Socrates

Napoli in Full-blow crisis ahead of Juventus clash as Conte loses another key midfielder Napoli have been dealt another painful injury blow, with Stanislav Lobotka also ruled out of Sunday’s showdown against Juventus. Antonio Conte has already been without Manchester City icon Kevin De Bruyne, who suffered a serious injury while converting a spot-kick against Inter in late October. Moreover, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Billy Gilmour have also succumbed to injuries in recent weeks, thus leaving Conte with a completely ravaged midfield department. ............ “Stanislav Lobotka sustained a muscle strain in the posterior tibial muscle of his left leg during Wednesday’s pre-match warm-up,” reads the press release published on the official Napoli website. “The Napoli player has already started the rehabilitation process.” The Slovakian is considered one of the finest deep-lying playmakers in Serie A, and even Juventus are said to be interested in reuniting him with Luciano Spalletti. Therefore, Conte will be loath to lose his services, especially ahead of a major contest against Juventus. ............ With the midfield department almost entirely decimated, Conte will resort to Scott McTominay for inspiration. However, it remains to be seen who will play alongside the Manchester United youth product. The versatile Eljif Elmas could be the best option, although he’s considered an attacking midfielder rather than a deep-lying playmaker. ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/napoli-crisis-juventus-clash-conte-lobotka/

Juventus won’t sign new defender in January after receiving double injury boost Juventus are reportedly happy to keep their defensive department intact, despite losing Federico Gatti to injury. This Bianconeri have been plagued by injuries since the start of the season, but no department was affected more than the backline. ............ Juventus have no plans to sign a new defender in January, preferring to focus on bolstering the midfield and potentially signing a new wing-back. As the source explains, this decision partially stems from the imminent returns of Gleison Bremer and Daniele Rugani. ............ Bremer will skip Sunday’s big Serie A showdown against Napoli, before earning a call-up for the Champions League contest against Pafos. A few days later, Rugani should follow suit, making his return to the squad for the Serie A contest against Bologna on December 14. In addition to Bremer and Rugani’s returns, Spalletti has surprisingly found himself a new option at the back in Teun Koopmeiners, whose conversion has been both smooth and timely, while Lloyd Kelly and Pierre Kalulu have been remarkably reliable this season. ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/juventus-wont-sign-new-defender-in-january-after-receiving-double-injury-boost/

Vlahovic surgery is successful, Juventus without striker until March 2026 Dusan Vlahovic has undergone surgery to repair a tendon in the left adductor, confirmed Juventus, with reports he will be out for at least 14 weeks. As expected, the striker flew to London for consultation with a specialist following the injury during the Serie A win over Cagliari at the weekend. ............ “The procedure was performed by a team led by Prof. Ernest Schilders and Rowena Johnson, and in the presence of Club doctor Marco Freschi, at Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London and the Wellington Hospital, and the operation was completely successful. “The player will begin his rehabilitation program from Friday, 5 December.” ............ That fits with the suggestions he would require a minimum of three months to even consider a full recovery, and is not expected back on the field until March 2026. ............ . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/vlahovic-surgery-successful-juventus-march/

Prova qui

Juventus anticipate €33m boost as Nico Gonzalez closing in on permanent Atletico Madrid transfer Juventus-owned winger Nico Gonzalez is on the right path towards sealing a permanent transfer to Atletico Madrid. ............ Following the managerial shakeup at Juventus, Gonzalez was considered surplus to requirements, so Damien Comolli was happy to sell him as long as the club could avoid a capital loss. Hence, circa €33 million was required at the time. Luckily for the Serie A giants, they found themselves an ally in Atletico Madrid, at least on a temporary basis. The Colchoneros signed Gonzalez on loan for €1 million, with an obligation to buy set at €33 million. ............ Gonzalez must play 21 LaLiga games, with each appearance lasting at least 45 minutes, to activate the obligation-to-buy clause. Following his appearance against Barcelona on Tuesday, the winger has now taken his tally to nine. While he has already started 10 league matches, he only lasted 43 minutes against Ossasuna before succumbing to injury, so this outing wasn’t counted. Nevertheless, the fact that the former Stuttgart star has already accumulated nine appearances after 15 rounds suggests that he’s on the right track to achieve the objective and earn Juventus a €33 million boost. ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/juventus-nico-gonzalez-permanent-atletico-madrid/

