Socrates

Juventus eyes three stars in case Rabiot refuses to extend his contract Juventus remains keen on keeping Adrien Rabiot in their squad beyond this season, but the Bianconeri are also on the lookout for alternatives. ............. The Frenchman might be interested in working with Thiago Motta, but while he wastes time, Juve has identified three players who could take his place on their team. The Bianconeri are interested in Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana and Nice’s Khephren Thuram, whom they can sign permanently. They are also interested in signing PSG’s Manuel Ugarte on loan for next season. ............. Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/juventus-eyes-three-stars-in-case-rabiot-refuses-to-extend-his-contract/

Motta wants a left-back and Juventus eyes two targets With Alex Sandro leaving and Juventus set to play with a back-four under Thiago Motta, the Bianconeri are looking to sign new left-backs. ............. The Bianconeri are targeting a new left-back, with two options on the table. They like Lecce’s Patrick Dorgu, who has been impressive despite being just 19. The Bianconeri are also interested in FC Porto star Wendell, who is far more experienced and has been named in the latest Brazil squad. ............. Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/motta-wants-a-left-back-and-juventus-eyes-two-targets/

Juventus had the worst value for money per point this season in Serie A It is well documented that Juventus had a terrible season in 2023/2024, and more details have emerged from their campaign. ............. It was another season that divided Juventus’ fans. Some believed their team was not good enough to do more, while others argued that it could have achieved more with a better manager. Juve has some of the finest players in the league and, perhaps even more importantly, they pay some of the highest wages in Serie A. ............. The report reveals that the Bianconeri wage bill is 125.95 million euros per season, and they collected just 71 points, which means they paid 1.77 million euros per point. This is by far the worst value for money in the league, with AS Roma the second worst after spending 1.7 million euros per point. ............. Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/juventus-had-the-worst-value-for-money-per-point-this-season-in-serie-a/

Thiago Motta identifies three untouchable players at Juventus Thiago Motta considers Andrea Cambiaso, Kenan Yildiz, and Nicolò Fagioli three untouchable players in his Juventus squad. ............ The Italian full-back recently extended his contract until 2029, Yildiz will soon sign a new agreement as well, and Fagioli has just returned from a seven-month ban for gambling. Motta hopes to keep Gleison Bremer in the team and form a defensive partnership with Riccardo Calafiori, but the Bianconeri may need to sell the Brazilian to afford the Bologna defender. Next week, Cristiano Giuntoli will have a ‘decisive’ meeting with Adrien Rabiot’s agent and mother, Veronique, to determine whether the Frenchman will extend his stay beyond 2024. ............ Federico Chiesa’s future remains uncertain, and the same is true of Wojciech Szczesny ............ Read more -> https://football-italia.net/thiago-motta-untouchable-players-juventus/

Juventus make positive contacts for Koopmeiners, but agreement with Atalanta remains distant Juventus are reportedly making progress in their talks with Teun Koopmeiners, but finding an accord with Atalanta remains the main hurdle. The Bianconeri have long identified the Dutchman as their primary target to enhance the middle of the park. ............. Juventus have reportedly prepared Koopmeiners a five-year contract, with a yearly net salary of 4.5 million euros. However, Atalanta remain stubborn in their requests. The Oribici aren’t willing to part ways with their prized asset for anything less than 60 million euros. For their part, Juve aren’t willing to splash a figure above 45 million, but instead, they plan to offer players in exchange in order to meet La Dea’s valuation. The source claims the Old Lady offered Fabio Miretti as an exchange pawn, but Atalanta weren’t interested in the young midfielder. Hence, the Turin-based giants might have to raise the bar by inserting either Dean Huijsen or Matias Soulé in the operation. ............. Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/juventus-make-positive-contacts-for-koopmeiners-but-agreement-with-atalanta-remains-distant/

