under Spalletti have been very different kinds of victories. They had to do a wild second-half comeback against Bodø/Glimt. They then had to use what felt like all of their patience possible to see off Pafos. Then, this past week, they got a solid if not unspectacular 2-0 win over Benfica to clinch a spot in the knockout rounds. They’ve come in different ways, but Juve are still getting wins in Europe — which is something that wasn’t happening during the first half of the league phase schedule under Igor Tudor. So now, as we head into the final 90 minutes of said UCL league phase, it’s the hope that one more time three points can be earned as you let the dust settle elsewhere with everybody playing at once. Monaco enter Wednesday night’s league phase finale with fitness concerns up and down the roster. That is especially true in defense for manager Sébastien Pocognoli, who replaced took over in mid-October following Monaco’s turbulent start to the 2025-26 season. They’re coming off a 6-1 thrashing at the hands of Real Madrid, a result that ended Monaco’s five-game unbeaten run in the Champions League. ............ It’s been nearly a decade since Juventus and Monaco last played. Those were much better days in the Champions League, with the 2017 matchup being what proved to be a head-to-head tie that Juve won to make their second final under Max Allegri in three years. This time around, Spalletti is just trying to get one more win out of this team in the league phase and hope for the best potential finish in the table because of it. Just as was the case over the weekend, Spalletti’s squad will be facing a team that is extremely short-handed due to injuries, and taking full advantage of that will be a huge thing for a team that is looking like it’s on the right track heading into a very important February. TEAM NEWS Three players are out injured for Juventus’ trip to Monaco: Dusan Vlahovic, Daniele Rugani and Arek Milik. Spalletti said at his pre-match press conference that there will be changes in the starting lineup. He didn’t say how much rotation there will be, but there will be some, he noted. He did mention two names who will certainly be coming into the starting lineup: Teun Koopmeiners — who was alongside Spalletti at the press conference — and Loïs Openda. During his pre-match press conference, Spalletti noted that Gleison Bremer has played quite a bit since returned from injury last month. What that means for his status in the starting lineup against Monaco remains to be seen, but it certainly is something that Spalletti is aware of when it comes to his best defender. Despite the winning trend continuing over the weekend, Spalletti continued to hammer the fact that he feels like this Juventus squad still has room for improvement as they enter their final fixture of January. JUVENTUS PLAYER TO WATCH Spalletti, in a rare occurence since he took over as Juventus manager, tipped his hand when it came to a couple of his starting lineup choices. ............ The last time we heard anything Spalletti and Openda related, it was the “pat” on the check heard around Italy before the Belgian forward came on as a substitute against Benfica. It’s at a point in the season that Jonathan David has become Spalletti’s preferred choice up front, with Openda’s last start coming a month ago on Dec. 27 against Pisa. Since then, David has scored in multiple games while Openda has failed to replicate the kind of performance he had when he was on the scoresheet against Roma on Dec. 20. But, as Spalletti clearly said, this is going to be Openda’s night to make something happen up front. ............ That “right kind of space” comment is what could be used to Juventus’ advantage. Monaco need to get a win to ensure that they’re in the Champions League play-off round. They will surely try and push for goals because they’ve got so many absences in defense and have actually created a decent amount of chances during their other matchups in the league phase. But when it comes to a situation where you know a win is the only thing that ensures you’re not watching the rest of this season’s Champions League from home, that can open up plenty of spaces for your opponent to run into. Enter Openda and his speed. You know, just like we saw against Roma last month. That is where Openda has the chance to excel more than David because he’s simply much more of that kind of forward. How Spalletti plays it will be interesting to see because the Roma win can be a prime example of what things can look like when the tactics are more to Openda’s profile — and then it all works. MATCH INFO When: Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. Where: Stade Louis II, Principality of Monaco. Official kickoff time: 9 p.m. local time in Italy and across Europe, 8 p.m. in the United Kingdom, 3 p.m. Eastern time, 2 p.m. Central time, 12 p.m. Pacific time. . Read more -> https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/previews-reviews/35781/monaco-juventus-2026-champions-league-league-phase-matchday-8-preview-team-news-schedule-how-to-watch