Lobotka set to miss Juventus clash as Napoli confirm injury Napoli’s Stanislav Lobotka is expected to miss Sunday’s Serie A match against Juventus after suffering a ‘muscle strain’ on Wednesday. ............ The Partenopei confirmed in a statement on Thursday that the Slovakia international had suffered an injury the day before. ............ According to multiple sources, Lobotka will not be available for Sunday’s Serie A match against Juventus. Lobotka was not even meant to start in Napoli’s Coppa Italia game against Cagliari yesterday, but, as the Partenopei said, he got injured during the warm-up, so he didn’t even go on the bench. ............ . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/lobotka-miss-juventus-napoli-injury-confirmed/

Spalletti considers unleashing Yildiz in a new role in Napoli vs Juventus clash Kenan Yildiz could feature in a new role this Sunday, when Juventus take on Napoli in the most anticipated showdown for the Serie A weekend. ............ The 66-year-old is renowned for morphing players into new roles, so Yildiz could undergo a similar change to Francesco Totti’s. The Roma icon is one of the most celebrated Number 10s in Italian football history, but Spalletti recreated him as a centre-forward in 2006, and he went on to win the Capocannoniere award in 2006/07. Hence, following Dusan Vlahovic’s high-grade tear, many pundits have urged the 66-year-old to unleash Yildiz in a more advanced role. ............ On Tuesday, Jonathan David was given the nod against Udinese in the Coppa Italia Round of 16, while Lois Openda represents an alternative solution. Nevertheless, the Yildiz option could be too tempting for the manager to resist. This would allow the Turkiye international to play closer to the goal, banking on his remarkable finishing touch and his ability to cause havoc inside the penalty box. He would also have the freedom to roam all around the final third. ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/spalletti-considers-unleashing-yildiz-in-a-new-role-in-napoli-vs-juventus-clash/

Juventus confirm Federico Gatti’s surgery was a ‘complete success’ Juventus have provided updates on the condition of Federico Gatti, who underwent a successful surgery on Thursday morning. The defender was out of action in previous weeks due to a health issue, but made his return to action on Tuesday in the Coppa Italia Round of 16 contest against Udinese. ............ Gatti hurt his knee in the second half, and was forced to leave his place on the pitch for his captain, Manuel Locatelli. The former Frosinone then underwent tests on Wednesday that detected a meniscus injury, so the club immediately flew him to France to be operated on by Dr Bertrand Sonnery-Cottet, the same professor who conducted Gleison Bremer’s ACL surgery in October 2024. ............ “This morning, Federico Gatti underwent selective arthroscopic meniscectomy surgery on the medial meniscus of his right knee,” reads the statement posted on the official Juventus website. “The operation, performed by Dr Bertrand Sonnery-Cottet and Dr Loic Geoffroy, in the presence of the Club’s medical director Dr Luca Stefanini, at the Clinique Sante Atlantique in Nantes, was a complete success and the footballer immediately began his rehabilitation programme.” ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/juventus-federico-gatti-surgery-success/