Juventus finalizing Di Gregorio move, awaiting offers for Szczesny & Perin Juventus are reportedly working on the final details before announcing the transfer of Michele Di Gregorio, while the futures of Wojciech Szczesny and Mattia Perin remain shrouded in mystery. The Bianconeri have an agreement in principle with both Monza and the player’s entourage. The 26-year-old already bid the Biancorossi fans farewell at the end of the season, which ironically occurred at the Allianz Stadium. ............. Moreover, the two clubs have reached an accord over a transfer fee worth 20 million euros, but the formula of the operation has yet to be decided. Obviously, Di Gregorio’s arrival would force at least one between Szczesny and Perin out of Turin. ............. It primarily depends on the offers that the club will receive. Perin reportedly has several admirers in Serie A, including Monza and the recently-promoted Parma. Moreover, the report doesn’t rule out another return to Genoa. On the other hand, Szczesny is one of the highest earners at Juventus, with a salary that can scare away any possible suitors in Italy. The Poland international could have admirers in the Premier League, while the Old Lady would be willing to keep him if he agrees to spread his wages over additional years. ............. Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/juventus-finalizing-di-gregorio-move-awaiting-offers-for-szczesny-perin/

Juventus propose Milik as exchange pawn for Calafiori Juventus have reportedly offered Arkadiusz Milik in exchange for the services of Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori. The 22-year-old has emerged as the Old Lady’s ultimate transfer target to bolster the backline following his exploits at Bologna this season. Thiago Motta transformed the Italian from a left-back into a ball-playing central defender, and would be keen to reunite with him in Turin. As we all know by now, the 41-year-old will be imminently appointed as the new Juventus manager after leaving Bologna. ............. Juventus have proposed a swap deal involving Milik and Calafiori. The Bianconeri are looking to revamp their squad this summer, but have limited resources. Thus, player exchange would help them lower the cost. Moreover, Bologna could use a new striker, especially if they end up losing the services of Joshua Zirkzee who has several suitors in Europe, including Arsenal, Inter and even Juventus. Nevertheless, Milik’s wages constitute a hurdle for the Emilian club. The Polish striker currently earns 3.5 million euros as a net salary per year, a figure that Bologna cannot afford. Therefore, this swap deal could only see the light through an initial loan, with Juventus covering part of the 30-year-old’s wages. ............. Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/juventus-propose-milik-as-exchange-pawn-for-young-defender/

Journalist explains how Juventus season can be divided into two parts The just-concluded campaign was truly a season of two halves for Juventus, as the Bianconeri proved too unpredictable to win the league. In the first half, Max Allegri’s side showed they were prepared to make the most of their lack of European football and win as many games as possible. This raised hopes that they could win the league, and their fans were dreaming of that happening for the first time since 2020. However, in the second half of the season, they went through a tough period and failed to make a recovery. ............. Juve has since sacked Allegri and a new era is to begin at the club this summer, but journalist Giuseppe Falci looked back at their performance and said: “A season ends that could be divided into two: excellent first part, second relegation. Yet there was a trophy. A final thank you to Max Allegri. Now we look to the future, to the team of the future, to the coach who will come. Come on @juventus #finoallafine”. ............. Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/journalist-explains-how-juventus-season-can-be-divided-into-two-parts/

Juventus schedule meeting with Chiesa’s agent, but future remains in doubt Juventus are reportedly working on extending the contract of Federico Chiesa, but his long-term stay at the club remains far from certain. Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio sent shockwaves by claiming that incoming Juventus manager Thiago Motta isn’t a keen admirer of the 26-year-old, and is thus unlikely to play him a starter. If true, this could be the last straw that spells the end of the winger’s time in Turin. After all, his contract is only valid until 2025. But Juventus have already scheduled a meeting with the player’s entourage in the coming days. The source insists that the club’s Football Director Cristiano Giuntoli is working on a bridge renewal, one that is in line with the club’s current financial parameters. In other words, the club director would like to push back the deadline until 2026. ............ On the one hand, Juventus would have the opportunity to negotiate a long-term contract next season if Chiesa manages to cement himself as a pillar in Motta’s maiden campaign at the club. On the other hand, the Bianconeri would be able to sell the player for a decent return in the summer, especially if he delivers the goods in Euro 2024. The source also claims that Roma remains Chiesa’s most renowned suitor at the moment. ............ Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/juventus-schedule-meeting-with-chiesas-agent-but-future-remains-in-doubt/