Preview: Monaco vs Juventus - prediction, team news, lineups Battling to stay alive in this season's Champions League, Monaco will welcome Juventus to Stade Louis II when the league phase reaches its climax on Wednesday. Juve have already wrapped up a playoff place - and could even sneak into the final top eight - but only victory will guarantee their hosts' place in the knockout stage. Match preview Having been dealt a merciless thrashing by Real Madrid last week, Monaco's tally of nine points from seven games leaves them 21st in the standings ahead of Wednesday's grand finale. ............ After drawing 0-0 with Tottenham Hotspur and beating Galatasaray 1-0, they are still unbeaten at home in this season's competition, and they must surely maintain that record to make the top 24. History will not be on their side, however, as Monaco have lost four of six previous meetings with Juventus, winning just one. After making a slow start this term, they have recently shown signs of promise under new management; following last week's 2-0 defeat of Benfica, Luciano Spalletti's side have won their last three Champions League matches. Having previously beaten Pafos and Bodo/Glimt, Khephren Thuram and Weston McKennie found the target in Turin, as Juve secured a playoff place with one round remaining. Sitting 15th in the table on 12 points, the Bianconeri are just one shy of the all-important top eight, but they will need several results to go their way to progress without the need for a playoff. To have any real chance of seizing an automatic spot in the last 16, Juventus must win again on Wednesday, following up on back-to-back victories last week. After taking care of business against Benfica, they maintained their unbeaten home record in Serie A by conquering the Scudetto holders on Sunday evening. Continuing his recent rise to prominence, Jonathan David started the scoring in an emphatic 3-0 win over Spalletti's former club Napoli, keeping Juve in the hunt for a top-four finish. Monaco Champions League form: D D W D W L Monaco form (all competitions): W L W L L D Juventus Champions League form: D L D W W W Juventus form (all competitions): D W W L W W Team News ............ Juve's injury woes have begun to subside, as only Daniele Rugani, Dusan Vlahovic and long-term absentee Arkadiusz Milik are sidelined; however, Bremer and Federico Gatti are both short of full fitness. Kenan Yildiz notched his eighth Serie A goal of the season last week, and he could join McKennie, who has scored in his last three Champions League appearances, behind a lone front man. David has recorded two goals and an assist during the Bianconeri's recent hat-trick of league-phase successes, but Spalletti has suggested Lois Openda will start. Monaco possible starting lineup: Kohn; Vanderson, Kehrer, Teze, Henrique; Camara, Zakaria; Akliouche, Fati, Golovin; Balogun Juventus possible starting lineup: Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Bremer, Kelly, Cabal; Locatelli, Koopmeiners; Miretti, McKennie, Yildiz; Openda We say: Monaco 2-2 Juventus Now enjoying their best form of the season, Juventus should at least hold their ailing hosts to a score draw. Burdened by injuries and nosediving confidence, Monaco may be left at the mercy of others, with one point not necessarily enough to see them through. . Read more -> https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/as-monaco/champions-league/preview/monaco-vs-juventus-prediction-team-news-lineups_590706.html