Napoli, domenica 7 dicembre 2025 ore 20:45 Serie A - 14^ di andata NAPOLI - JUVENTUS Confronti ufficiali Campionato di Serie A 184 Giocate 158 84 Vittorie Juventus 71 55 Pareggi 49 45 Vittorie Napoli 38 280 Gol Juventus 228 210 Gol Napoli 177 Campionato di Serie A: precedenti in trasferta contro Napoli Giocate 79 Vittorie Juventus 23 (l'ultima il 03.03.2019, 1-2 ) Pareggi 27 (l'ultimo il 02.04.2017, 1-1 ) Vittorie Napoli 29 (l'ultima il 25.01.2025, 2-1 ) Gol Juventus 91 (media a gara 1,15) Gol Napoli 103 (media a gara 1,30) Ultimi confronti diretti (tutte le competizioni) Data Competizione Partita Ris. 13.02.2021 Campionato Serie A Napoli-Juventus 1-0 S 07.04.2021 Campionato Serie A Juventus-Napoli 2-1 V 11.09.2021 Campionato Serie A Napoli-Juventus 2-1 S 06.01.2022 Campionato Serie A Juventus-Napoli 1-1 P 13.01.2023 Campionato Serie A Napoli-Juventus 5-1 S 23.04.2023 Campionato Serie A Juventus-Napoli 0-1 S 08.12.2023 Campionato Serie A Juventus-Napoli 1-0 V 03.03.2024 Campionato Serie A Napoli-Juventus 2-1 S 21.09.2024 Campionato Serie A Juventus-Napoli 0-0 P 25.01.2025 Campionato Serie A Napoli-Juventus 2-1 S Le ultime partite in trasferta contro Napoli (Campionato di Serie A) Data Competizione Partita Ris. 26.09.2015 Campionato Serie A Napoli-Juventus 2-1 S 02.04.2017 Campionato Serie A Napoli-Juventus 1-1 P 01.12.2017 Campionato Serie A Napoli-Juventus 0-1 V 03.03.2019 Campionato Serie A Napoli-Juventus 1-2 V 26.01.2020 Campionato Serie A Napoli-Juventus 2-1 S 13.02.2021 Campionato Serie A Napoli-Juventus 1-0 S 11.09.2021 Campionato Serie A Napoli-Juventus 2-1 S 13.01.2023 Campionato Serie A Napoli-Juventus 5-1 S 03.03.2024 Campionato Serie A Napoli-Juventus 2-1 S 25.01.2025 Campionato Serie A Napoli-Juventus 2-1 S Giocate: 10 Vittorie: 2 Pareggi: 1 Sconfitte: 7 Gol fatti: 10 Gol subiti: 18 FONTE

Gatti and Vlahovic undergo surgery today Juventus’ Federico Gatti and Dusan Vlahovic will undergo surgery today, the defender in Lyon and the striker in London. ............ Vlahovic had sustained a high-grade injury to the muscle-tendon junction of the left adductor longus during a Serie A match against Cagliari over the weekend, while a few days later, Gatti suffered a meniscus tear in a Coppa Italia match against Udinese. Gatti will go under the knife in Lyon, precisely at the Sonnery-Cottet Clinic, where Juventus defender Gleison Bremer was already treated earlier this season due to a similar issue. Vlahovic, on the other hand, will undergo surgery in London. ............ It is understood that Gatti will remain out of action for at least one month, while Vlahovic is not expected to be available again before March 2026. ............ . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/juventus-gatti-vlahovic-undergo-surgery-today/

Confirmed: Vlahovic will have surgery in London – Latest news on potential return date Dusan Vlahovic will have surgery on the high-grade tear in his adductor muscles, but it remains unclear exactly when the Serbia international will be able to return to action for Juventus. ............ He reported for medical checks on Monday morning, and it was confirmed later on the same day that he had suffered ‘a high-grade lesion to the muscle-tendon junction of the left adductor longus’. ............ It has been decided that the best course of treatment is to have surgery, which is scheduled to take place in London on Thursday. Initial reports suggested that it would take a minimum of three months before Vlahovic returns, Luciano Spalletti claimed that it would be “two to three months,” but admitted that he didn’t know for certain, while the recovery process could last closer to five months. ............ . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/confirmed-vlahovic-will-have-surgery-in-london/

Pistocchi thinks Juventus performance against Udinese was their best so far Juventus delivered a commanding performance in their first Coppa Italia match under Luciano Spalletti last night. The men in black and white have long been regarded as one of Europe’s strongest clubs and continue to hold that reputation despite a recent run of poor form. The club are striving to reach the next level and restore the glory days at the Allianz Stadium, and Spalletti has been tasked with guiding them back to that standard. His team has shown early signs of improvement, winning three consecutive games under his management. ............ Each of these victories has been achieved in a convincing manner, with the match against Udinese highlighting the progress being made. Juventus kept a clean sheet and displayed a level of organisation and efficiency that supporters have long sought. This consistency is essential if the men in black and white are to maintain momentum and demonstrate that they are capable of sustaining a winning run. The players appear to be adapting to the mindset and tactical system that Spalletti demands, combining disciplined defending with a more proactive approach in attack. ............ Journalist Maurizio Pistocchi offered his perspective on the team’s performance against Udinese. He said, “The best Juve seen so far beats Udinese 2-0 and continues its journey in the Coppa Italia. Beyond the incidents that led to Palma’s own goal and Locatelli’s penalty, the Bianconeri appeared to be improving in terms of play and in good physical condition against a very physical and organised opponent. A clear victory, achieved by controlling the game, which reassures the Juventus atmosphere in the week leading up to the Maradona match against league leaders Napoli.” ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/journalist-thinks-juventus-performance-against-udinese-was-their-best-so-far/

