JUVENTUS SEASON 2025-2026

[Socrates 9445]

[Socrates 9445]

[Socrates 9445]

Serie A | Juventus 2-1 Cagliari: Kenan Yildiz completes fightback

 

 

 

Kenan Yildiz took Juventus in hand and scored twice to overturn Cagliari for a 2-1 victory, but Dusan Vlahovic went off with a muscular injury. ............

 

Palestra was a constant threat and he created the opening goal, robbing Kostic again to pull back from the right by-line, where Sebastiano Esposito and Manuel Locatelli both went for the ball in the six-yard box.

 

However, Juventus equalised straight after play resumed, as Khephren Thuram won a challenge in midfield and completed a give and go with Kenan Yildiz, who fired in first-time with the outside of the right boot from 14 yards.

 

Vlahovic went for an angled drive moments later that tested Elia Caprile, but the Serbian suffered a muscular problem during that move and hobbled off almost in tears, replaced by Jonathan David. ............

 

Pierre Kalulu was sent down the right by a McKennie back-heel flick, rolled across for Kenan Yildiz to control on the edge of the area, surge past two defenders, and sweep the snooker shot finish into the far bottom corner. ............

 

Juventus 2-1 Cagliari

Esposito 26 (C), Yildiz 27, 45+1 (J)

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Read more -> https://football-italia.net/serie-a-juventus-2-1-cagliari-yildiz-fightback/

[Socrates 9445]

Serie A | Juventus 2-1 Cagliari | Player Ratings – Yildiz shining bright in Turin

 

 

 

Juventus battled to a narrow 2-1 victory over Cagliari in Turin this evening, with a brace from Turkish sensation Kenan Yildiz enough to separate the two teams. ............

Juventus 2-1 Cagliari – Player Ratings

Juventus: Perin 6, Kalulu 7, Kelly 6.5, Koopmeiners 7; McKennie 6, Locatelli 6.5, Thuram 6.5 (Miretti 6), Kostic 5 (Cambiaso 6); Yildiz 8.5, Conceicao 7, Vlahovic 6 (David 5.5)

 

Best Juventus player: Kenan Yildiz continues his impressive run of form to truly stamp his mark as Juventus’ best player at the moment. The Turkish forward scored twice, single-handedly carrying his team to the three points. He was a constant threat and created several chances as well as scoring.

 

Lowest Juventus rating: Filip Kostic – Made the mistake that led to Cagliari taking the lead before Juventus hit back immediately. Was taken off at half-time as he really struggled to make an impact even after his error.

 

Coach: Luciano Spalletti 6.5 – On paper, a 2-1 win over Cagliari is hardly convincing but the coach navigated a tricky fixture and came away with the win. His substitutions helped things even if something is still not quite ticking for him at Juventus.

 

Cagliari: Caprile 6; Zappa 6, Deiola 5.5, Luperto 5.5; Palestra 7, Adopo 6, Liteta 5.5, Folorunsho 5.5, Obert 6; Esposito 7, Borelli 6

 

Best Cagliari Player: Marco Palestra  ............

Lowest Cagliari rating: Sebastiano Luperto  ............

Coach: Fabio Pisacane 6  ............

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Read more -> https://football-italia.net/juventus-2-1-cagliari-player-ratings/

[Socrates 9445]

Yildiz double inspires Juventus to narrow win over Cagliari

 

 

 

Juventus recorded a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Cagliari after recovering from an early setback and securing consecutive wins. The result followed their success at Bodo Glimt, which had strengthened confidence among supporters who believed that the team was capable of overcoming Cagliari. The Bianconeri had endured a challenging period in recent weeks, yet they began this match with determination and purpose.

 

Francisco Conceicao came close to opening the scoring during the early stages, although the breakthrough did not come, and Cagliari soon threatened at the other end. Their first opportunity passed without reward, but the next was taken with precision when Sebastiano Esposito converted to give the visitors the lead. ............

 

Juventus responded immediately, demonstrating renewed resilience. Kenan Yildiz struck the equaliser, shifting the momentum and opening up the contest. Dusan Vlahovic almost turned the match around moments later, but his efforts were well saved by the Cagliari goalkeeper. The striker was then forced to leave the pitch, leading to the introduction of Jonathan David, who had scored in Norway earlier in the week.

 

The equaliser lifted Juventus, who began to dominate possession and apply sustained pressure. Their efforts were rewarded when Yildiz produced another decisive contribution, putting the Old Lady ahead and sending them into the interval with a deserved advantage. ............

 

Juventus resumed the second half with the same level of intent, showing clear ambition to extend their lead. They created several promising chances and maintained control of the tempo, while Cagliari struggled to recover from the shift in momentum. Despite the consistent pressure, no further goals were added.