AS Monaco vs Juventus: Preview and Prediction Sebastian Pocognoli has plenty of questions to answer about his utterly out-of-form AS Monaco side. The French giants are yet to win a game in 2026 in Ligue 1, while they are in the worst spell of their otherwise difficult season, where they ended a four-game losing streak with a goalless draw to Le Havre. ............ Juventus are not in any danger of bowing out of the Champions League basis of the result of the final group phase game. The Bianconeri are certain to qualify for the playoff rounds, although there is still a slim chance that they will slip into the top eight if they can win and results elsewhere go their way. An In-form Juventus extended their winning run to five games, with a smashing victory over reigning Italian champions Napoli in Turin. They also moved up in the Champions League standings with a stellar result against Benfica last week. Team News & Tactics AS Monaco ............ Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Kohn; Ouattara, Kehrer, Teze, Henrique; Zakaria, Camara; Akliouche, Golovin, Fati; Balogun Juventus Luciano Spalletti will also be without a handful of his first-team stars ahead of this trip to Monaco. Apart from Dusan Vlahovic, Daniele Rugani and long-term absentee Arkadiusz Milik, the visitors are also missing Jonas Rouhi and Carlo Pinsoglio from action ahead of this midweek clash. Beyond that, Spalletti will be able to put up another strong side to contend against AS Monaco, with key man Kenan Yildiz one of the sure starters for Juventus. Gleison Bremer and Lloyd Kelly will continue their growing partnership at the heart of the defence, with Pierre Kalulu and Andrea Cambiaso stationed in the full-back roles. Manuel Locatelli and Khephren Thuram remain the mainstay in midfield, while Fabio Miretti could assume the attacking midfield duties. Weston McKennie continued to show his versatility by assuming multiple roles in the side, as he could be preferred in the attacking third off the right-hand side. With Yildiz on the left, Jonathan David might be the preferred choice to lead the line, while Lois Openda could be stationed on the bench. Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Bremer, Kelly, Cambiaso; Locatelli, Thuram; McKennie, Miretti, Yildiz; David Key Stats AS Monaco have conceded three or more goals in each of their last two home fixtures. AS Monaco are unbeaten in their last three home games in the UEFA Champions League. Juventus are undefeated in their last five matches against AS Monaco across all competitions. Juventus are on a five-game winning streak across all competitions. Aleksandr Golovin created six chances against Real Madrid on Matchday 7, becoming just the fourth AS Monaco player on record since 2003/04 to create 6+ chances in a UEFA Champions League game, along with Jerome Rothen (3 times), Thomas Lemar and Caio Henrique. It was the most Golovin had ever created in a match in the competition. Player to Watch Jonathan David Juventus recently tried to sign Jean-Philippe Mateta, which was a clear indicator that the club wanted to strengthen the centre-forward department. While they have cooled their interest in the Frenchman, it is also an indication of faith in their striker David, who has been turning up in games of late. The Canadian international has a goal contribution in each of Juventus’s last three Champions League games, while also finding himself on the scoresheet against Napoli. The game against AS Monaco is another chance for him to build momentum against a familiar opposition, given that he spent a considerable period in Ligue 1. Prediction AS Monaco 1-3 Juventus Monaco are in a difficult run of form, but will surely rely on their three-game unbeaten run at home in the UEFA Champions League. However, the manner of their defeat at the hands of Real Madrid exposed plenty of defensive problems that Juventus might have picked up in their viewing of the opposition. Juventus are on a five-game winning run in all competitions, and they are widely expected to add another one to the tally. They are superior in all aspects to AS Monaco, and could get a top win to boost their chances of finishing in the top eight, although a playoff spot is all but guaranteed. . Read more -> https://thehardtackle.com/round-up/2026/01/28/as-monaco-vs-juventus-preview-and-prediction/

Juventus pushing to secure free transfer of Premier League defender Juventus are among several clubs showing strong interest in signing Marcos Senesi this summer, with the defender set to become a free agent at the end of the season. The Argentinian has been in outstanding form for Bournemouth and is widely regarded as one of the finest defenders currently playing in the Premier League. His consistent performances have not gone unnoticed, and his contract situation has placed him firmly on the radar of a number of top sides. Bournemouth have made efforts to secure Senesi on a new deal but have been unable to reach an agreement with him. As a result, the club are now preparing for the likelihood of his departure once the campaign concludes. ............ Juventus consider Senesi to be one of their most important transfer targets ahead of the summer window. The report states that the club have already made contact with his entourage and believes they are well placed to complete the move. Their confidence stems from both their sporting project and the appeal of joining one of Italy’s most prestigious clubs. ............ Juventus are fully aware that competition for Senesi will be intense. Several clubs are expected to make their interest known before the season ends, given his availability on a free transfer and his strong reputation. This is why the Old Lady is continuing to push their case and act decisively, rather than waiting until the market becomes crowded. For Senesi, interest from a club of Juventus’ stature is likely to be flattering. A move to Turin would represent a significant step in his career and an opportunity to compete regularly at the highest level in domestic and European competitions. ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/juventus-pushing-to-secure-free-transfer-of-premier-league-defender/

Douglas Luiz to Aston Villa is now considered a done deal Douglas Luiz is set to spend the remainder of this season on loan at Aston Villa after his temporary spell at Nottingham Forest was brought to an early end. The Brazilian midfielder moved to Juventus from Villa last season, arriving in Italy with a reputation as one of the finest midfielders in European football. His signing was viewed as a major statement, with the Bianconeri paying a significant fee to secure his services. ............ Luiz’s time at Forest did not bring the revival many had hoped for. He was unable to rediscover his best form and did not feature regularly, which raised further questions about his confidence and consistency. As a result, the decision was taken to interrupt that loan, allowing him to return to a more familiar environment at Aston Villa. The move back to Villa is effectively completed, with all parties expecting the arrangement to benefit both the player and the clubs involved. Villa have included an option to make the transfer permanent in the summer, allowing them to assess Luiz over the coming months before committing to a long-term deal. ............ For Luiz, the return to Villa represents a crucial opportunity to rediscover the form that once made him a fan favourite at the club during his previous spell in the Premier League. Playing in a familiar system and environment could help him regain confidence and rhythm, elements that have been missing since he departed from England. From Juventus’ perspective, the situation is clear. The Bianconeri are keen to see Luiz leave permanently and will be hoping Aston Villa decide to activate the purchase option once the campaign concludes. ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/douglas-luiz-to-aston-villa-is-now-considered-a-done-deal/