Chiellini tips struggling summer signing to shine, says Spalletti ‘lives for Juventus’ Juventus Director of Football Strategy Giorgio Chiellini opened up on several topics related to his beloved club during a public appearance. ............ “Juventus’ history is made up of great winning cycles and counter-cycles,” noted the 41-year-old. “Unfortunately, we’re now in a counter-cycle where we haven’t managed to win for a while. We hope to get back there as soon as possible. “This season will certainly be difficult, but it doesn’t mean we won’t try in every way possible, because the ambition must be to reach the top. However, there must also be balance on both our part and yours in our judgments, in terms of expectations and pressure.” ............ “David’s goal (against Udinese) was beautiful. It’s a shame they disallowed it. But it was offside. “You know, it’s very difficult for those who come to Juventus from Italy and even more difficult for those who come to play from abroad. There are very few players who have managed to adapt in a very short time and make a difference. ............ The former Juventus and Italy captain then discussed his newly-formed bond with the club’s head coach, Luciano Spalletti, who lives and breathes football. “Luciano’s career speaks for itself; I wasn’t lucky enough to be coached by him. We developed a good relationship when I had already retired, while visiting the national team players. “At Juventus, he’s working hard on the details, paying close attention to every training session, and re-evaluating players who’ve had little space before. “He’s a man on a mission; he lives for Juve, he lives at the training centre, as he did in the past at Napoli. He’s giving his all, like everyone else, to try to reverse this trend.” ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/chiellini-jonathan-david-luciano-spalletti-juventus/

Valentini says Spalletti’s influence is beginning to show Juventus have placed its trust in Luciano Spalletti as it seeks to re-establish itself as the dominant force in Italian football. The men in black and white have endured a difficult period in recent seasons, struggling to retain relevance while several managerial appointments failed to lift them back to the top of the domestic game. Yet Juventus remain historically the biggest club in the country, and with a group of highly capable players, a return to their former stature is viewed as a realistic ambition. ............ In recent years, the men in black and white have worked tirelessly to reclaim their standing, but their progress under previous managers was limited. This lack of advancement ultimately prompted the club to turn to Spalletti, whose extensive experience and tactical acumen are seen as essential assets in guiding the team back to its best. The club intend to give him the full support required to shape a side that can compete at the highest level, and early signs suggest the players are beginning to respond to his methods. His reputation for instilling structure and encouraging decisive play has already influenced the team’s approach, and observers are taking note of these developments. ............ Antonello Valentini has offered his perspective on the improvements taking place under Spalletti. He remarked, “It is certainly a different Juventus than it was some time ago. We are starting to see Spalletti’s influence, even though there is still a lot to do. Too often, even in the headlines, there is a tendency to veer from depression to exaltation. Yesterday, I certainly saw a team that moves more vertically, that attacks more, and that has more initiative.” ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/journalist-says-spallettis-influence-is-beginning-to-show/