 

Although the match remained finely balanced, Juventus managed the closing stages with composure and ensured that their advantage remained intact. The final whistle confirmed a valuable victory ............

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Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/yildiz-double-inspires-juventus-to-narrow-win-over-cagliari/

[Socrates 9445]

Juventus 2-1 Cagliari: Conceição reflects on missed chances in narrow win

 

 

 

Francisco Conceição admitted he left the pitch “angry” with himself despite Juventus’ 2-1 comeback victory over Cagliari, insisting the performance showed both progress and areas that must still improve. ............

 

The Portuguese winger said Juve created enough to win more comfortably, even if the opening stages left plenty to fix.

 

Juve were slow out of the blocks and conceded early, something Conceição didn’t shy away from. “We didn’t start well,” he said, explaining that the team struggled to take risks in possession against a compact Cagliari side.

 

He noted that the Bianconeri only began to play through the lines after going behind, adding: “We have to improve on that.”

 

Once they settled, though, he felt Juventus “could have killed the game” with the number of openings they produced. ............

 

He admitted frustration, saying he goes home “not happy” when he fails to score, because finishing that chance “would have ended the match much earlier.”

 

Still, the winger insisted he feels calm about the future: “I’m sure a lot of goals will come.” ............

 

For Conceição, responding to setbacks must become standard: “We know the responsibility we have, and that has to be normal for us.”

 

There was praise for his attacking partners too. Asked about Kenan Yildiz’s influence, he smiled: “With Yildiz it’s easy to play… it’s easier and you find yourself in better positions.” ............

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Read more -> https://football-italia.net/juventus-2-1-cagliari-conceicao-reflects/

Modificato Sabato alle 20:47 da Socrates

[Socrates 9445]

Juventus 2-1 Cagliari: Spalletti reflects on win & hails Yildiz’s ‘game-changer’ quality

 

 

 

Luciano Spalletti admitted Juventus started “too timidly” in their 2-1 win over Cagliari, arguing the team only showed their true level once they fell behind. ............

 

“We came onto the pitch timid, doing basic things,” Spalletti said. “But with the players we have, and from the coach, you expect more.” ............

 

“Once you put yourself in the position to score, you understand you could have done things differently.”

 

The turning point, he insisted, came through Kenan Yildiz. “He has the quality of a champion, a number 10, someone who can create a victory from nothing,” Spalletti said.

 

The coach explained that the tactical structure is designed to free the teenager: “Leaving him free, not fixing him to one flank… that 2-1 shape is also to give him the chance to come inside and shoot.”

 

Yildiz still has room to grow in sharing responsibility in the final third, but Spalletti noted: “That’s extra-top level.”

 

Once Juventus equalised, the coach felt the team finally played with authority. “After the goal we started to play, to keep the ball, to arrive dangerously in the box,” he said. ............

 

“We went into their box 14 times… if you don’t score when you have those situations, the others grow in confidence.”

 

Spalletti also addressed his return to Napoli next week.

 

“I can imagine the happiness of going back into that stadium,” he said. “How they behave, I don’t know. For me, it will be very easy.”

 

On Dusan Vlahovic, he confirmed the striker felt a strain. “He felt pain,” Spalletti revealed, explaining they managed his workload in recent days. ............

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Read more -> https://football-italia.net/spalletti-juventus-cagliari-win-yildiz/

[Socrates 9445]

Vlahovic will be ‘out for some time,’ confirms Spalletti in bitter Juventus blow

 

 

 

Juventus may well have seen the last of Dusan Vlahovic until 2026, as Luciano Spalletti confirmed the striker ‘will be out for some time’ after an adductor injury. ............

 

He lasted only 30 minutes, limping off visibly distraught after pulling up with a muscular problem. ............

 

“It’s a strain and he will be out for some time,” confirmed Spalletti in his press conference after the 2-1 Serie A victory.

 

That was evident when Vlahovic hobbled off and said “Mister, I’ve really hurt myself” to the coach as he made his way to the bench.

 

This type of adductor strain generally requires a month on the sidelines, so it is entirely possible Vlahovic will not return to the field again in 2025.

 

It is a huge problem for Juventus, who over the next month will have six matches between Serie A, the Champions League and the Coppa Italia. ............

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Read more -> https://football-italia.net/vlahovic-out-for-some-time-confirms-spalletti/

[Socrates 9445]

Juventus 2 - Cagliari 1: Initial reaction and random observations

 

 

 

Kenan Yildiz may be 20 years old and still relatively young in the game top-flight football, but he has already shown the kind of qualities that make you believe he is capable of putting a team on his back and flipping things in Juventus’ favor. He’s done it before, and he did it again on a chilly late-November night in Turin.