Spalletti eager to see Juventus and Openda ‘without pressure’ in Champions League Luciano Spalletti confirmed big Juventus changes for tomorrow’s Champions League trip to AS Monaco. ‘Lois Openda is upfront, curious to see us without pressure of needing a result.’ It kicks off in Monaco on Wednesday at 20.00 GMT (21.00 CET), the final round of the league phase in this tournament. ............ “There is no better way to prove our current form,” assured Spalletti in his press conference. “We do not have the tension of needing a result, so let’s see what we can do when we are free mentally. “Monaco won’t be making calculations, they cannot afford to sit back and wait, while we are playing to win, to aspire to something more. I expect an open and entertaining game against a strong opponent.” ............ “We played two days ago and will play again two days after that, so there will be a few adjustments. I can say that Koopmeiners will play in midfield, while Bremer and Gatti need to be evaluated for their fitness levels. “Openda is going to start upfront. If I give him space, he should be able to sort out this difficulty he has in scoring goals. I am curious to see how this team fares without that anxiety of needing a result at all costs. “We are in the best possible situation, in the Champions League without feeling the pressure of three obligatory points. I’ll make a few changes, yes, but I still want to see a high level of performance.” ............ “It’s not the meaning of the words, but the rapport you have with the players that allows you at times to express yourself in a more decisive fashion,” explained the coach. “It might be interpreted differently from the outside, but internally this is our way of doing things on a daily basis. Openda is a player with certain characteristics and qualities that are clear for all to see. “He has this nice boy persona that in my view limits him a little bit. He feels the pressure, many things get to him, he struggles to relax into the game. “I think, giving him the right space, sooner or later he will resolve those difficulties that he has. And tomorrow might be the time he gets that space.” ............ Quite aside from the Champions League, Spalletti was also pressed on the controversy with coach Antonio Conte, who he angered when referring to Napoli as ‘former champions of Italy.’ “I thought it was AI, then I realised it was real. I had hoped you would ask me different things in a Champions League press conference,” laughed Spalletti. . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/spalletti-see-juventus-openda-without-pressure/

Spalletti sends strong video response after Conte criticism Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti sent a pointed video message to Antonio Conte after the Napoli boss complained, proving that he did in fact show respect to the ‘Champions of Italy.’ ............ This evening, Spalletti sent a pointed response via his official Instagram account, although he never named Conte or the controversy that it was clearly a reply to. ............ “Tonight we can say that we learned a lot, because we were up against the best of them all, we were hosting the champions of Italy,” said the Juventus coach in this clip. “Doing it against them probably means more, but now we begin another rhumba dance. You have to take off the clothes of the winner and put on those of a humble worker who goes out there to toil in the field, that is how you get to be a winner again.” ............ . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/spalletti-strong-response-to-conte-criticism/

PSG refuse to open doors for Juventus talks about Muani Juventus have so far failed in their attempts to secure a new striker, a situation that has forced the Bianconeri to reconsider a potential move for Randal Kolo Muani. The French forward spent the second half of last season at the Allianz Stadium and delivered encouraging performances, prompting Juve to explore the possibility of bringing him back during the summer transfer window. Paris Saint-Germain were initially open to allowing the player to leave, and discussions took place between the two clubs. However, despite prolonged talks, they were unable to reach an agreement on the structure of the deal. ............ Juventus are now once again keen to ensure the squad is reinforced with a recognised striker, leading them to re-establish contact regarding Kolo Muani. At present, the forward is on loan at Tottenham, and the Premier League club has shown no willingness to allow him to depart. More significantly, Paris Saint-Germain are also not interested in reopening discussions. The Ligue 1 champions remain unhappy with how Juventus handled negotiations during the summer and are reluctant to facilitate a move for any of their players to Turin. This lingering irritation appears to be a major obstacle, regardless of Juventus renewed interest in the striker. ............ Despite the difficulties at club level, Kolo Muani reportedly enjoyed his previous spell in Turin and would be open to returning if the opportunity arose. His positive experience with the team and familiarity with the environment make him an appealing option for Juventus as they continue their search for attacking reinforcements. ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/psg-refuse-to-open-doors-for-juventus-talks-about-muani/