Spalletti backed to make Juventus great again Andrea Ranocchia has voiced his belief that Luciano Spalletti can eventually guide Juventus back to being a top side, although he accepts that the process will require significant time and patience. Spalletti is the club’s latest permanent manager and their third appointment in 2025, which highlights the instability the men in black and white have faced in recent months. Their last league title came in 2020, a lengthy drought for a team widely regarded as the most successful in Italian football. Juventus continue to see themselves as favourites for domestic honours, yet they remain some distance from returning to their former dominance. ............ Despite the challenges, Ranocchia believes Spalletti has the qualities needed to rebuild the team. He previously achieved major success with Napoli and has a strong reputation for developing competitive squads. Juventus, however, have experienced a turbulent period marked by frequent coaching changes and a sense that the club’s traditional identity has been weakened. Re-establishing that connection between the team, the supporters, and the wider environment is viewed as essential for any long-term revival. Ranocchia suggests that Spalletti’s experience and leadership can help lay those foundations if he is given the necessary support and continuity. ............ Ranocchia expressed his admiration for Spalletti and acknowledged the difficulty of taking charge midway through a season. He said: “Yes, he’s a good coach, with a great staff. Coming in during the season is always very difficult, it takes time, but I hope he can do well and continue next year. I’m very close to him, I love him. The situation is complicated, there have been so many coaching changes, and the club seems a bit distant from the team and the Juventus atmosphere. It needs to be rebuilt, and it will take a long time, I think it will take years, to get back to the level Juve was. These are football cycles, everyone has suffered and everyone has come back, now it’s a step behind the others.” ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/spalletti-backed-to-make-juventus-great-again/

Taveri praises Miretti as his fine form continues Fabio Miretti has returned from a long-term injury and has immediately begun delivering impressive performances for Juventus in recent matches. The midfielder is a product of the academy at the Allianz Stadium and spent last season on loan at Genoa, a spell that provided him with valuable experience and helped shape his development. This term, however, began with frustration as he suffered an injury during a pre-season fixture, leaving him unable to start a match or even earn a place on the bench for more than two months. His return to full fitness has been warmly welcomed, and his early displays suggest that he is already pushing to become one of the standout midfielders in the squad. ............ The Bianconeri are delighted to see Miretti regain his rhythm, especially given the quality he has shown since returning. His composure, intelligence and willingness to contribute in both phases of play have made him one of the most trusted figures in the first team. Juventus recognise that they must make the most of his impressive form, particularly as he continues to grow in confidence with each performance. The men in black and white view him as a player who can still improve significantly, and his resurgence offers the team an additional dimension in midfield at a crucial stage of the season. ............ Miretti’s strong form has not gone unnoticed beyond the club, with both supporters and pundits commenting on his progress. Analyst Mino Taveri remarked: “Miretti had been sidelined for a very long time, he was brought back, he was put back in the middle, he does his job and must do his job. He’s tidy, now I don’t know if he’ll become an irreplaceable lynchpin in midfield, but in the meantime Spalletti knows Miretti is there.” ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/pundit-praises-miretti-as-his-fine-form-continues/

How Juventus could line up against Napoli after triple defensive injury problem An injury to Federico Gatti means that Luciano Spalletti has been left without three of his first-team centre-backs for Sunday’s huge Serie A clash away against reigning champions Napoli, so how could the Bianconeri line up at the back when they take on the Partenopei at the Maradona? ............ Gatti adds to an injury list that already included two first-team centre-backs in Gleison Bremer and Daniele Rugani, both of whom are hoping to return towards the end of December. The situation means that Pierre Kalulu and Lloyd Kelly are now the only established senior centre-backs in Spalletti’s first-team squad, which is a bit of a concern given that the Old Lady have most regularly lined up in a back three this season. ............ If Spalletti is to go with a back three when he takes on his former club this weekend, it is most likely that Teun Koopmeiners, who has been tried out in the defensive line in recent weeks, joins Kalulu and Kelly as the third centre-back. There is also a possibility that Juan Cabal is given a go on the left of the three. ............ . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/how-juventus-line-up-vs-napoli-after-gatti/

Official: Juventus confirm Gatti needs surgery after latest injury Juventus confirm Federico Gatti suffered a ‘meniscus tear’ in Tuesday’s Coppa Italia game against Udinese, so the Italian defender will need to undergo surgery. ............ Gatti underwent medical tests on Wednesday morning, after which Juventus released an official injury update: “Federico Gatti, who was substituted during the second half of the Juventus-Udinese match following a right knee sprain, underwent further radiological tests at J| Medical this morning,” the Bianconeri said. “The tests revealed a medial meniscus tear, requiring surgery, which will be performed in the coming days.” ............ Gatti will be forced to the sidelines for at least one month, although the actual recovery time will only be confirmed after the defender undergoes surgery over the coming days. ............ . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/official-juventus-gatti-surgery-latest-injury/