JUVENTUS INTERESTED IN NAPOLI’S GIOVANNI DI LORENZO Serie A giants Juventus are interested in the possibility of landing Napoli full-back Giovanni di Lorenzo in the summer. ................. The chances of Di Lorenzo joining Juve are increasingly and a key aspect of the potential move is the Italian’s excellent relationship with Cristiano Giuntoli from their time at the Partenopei. Juve want a player in Di Lorenzo’s role in the summer and they are looking to make a decision about Danilo’s future as his current deal runs out in the summer of 2025. One drawback in the potential move could be the idea of dealing with Aurelio de Laurentiis and Napoli are likely to ask for about €20 million and there is a possibility of Juve adding players, if they make a move. Read more -> https://www.getfootballnewsitaly.com/2024/juventus-interested-in-napolis-giovanni-di-lorenzo/

Juventus prepare for crucial Rabiot meeting – Monaco star lined up as alternative Juventus will hold decisive talks with Adrien Rabiot and his mother/agent Veronique in the coming days which will determine whether he’ll stay at the club or embark on a new career chapter. ................. The Frenchman’s contract will expire next, but Juventus Football Director Cristiano Giuntoli hasn’t lost faith, believing he can still convince the 29-year-old and his mother to pen a new deal. In the meantime, Bayern Munich are monitoring the situation, as they would relish the opportunity to sign the France international on a free transfer. ................. The Old Lady will have to sign at least one or two midfielders for next season. Monaco star Youssouf Fofana is a like-to-like replacement for his international teammate Rabiot. The 25-year-old’s contract with the French principality side will expire in 2025, and the player has been refusing to sign a renewal. Therefore, Monaco could be forced to sell him at a relatively low price this summer. However, Fofana isn’t the only Ligue 1 midfielder on the Old Lady’s shortlist. The source also mentions interest in PSG’s Manuel Ugarte and Nice’s Khephren Thuram. Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/juventus-prepare-for-crucial-rabiot-meeting-monaco-star-lined-up-as-alternative/

Heartbreak for Juventus Next Gen as Serie B dream reaches abrupt end Juventus Next Gen have been eliminated from the Serie C promotion playoffs following their 2-2 draw against Carrarese in the quarter-finals. Massimo Brambilla’s men had eliminated Pescara and Casertana in the previous rounds, but their dream of playing in the Serie B next season ended on Saturday night. The young Bianconeri side had hosted the first leg which ended in a draw. Therefore, they needed a win away from home as their opponents had the advantage of a superior league record. ............. Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/video-heartbreak-for-juventus-next-gen-as-serie-b-dream-reaches-abrupt-end/

Di Marzio on Motta’s Juventus project – Koopmeiners in, Chiesa out? Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio claims Federico Chiesa may not be a part of Thiago Motta’s plans at Juventus. The Bianconeri are preparing to appoint the Italo-Brazilian manager as their new coach after parting ways with Max Allegri. The 41-year-old has already announced his departure from Bologna. This arrival would spark the beginning of a new project that will include a host of changes in personnel. ............. “Juventus wants Koopmeiners. Then I don’t know if Gasperini will chain himself to Zingonia to prevent the player’s departure,” said Di Marzio during his appearance on Sky Sport Italia. “Juventus has offered 40 million euros plus 5M as bonuses. Atalanta is aking for 60 million.” ............. “Rabiot is at the center of Motta’s project, then we will have to see whether he will renew it or not. “Locatelli was not called up for Euro 2024 and is not indispensable for Spalletti, but he is indispensable for Motta. “He wants to build on Locatelli and Bremer with Calafiori as well if he manages to get him. He’s also a big fan of Cambiaso. ............. “Motta doesn’t dote on Chiesa, he’s not his first choice. If we’re going to envision the coach’s starting lineup at Juventus, Federico won’t be included. “But then again, when you coach the player in training, you can always change your mind, so let’s see.” Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/di-marzio-on-mottas-juventus-project-koopmeiners-in-chiesa-out/