 

After falling behind another potential relegation battler thanks to one of those classic “you did this to yourselves” kind of mistakes, Juventus’ young but incredibly talented No. 10 sprung into action. He tied things up mere seconds after Cagliari scored the opening goal on Saturday night, then put Juve ahead on the brink of halftime with a fantastic run through the Sardinians defensive third to score what proved to be the game-winner in a 2-1 victory at the Allianz Stadium. It was a win that Juventus desperately needed to not only keep pace with the top six in Serie A — boy, does that sound weird to type out considering this club’s history — but also cap a victorious week that also saw the Bianconeri claim their first European win of the 2025-26 season.

 

And they can thank their budding star for just that.

 

Or, as our buddy Sergio Romero said: “One team has Kenan Yildiz and the other one does not.”

 

It might sound simplistic, but it’s very much the truth. When Juventus needed Yildiz to snap the team out of their slumber and turn another deficit against a team in the bottom half of the table, there he was to do just that. This was a performance that really didn’t look very good until Yildiz’s first goal o the night, and that was something that clearly clicked things into gear after Juve’s latest defensive miscue at the back led to Cagliari taking the lead. ............

 

You combine what Yildiz did against Cagliari with what he did against Bodø/Glimt midweek and it’s hard not to think that he’s looking more like the player from the beginning of the season as compared to the one who looked tired and worn out after playing so many minutes without much rest at all over the last month or so. Say whatever you want about the level of competition, but Juve needed Yildiz to be the Yildiz from August and September where he was easily one of the best players on the field. He did that in Norway. He did it again four days later back home in Turin.

 

And what a surprise — Juve ended up winning both of those games. ............

 

RANDOM THOUGHTS AND OBSERVATIONS

• Kenan Yildiz good.
• Kenan Yildiz very, very good.
• Personally, I think Juventus should just get this contract matter settled and give Yildiz a nice raise that comes with it. Do it — do it now.
• And in typical Yildiz fashion, neither goal was what you would consider an easy finish. That boy good.
• Prayer circle for Dusan Vlahovic’s muscle injury and that he won’t miss too much time. You don’t often see that kind of reaction to what looked to be a relatively simple shot attempt. But he knew something wasn’t right immediately and the frustration he showed as he walked off the field told me he might be thinking he’s going to miss a bit of time.
• So if Loïs Openda and/or Jonathan David want to start scoring goals again like they did on Tuesday against Bodø/Glimt, that sure would be a nice little development. ............
• Perin made a couple of nice saves and looked pretty cool in the yellow keeper kit. Pretty nice guy to have as your backup goalkeeper.
• Look at me putting some praise on Filip Kostic in the Cagliari match preview and he goes out and makes just a boneheaded error that directly led to the opening goal. Thanks a bunch, Pippo.
• That halftime hook of Kostic for Cambiaso made a lot of sense, too. This just wasn’t Kostic’s night — which, again, was totally great timing considering what I said about him about 18 hours earlier on this very website. ............
• With all the praise for Yildiz going around — and rightfully so with the two goals he scored — let’s not forget that Francisco Conceição had himself a pretty good game himself. He probably deserved a goal. He could have had a goal! Either way, Chico played well and Juve need more of that. ............
• More Fabio Miretti minutes. We’ll take those, too. He should get a nice amount of minutes for the Coppa Italia tie midweek against Udinese. Hopefully he keeps playing well.
• Manuel Locatelli’s passing was pretty on point in this one. Didn’t matter if it was short- or long-range attempts, too. He pretty much nailed whatever pass he attempted.
• Teun Koopmeiners didn’t get the yellow card that would have kicked in a one-game suspension, so he’s going to be available to face Napoli next weekend. Now let’s see if Federico Gatti or maybe even Gleison Bremer will be there along with him. ............
• Still waiting for Edon Zhegrova to make his first Juventus start. Hopefully that day, whenever it happens, is a good day.
• Juan Cabal was subbed on and didn’t get carded or give away a penalty. This feels like a small bit of progress over his last couple of appearances. ............

Read more -> https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/previews-reviews/34235/juventus-cagliari-kenan-yildiz-2025-serie-a-matchday-13-final-score-result-initial-reaction-random-observations

[Socrates 9445]

Juventus player ratings vs Cagliari: Efficient Yildiz saves the day

 

 

 

At the Allianz Stadium in Turin, Juventus rounded off a positive week by earning a narrow victory over their visitors, Cagliari.

 

The Rossoblu stunned the home crowds by taking a shocking lead in the 26th minute through Sebastiano Esposito, but Kenan Yildiz immediately replied with a well-taken half-volley, before finishing off a wonderful team play that gave the Bianconeri the lead just before half-time. ............

Juventus XI (3-4-2-1)

Mattia Perin – 6

 ............