Le facce cambiano ma le stampelle ci sono sempre

Spesso mi addormento anche io guardando la Juventus. Ieri sera no. Forse dipenderà da me. 😀

Juventus 2 - Udinese 0: Initial reaction and random observations Thankfully, Juventus’ first foray into the Coppa Italia this season didn’t go anywhere close to how their last fixture in the competition went about nine months earlier. ............ That’s because Juventus beat Udinese 2-0 on Tuesday night to advance to the Coppa Italia quarterfinals where either Atalanta or Genoa await in the quarterfinals. It was the kind of win that we hadn’t seen much of this season — a Juventus that was in control and barely let the opposition do much of anything going forward. As much as a couple of Udinese’s best chances were ruled out for offside (thanks to VAR or without VAR), you could say the same thing about a pair of goals that Juventus thought they had scored in the game. Ultimately, a Udinese own goal and a Manuel Locatelli goal from the penalty spot — the third of that kind against Udinese this season — proved to the different as Juve clinched the win in an incredibly comfortable kind of way. ............ Juventus were the favorites to win. Juventus ended up getting the win and did so with some room to spare regardless of how many goals were chalked off by VAR being completely frustrating like only that whole system can promise to be. Then again, maybe we shouldn’t have been so stressed no matter how Juve’s season has gone to date. Why? Because sometimes there’s facts that speak for themselves … A perfect 18 for 18 dating back nearly two decades? My goodness, that’s pretty good! Considering the date that this goes back to, it’s not like there were some vintage Juventus squads in there, either. You know, kinda like this Juventus team. But this is what we all expect Juventus to do at this stage of the Coppa Italia. The matchups are set up for the big clubs to advance even with the expected squad rotation that comes with it. And even as Luciano Spalletti said that there would be a good amount of squad rotation against Udinese — and he delivered on that for the most part — but also made it known just how much Juve needed to win this one as well. ............ But on this night, Juventus made things look relatively smooth just as they did when Udinese visited the Allianz about five weeks ago. This time it was Spalletti on the sidelines and not Massimo Brambilla, but the showing that Juve put out there even with the lineup changes were sound and they were in control of things from the beginning onward. With all the possession they had — especially early — you would have liked there to be more scoring chances created, but Udinese weren’t given much of a chance to do anything at all. ............ And once Juve got the opening goal on what looked like Jonathan David’s second goal in a week before it was officially ruled on own goal, it felt like only one of those classic Bianconeri screwups would be the thing that prevents them from moving on to the Coppa Italia quarterfinals. Udinese never got that break, thanks in part to the offside working in Juve’s favor. No matter what, though, we’re still talking about Juve being in the Coppa Italia and moving on to the quarterfinals. Now just don’t mention what happened in the quarterfinals last season and we’ll be good. RANDOM THOUGHTS AND OBSERVATIONS As much as Spalletti sounded happy with this performance, he said that Juve need to be more ruthless. Seeing off a very winnable game earlier and being ruthless? That sounds wonderful! Where do I sign up? At least be the second signature on that list after Spalletti, of course. Personally, I feel like this trend of a Juventus player getting hurt every game needs to end. First Dusan Vlahovic, now Federico Gatti. Who’s next? I am scared to find out! Going to Naples this weekend with two healthy center backs seems like a situation that is very much far from ideal. A memo to Gleison Bremer and big Dan Rugani: please get healthy as soon as possible. It’s the 15th minute and Juventus has 80% of the possession. ............ Is this the best overall game that Jonathan David has had since joining Juventus? Yeah, I feel pretty safe in saying that. And that sure does feel good to see knowing that Juve are going to be without Vlahovic for the next couple of months at least. He didn’t get a goal — thanks for that own goal, guys! — but he sure did so many other good things to make you feel a little more encouraged after this one. Now, for David, it just has to continue. That’s the most obvious thing I’ve said on this blog in a while. I think. The one gripe I have with Spalletti in this game is resting Kenan Yildiz. I don’t know the reasoning behind it, but if you have a chance to rest your best player and still have a very good chance of winning, you go ahead and do it. Juventus could have gotten by without Yildiz against Udinese and given him a full week off going into the biggest domestic fixture outside of the Derby d’Italia to date. Oh well. Is it safe to say that Edon Zhegrova, a lot like Yildiz, comes from the school of wanting to destroy and embarrass opposing defenders as much as possible? I think so. ............ Edon, my dude, just get those fitness levels up so we can enjoy your crafty footwork for more than 10 or 15 minutes a game (or week). There’s so much potential for good things with you on the field because we’ve seen that happen already. Now we just need it for an entire half or maybe, just maybe, from the opening kickoff a few times over the next month or two. This was Weston McKennie’s 200th game in a Juventus jersey. This was Manuel Locatelli’s 201st game in a Juventus jersey. ............ Udinese’s first shot didn’t happen until the 47th minute. More of that sounds like a good idea. Especially the fact that none of the four shots Udinese had against Juventus were actually on goal. ............ Pierre Kalulu, a guy who also probably needs a rest, continues to just be so sound defensively. At some point he will get a rest, but until then just keep on doing what you’re doing, my dude. Now we can turn all of the attention over to facing Napoli this weekend. They’re not untouchable by any means, and Antonio Conte has shown to have some issues with this squad this season. It’s going to be a big ask, but Juve going to southern Italy with three wins in the span of eight days feels like as good as we could have asked entering Spalletti’s first game at the Maradona since leading Napoli to their first title in three decades. It’s going to be an interesting Sunday night, my friends. Read more -> https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/previews-reviews/34339/juventus-udinese-2025-coppa-italia-round-of-16-final-score-result-initial-reaction-random-observations