Montero: “Fagioli can become a Juventus pillar, Yildiz is talented but not like Del Piero” Juventus caretaker coach Paolo Montero finished a brief stint with the first team by beating Monza with two unanswered goals at the Allianz Stadium. ............. The 52-year-old seemed pleased with his experience and tipped Nicolo Fagioli to cement himself as a stalwart at the club after marking his return from a lengthy suspension with impressive displays. “I have had the good fortune to work with great men, who have the desire to work and improve,” said the Uruguayan in his post-match interview as published by the club’s official website. “Fagioli is an intelligent player who knows where to position himself to create superiority and the play that the team needs. In the future, he can become a Juventus pillar, because he has the right personality. “I’ve been with them for only a few days, so I can’t pass judgments, but they are a strong team. But then, every club endures difficult campaigns. “But then again, the Bianoneri achieved their season objectives. The players are attached to the jersey, I’m glad I got the chance to work with them.” ............. “Yildiz is talented, but is a little different from Del Piero. Alex played more centrally, Kenan on the other hand, goes wider. “For him, this comparison must be an incentive, because in Juventus, there are three club icons: Boniperti, Scirea and Del Piero.” ............. Finally, Montero explained why he fees at home in the city of Turin. “When I walk in Turin I feel like I’m walking in Montevideo because of the affection that the people of this city show me. “This is why I chose to come and live here, before working for Juventus as a coach. I feel at home because of the affection of the people. The mentality cannot be a system, that comes from within: to be a winner, you have to be born with it.” Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/montero-fagioli-can-become-a-juventus-pillar-yildiz-is-talented-but-not-like-del-piero/

The Top Five Juventus players in 2023/24 ranked ............. Several Juventus stars failed to deliver their best displays, or at least weren’t able to maintain their consistency. Many fans and observers pointrd the finger at Max Allegri’s rigid tactics as a key factor that prevented the players from producing the best. But while none of the Bianconeri stars enjoyed a sensational campaign, some at least managed to impress more often than not, playing an integral role in achieving Champions League qualification and winning the domestic cup. So here are our Top Five Juventus stars for the 2023/24 campaign: 5. Weston McKennie The American was arguably the biggest surprise of the season given how inconsistent he was during his first two and a half years at Juventus. ............. 4. Wojciech Szczesny Aside from his howlers in Sassuolo, the Pole was superb between the sticks, pulling off jaw-dropping saves on several occasions. If this is to be his last campaign in Turin before he makes way for Michele Di Gregorio, then he’s certainly leaving on a high note. 3. Dusan Vlahovic Perhaps the Serie A Striker of the Season Award was a bit of a stretch, but the Serbian surely turned the page this term following an abysmal 2022/23 campaign. Juventus fans still expect him to improve and become more clinical in front of goal, but there were times when he managed to carry the team on his back. Moreover, scoring 18 goals per season for a club that at times lacked any sort of creativity and cohesion is a feat that mustn’t be taken lightly. 2. Andrea Cambiaso The Italian’s emergence onto the scene was one of the few bright spots of an overly disappointing campaign for Juventus. The 24-year-old presented himself as a generous and technical footballer capable of playing in a variety of roles. ............. 1. Gleison Bremer While this season was a letdown in general, it might have easily been catastrophic if it wasn’t for the reassuring presence of the Brazilian who has now established himself as one of the most resolute defenders on the Old Continent. The 27-year-old is a physical beast who relishes one-on-one duels and is also capable of inflicting damage on the opposite end of the pitch as evidenced by his three goals. We can only hope the management doesn’t cash in on his services this summer. Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/opinion-the-top-five-juventus-players-in-2023-24-ranked/

Juventus honor Alex Sandro on his final club appearance Juventus paid homage to Alex Sandro on his last appearance for the club. The Brazilian donned the captain’s armband and received a great ovation while leaving the pitch in the second half. The 33-year-old, who marked his last outing against Monza by scoring a header, was then celebrated after the match. The veteran was applauded by his teammates while club president Gianluca Ferrero presented him a Juventus jersey with the Number 327 after equalling Pavel Nedved’s record number of club appearances for a foreign player. ............. Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/video-juventus-honor-alex-sandro-on-his-final-club-appearance/

Thiago Motta set to sign for Juventus this week Juventus and Thiago Motta will reportedly put pen to paper at some point during the current week. ............ The 41-year-old held a meeting with Rossoblu president Joey Saputo last week, expressing his desire to leave the club. Therefore, Motta is now free to sign for Juventus, and Sky Sport expects the operation to be finalized this week. As the source tells it, the two parties have had an agreement in principle for quite some time now. All that is missing at this point are the signatures which should arrive in the coming days. The report reveals that Motta will ink a three-year contract, while his net salary will be 5 million euros per year. ............ Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/thiago-motta-set-to-sign-for-juventus-this-week-the-figures-revealed/

327 presenze. Come Pavel Nedved.