Spalletti compares Juventus 2-0 Udinese to lions against mice: ‘The real lion gives his all’ Juventus head coach Luciano Spalletti has described his Juventus outfit as ‘lions’ and says that ‘a real lion gives all its strength, even against a mouse’ following Tuesday evening’s 2-0 victory over Udinese in the Coppa Italia round of 16. ............ “We played a decent game, we did everything well. We were well balanced, we capitalised, and created big chances,” Spalletti told Italia 1 after full-time. “We could have managed certain situations better, and given the level we have, we need to take advantage in those. You have to be fierce and mean. A real lion gives all of its strength, even against a mouse.” ............ “David and Openda are two central strikers. If you talk to them, they’ll tell you that’s where they operate best on the pitch,” Spalletti explained. ............ “David is technically very good, and links up well with the team. He moves very well in the box when the team plays against a low block and knows how to manage difficult situations. “Openda is better at attacking from deep, he needs space but they compensate for each other and can also play together. We’re pleased that they’re doing well.” ............ “We have some great players here. I’ve seen a lot of willingness from everyone since I first got here. I’m seeing progress day by day, and that’s what brings me hope for playing a certain type of football, even against the highest-quality teams. We’re still missing a few things, but we’re on the right track.” . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/spalletti-juventus-udinese-like-lions-vs-mice/

Player ratings: Juventus 2-0 Udinese – David unlucky not to have scored twice Juventus are through to the Coppa Italia quarter-final after a 2-0 victory at home against Udinese on Tuesday evening, thanks largely to decent performances from the likes of Jonathan David, Weston McKennie, Teun Koopmeiners and Juan Cabal. ............ Juventus: Di Gregorio 6; Kalulu 6, Gatti 6 (Locatelli 6.5), Kelly 6, Cabal 6.5 (Conceicao 6.5); Cambiaso 6, McKennie 6.5, Miretti 6 (J.Mario 6), Koopmeiners 6.5; David 7 (Openda 6.5), Yildiz 6 (Zhegrova n/a). Best Juventus player: Jonathan David 7 – It was a statement performance from the Canada international in the first half, chosen to lead the attack alongside Kenan Yildiz following the confirmation that Dusan Vlahovic will be unavailable for several months. He was unfortunate not to have two goals to his name in the first half: He would have scored the Bianconeri opener had Matteo Palma not nicked the ball off his feet, going down as an own goal in the end. He also had the ball in the net shortly after with a really impressive finish from a ridiculous angle, almost on the byline, but had that effort chalked off as he was offside by a fraction in the build-up. Encouraging signs. Worst Juventus player: None – It was a fairly routine performance from Juventus, who did not have any particularly poor performers on an individual level on the night. Michele Di Gregorio was the least active of the bunch, given that he did not have to face a shot on target, but that is only a compliment to the rest of the Bianconeri outfielders. Coach: Luciano Spalletti 7 – The Juventus head coach had plenty of adaptations to make following the confirmation of the serious injury to Vlahovic. No Rugani or Bremer either, which meant a switch to a back four, and lots of tweaks in midfield and attack as well. Despite resting key players in Locatelli, Thuram and Conceicao, Juventus were a threat from the very start and were well deserving of their opener after 23 minutes. In the end the Old Lady had the ball in the back of the net four times – efforts from David and Openda ruled out – and Spalletti will be pleased with the fact that his team continued to push for a third deep into injury time. ............ Udinese: Sava 5; Palma 4 (Gueye 6), Solet 6, Bertola 6, Bertola 6; Ehizibue 6, Lovric 6, Zarraga 5.5 (Miller 6), Atta 6 (Ekkelenkamp 6), Zemura 5; Buksa 5.5 (Bravo 6), Zaniolo 5. Best Udinese player: Ehizibue 6 – ............ Worst Udinese player: Palma 4 – ............ Coach: Kosta Runjaic 5 – ............ . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/juventus-2-0-udinese-ratings-david-unlucky/