Juventus finish unhappy season on high note in win over Monza Juventus was able to put a button on a rough season with some good play and a heartwarming farewell. It’s not news to anyone that the majority of the 2024 portion of Juventus’ 2023-24 season has been an unmitigated nightmare. Over the last 17 Serie A games of the season, 10 of them were draws and four were losses. The 2-0 win over Monza in Saturday’s season finale was only their third victory in that span — giving them a total of 19 points in those 17 matches. Despite the Coppa Italia win 10 days ago, the vast majority of Juventini were likely welcoming the end of the campaign. Thankfully, the end came with a smile. Juventus actually played — I know, bear with me on this one — well against Monza. They still ceded the majority of possession, holding the ball just 41.9 percent of the time, but what they did with that 41.9 percent was a long ways better than anything the team had put together in quite a while. The two goals they scored could have easily been four or even five, and they were strong enough defensively to record their first league clean sheet in a month. All in all, it was enough to end the team’s AFC Richmond-esque string of draws at six, send the fans home happy, and one of their most loyal servants off in style. Unlike Monday’s match, Paolo Montero did in fact do a little tinkering with the training sessions he had available to him, and altered the ever-standard 3-5-2 into a 3-4-3. ............. It was Chiesa who finally broke the dam. His first touch off a pass from Milik was a little strong and went right to D’Ambrosio, but it ricocheted into a spot that allowed Chiesa to take it right back in stride, quickly dribble around the center-back, and ripped it into the goal at the near post after Sorrentino committed to the near post too early. The team’s attitude in the next few minutes was a refreshing change from the majority of the year. Rather than dropping back, they smelled blood and pushed for a quick second—which they got less than two minutes later when Fagioli put in a cross that was met by none other than Sandro, who outfought three defenders to fire in a bullet header at the near post. You couldn’t have written it any better, and his teammates felt the significance of the moment, mobbing the clearly emotional Brazilian. ............. Carlo Pinsoglio came on for his yearly cameo, and he was immediately called into action when Warren Bondo, an injury replacement for Gagliardini, put a shot on target. It was right at him, though, and he made the easy save to the vocal delight of the crowd. Five minutes later, Pessina hit his own man with a shot from outside the box, but the carom went right to Birindelli, whose attempt to score against his father’s old club was denied by a sprawling Pinsoglio save. ............. As the half wore on a running battle began between Yildiz and Izzo after an errant elbow from the Turkish teenager busted the defender open. Monza believed it was more sinister than it probably was and wanted more of a punishment from referee Maria Sole Ferreria Caputi, who wasn’t interested in the protests. After a few more incidents between the two, Yildiz went on a long run and tried to finish solo, but his shot was too straight at right at Sorrentino. Just after that shot came one of the moments we were waiting for in this match. The sub board went up, and the No. 12 was on it. A clearly emotional Sandro was congratulated one by one by his teammates as he walked off the field at the Allianz for the last time in a Juventus shirt. His replacement was an unexpected one: January signing Tiago Djaló made his Juventus debut. Sandro came back to the bench to compose himself before taking a Lap of Honor around the field, becoming the sixth player since the stadium’s opening to be so honored. ............. A few more minutes were added on for the lost time, during which Monza lost Alessio Zerbin to a second yellow card, and the whistle soon sounded, ending the match and giving way to the postgame ceremonies, where the team paraded the Coppa Italia in front of the fans, as well as presenting Sandro with a jersey commemorating his 327th appearance with Juventus, tying Pavel Nedved’s record for appearances by a non-Italian player. ............. LE PAGELLE MATTIA PERIN - 6. ............. DANILO - 7. Trips all around: three tackles, three interceptions, three clearances. Marked men well and on more than one occasion dispossessed his opponent with an ease that almost looked disdainful. DANIELE RUGANI - 6.5. Defended well and completed 94.4 percent of his passes to celebrate his contract extension. He’ll be a very useful rotational piece next year as Juve return to European competition. ALEX SANDRO - 10. A ceremonial 10 for one of the most faithful soldiers the team has had for a decade. His peak was incredible, and even though there’s been a steady decline ever since, it’s only been the last two or three years that he’s really become a liability. He’s one of the most decorated players in team history, winning five scudetti, five Coppa Italia and a Supercoppa. It’s fitting that he played his best game in months for his final game, capping his Juve career off with a goal. TIMOTHY WEAH - 5.5. ............. NICOLO FAGIOLI - 7. A tremendous day for my large adult son given the fact that he hadn’t started a game since the first day of October. Got the assist on Sandro’s goal with an excellent corner, and that ball he scooped over the defense for Chiesa in the second half was a pass worthy of Andrea Pirlo. We missed him so much, and his presence in the team next year will be immense. CARLOS ALCARAZ - 5.5. Again showed a flash or two but was ultimately not quite there. Too many times he followed a good play with a bad one. He’s probably not worth trying to re-acquire on loan again this summer. SAMUEL ILING-JUNIOR - 6. ............. FEDERICO CHIESA - 7.5. His goal was gorgeously taken, and he came ever so close to a hat trick with two other chances. Had three key passes and even tied for the team lead in tackles (3). He can build on these last few weeks. ARKADIUSZ MILIK - 6. ............. KENAN YILDIZ - 6.5. Looked electric every time he touched the ball. Had a pair of key passes, including on the play that saw Chiesa hit the post. We’ve got a great player in our hands. SUBS CARLO PINSOGLIO - 8. Showed that he’s more than just a Chesher Cat grin and a lot of screaming. Made three excellent saves in the second half. Pinso Time is the best time. DUSAN VLAHOVIC - 5.5. ............. TIAGO DJALO - 6. When he came to the touchline I genuinely wondered whether we had a No. 33. He played well in the back after a slightly shaky start, giving Juve an option in defense next year. HANS NICOLUSSI CAVIGLIA - NR. ............. FABIO MIRETTI - NR. ............. MANAGER ANALYSIS Max Allegri bitterly resisted putting Kenan Yildiz and Federico Chiesa on the field together in an attacking trident, even when Juve were in the depths of their second-half collapse. It was one of many reasons why he was on his way out even before his Coppa Italia final outburst. Paolo Montero needed all of a week to deploy the trident. All the more damning to Allegri is just how successful it was. They harangued the Monza back line and created some really great chances beyond what they did to score. Their five goals under Montero, by the way, were more than Allegri had in his last month in Serie A. Put on attackers and attack with them and you score goals. ovel concept, ain’t it? I hope the reports of Montero getting promoted to the Next Gen is true, because I think that promotion is well earned. ............. Read more -> https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2024/5/26/24164803/juventus-monza-2024-serie-a-matchday-38-final-score-result-match-recap-analysis-chiesa-alex-sandro