Juventus progress in Coppa Italia with comfortable win over Udinese Juventus delivered a composed and professional performance as they secured a 2 to 0 victory over Udinese in the Coppa Italia, a result that demonstrated their growing confidence and discipline under Luciano Spalletti. The match unfolded exactly as the Bianconeri would have hoped, with the team showing control and assurance from the first whistle. Their approach reflected a clear intention to progress far in a competition that they are fully capable of winning this season. ............ That control soon produced the breakthrough, with Jonathan David opening the scoring after stepping in for the injured Dusan Vlahovic. The Canadian later found the net again, only for the effort to be ruled out following a VAR intervention. Nevertheless, Juventus continued to dominate with their patterns of play. ............ After the interval, Juventus resumed with the same intensity and precision. Their sustained pressure led to a second goal, this time from the penalty spot, calmly converted by Manuel Locatelli. By this stage, the team had shown that they could control the rhythm of the match while remaining defensively secure. A third goal arrived through Lois Openda, although it was ruled out for offside in the buildup. Even so, Juventus preserved their clean sheet and demonstrated their capacity to manage matches effectively. ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/juventus-progress-in-coppa-italia-with-comfortable-win-over-udinese/

Coppa Italia | Juventus 2-0 Udinese: Locatelli books quarter-final spot Juventus comfortably secured their spot in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals thanks to a 2-0 victory over Udinese at the Allianz Stadium on Tuesday evening: An own goal from the 17-year-old Matteo Palma and a penalty from Manuel Locatelli sending them through. ............ Juventus capitalised on their early dominance in the 23rd minute when Weston McKennie burst down the right flank and provided a low cross into the centre. Jonathan David initially looked to have bundled it into the back of the net with his first touch, but replays showed it was in fact an own goal from the challenging Palma. ............ Then it was David’s turn to have an impressive finish ruled out. He smashed one into the roof of the net from a ridiculous angle, practically on the byline, but he was also fractionally offside in the build-up. He might have felt that he should have had two already by this point. Spalletti was forced into a change at the back 10 minutes into the second half, when Gatti looked to have tweaked something in his hamstring. The Italian was helped off and replaced by Locatelli. The Bianconeri second came midway through the half: The unfortunate Palma involved again. The youngster clipped Cabal just as the Colombian had aimed a ball into the centre of the area. A lengthy VAR review was required, but eventually a penalty was awarded. Locatelli converted coolly, sticking it straight down the middle as Sava dove for the corner. ............ Lois Openda, on as a second-half substitute, had another Bianconeri goal chalked off in the penultimate minute of stoppage time. He had combined brilliantly with Joao Mario on the right flank, playing a one-two before applying a first-time finish from 10 yards out, but his Portuguese partner was, again, offisde in the build-up. Safely through to the quarter finals, Juventus will go on to face either Atalanta or Genoa in the quarter-finals on February 4. Juventus 2-0 Udinese Palma (OG) 23′, Locatelli 68′. ............ . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/coppa-italia-juventus-2-0-udinese-locatelli/