Juventus 2 - Monza 0: Initial reaction and random observations A little bit of sunshine to close out a very dark second half of the season. The last four months have not been easy for Juventus players, coaches and supporters alike. The results have been disappointing at best and downright anger-inducing at its most constant, with the club that has the biggest payroll in Italy playing like a team that could be sent to Serie B if their form was extended for a full season. For their final 17 games of the 2023-24 season, Juve collected the amount of a provincial side. It made you wonder when things were ever going to end and turn for the better, only for nothing to improve outside of their Coppa Italia final win against Atalanta a week and a half ago. Well, my friends, I have some good news for you: The season is now officially over. ............. Two goals in two minutes from Federico Chiesa and Alex Sandro (!!) midway through the first half did the trick, as for the first time since early April we can say the following sentence: Juventus won a game in Serie A. The 2-0 win over Monza ended a streak of six straight league draws for Juve, with Paolo Montero getting his first win as a manager in Serie A before he presumably hands over the reins to Thiago Motta in what feels like a very short amount of time. ............. And with this win, Juventus takes over third place all for themselves as we wait for Atalanta to play out the rest of their schedule to see just where they will finish (and how many teams Serie A will get into Europe). ............. RANDOM THOUGHTS AND OBSERVATIONS There goes the storybook ending of Rafa Palladino beating Juventus in his first game and (likely) last game as Monza manager. Sorry, Rafa. Something tells me he’ll be fine, though. (And I’m not talking about his looks because he’ll always be foine on that front.) Maria Sole Ferrieri Caputi can officiate Juventus whenever she wants. She’s good — and that’s something that we can’t say about much of her male counterparts. Alex Sandro playing his best game in months in his final Juventus game just felt good. The vibes were good overall, but the vibes around Sandro — which have been very, very bad the last couple of years — were back to being good and that was enjoyable. Sandro, who was clearly emotional as he walked off the field for the final time, very much deserved the reception he got from the fans. This is a guy who now shares a record at Juve with Pavel Nedved — which is never a bad thing to boast about. He’s always been a loyal servant to the club, and you gotta remember that even with his struggles the last few years he was so damn good during the prime of his career. Few players in this day and age spend a decade at one club, but Sandro was just one year off that, so bravo to him for everything that he accomplished during his nine seasons in Turin. Sandro making his 327th and final Juventus appearance and being subbed out for Tiago Djaló to make his long-awaited club debut just had some nice symmetry to it. ............. Carlo Pinsoglio pulled off a couple of really good saves and got himself one half of Juve’s first clean sheet since early April. How about that? You forget because they rarely play, but third-choice keepers are usually pretty good, too! Speaking of goalkeepers, Michele Di Gregorio had a very emotional interaction with the traveling Monza fans after the final whistle sounded. If that’s not a clue that he’s getting ready to sign with Juventus, I don’t know what is. (It was very heartfelt and very sweet to see, especially when you consider it’s taking place at the stadium he will call home next season.) ............. Boy, did this team miss Nicolo Fagioli. I know it’s a small sample size since he’s come back from suspension, but if his performance against Monza tells you anything is that not playing in a game for seven months hasn’t really impacted his impact on a game as much as we thought it might. Federico Chiesa could have scored a hat trick in this game. The one goal he did score was pretty damn nice. Two goals in two games for Chiesa since Max Allegri was fired. I’m not sayin’, but I’m just sayin’. Carlos Alcaraz did some things well in this game. He did other things not so well. I feel like this kinda sums of Charly’s loan spell at Juventus. That’s probably a good reason why he might not be back on loan at Juventus again next season. Definitely not worthy of that massive buy clause, but you probably already knew that. Chiesa is fun to watch. So is Kenan Yildiz. I like when those two guys are on the field together. Do that next season, Thiago. And with that, the season is over. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. It was a second half of the season that left many wanting the season to end a couple of months earlier than it actually did. But, with a summer that should see Juve actually do things on the transfer market and a new manager set to be hired, there won’t be a lack of things to talk about around here. Let’s hope it’s mostly good things, too. Read more -> https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2024/5/25/24164668/juventus-monza-2024-serie-a-matchday-38-final-score-result-initial-reaction-random-observations

Sandro thanks Juventus for a beautiful journey after his last day at the club Alex Sandro has thanked Juventus after finishing his spell at the club with a goal in the game against Monza. Sandro has been one of Juve’s longest serving players and he is now the joint highest non-Italian appearance maker for the club, alongside Pavel Nedved. Fittingly, the Brazilian scored one of the goals in the 2-0 win against the boys from Brianza and afterwards, he revealed he has cried so much over the last few days. ............. He wants to keep playing and it remains unclear where his future lies, but his story with Juventus has ended and the defender said: “They have been emotional days for me, I have never cried so much in my life in a week, really, not just today. This whole journey has been beautiful for me, I thank the fans, the city, this wonderful country that is Italy and all my teammates. I mean my teammates from the first year up until now. I’m proud of myself and what I’ve done, I’m very happy for the beautiful story I’ve made for all these people.” “In recent days I have told everyone that there have been beautiful trophies, finals. But I am taking away the people, the warehouse workers, the staff, everyone. What I will take away from Juve is this, all the love and respect. When he says that Juve is a great family and that’s what I feel.” ............. Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/sandro-thanks-juventus-for-a-beautiful-journey-after-his-last-day-at-the-club/