Pierre Kalulu – 7.5

A fabulous display from the Frenchman who held his own at the back, and showcased his ever-improving attacking skills by drawing a few fouls and, more importantly, providing the assist on the winner.

Lloyd Kelly – 7

 ............

Teun Koopmeiners – 7

The Dutchman hardly looked like a player fielded out of position. He also came agonisingly close to scoring in the second half.

Weston McKennie – 7

 ............

Manuel Locatelli – 7

The Juventus captain ran more than anyone else on the field. His passes were always on cue, and when his attacking teammates weren’t able to charge the ball forward in the final minutes, he still had the energy to do it himself.

Khephren Thuram – 6.5

 ............

Filip Kostic – 4

The wing-back was put out of his misery at half-time before he could cause further damage. Had a torrid time against the younger Marco Palestra, who dispossessed him on the opener. He was equally dreadful in the attacking phase.

Francisco Conceicao – 6.5

The Portuguese was a true livewire, dribbling past his markers on numerous occasions. However, he was guilty of squandering three inviting chances

Kenan Yildiz – 8

Although he didn’t see the ball as much as Conceicao, the Turkish youngster only needed two shots to turn the match upside-down. His composure and efficiency are remarkable for his age.

Dusan Vlahovic – 5.5

The Serbian had a quiet half hour before suffering an injury after attempting a shot on target. Perhaps Spalletti should have heeded the warning signs, as the striker had been physically struggling over the past few weeks.

Substitutes

Jonathan David – 5

After his last-minute winner in midweek, the Canadian was harshly booed by his own supporters after squandering possession one too many times.

Andrea Cambiaso – 6.5

Palestra’s free rein on the flank ended when Cambiaso took the field after the interval. The wing-back offered a vital contribution in both phases

Fabio Miretti – 6.5

The young midfielder has taken his game up a notch, as confirmed by his fruitful cameo. Won back possession on several occasions and helped the team advance the play.

Juan Cabal – N/A

Lois Openda – N/A

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Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/juventus-player-ratings-vs-cagliari-efficient-yildiz-saves-the-day/

[Socrates 9445]

“What do you want?!” – Spalletti had a confrontation with Juventus fan during Cagliari win

 

 

 

Juventus boss Luciano Spalletti decided to respond to a fan who was jeering the team during the 2-1 victory over Cagliari. ............

 

While they managed to collect three important points, Juve’s display wasn’t entirely convincing, especially in the early going.

 

The team was operating on a rather slow tempo, with the fans growing increasingly frustrated.

 

At one point, the manager heard a fan behind him hurling abuse at his players. “You suck,” said the supporter in reference to Juve’s uninspiring display.

 

While Spalletti could have let it slide, he decided to confront the fan, asking him: “But what do you want?!”, before swiftly resuming his duties on the sidelines. The episode went viral on social media. ............

 

It should be noted that this incident isn’t the first of its kind at the Allianz Stadium, as Max Allegri had done likewise in the past, urging the fans to show more respect to his Juventus players at the time. ............

 

Although the team’s overall display remains below expectations, many would argue that Juve are beginning to show promising signs, while others insist that the current squad has its limitations. ............

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Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/spalletti-had-a-confrontation-with-juventus-fan-during-cagliari-win/

[Socrates 9445]

Capello impressed by ‘class’ Yildiz in Juventus 2-1 Cagliari: ‘Capable of dragging the team’

 

 

 

Fabio Capello was full of praise for the ‘class’ Kenan Yildiz after his performance in Juventus’s 2-1 victory over Cagliari on Saturday, and feels that the Turk is a player who is ‘capable of dragging a team on his own’.

 

The 20-year-old Bianconeri star scored a first-half brace to send Juventus on their way to victory after briefly falling behind to a Sebastiano Esposito strike at the Allianz Stadium on Saturday. ............

 

Yildiz has recorded a staggering two goals and three assists over those last two games, and Capello believes that the Bianconeri ace has the world at his feet. ............

 

“I noticed two interesting similarities in these last two victories,” Capello wrote.

 

“Firstly, the Bianconeri had to come from behind against Cagliari, just as they had to against Bodo. The reaction was good, Spalletti has found that character that he needs.

 

“Second is the Yildiz factor. The Turk was decisive again after inspiring off the bench in Norway. Yesterday, he decided the game with a brilliant brace, playing as a true striker on the afternoon that Vlahovic was injured.

 

“There’s no point in beating around the bush, Yildiz is only 20 years old but already a key player for this Juve side.” ............

 

“Aside from his class and his great shooting, which he has already shown before, game after game he is also showing that he has great character. He always manages to make an impact, either as a starter or off the bench.

 

“The coach and the club can smile, these are the sorts of players who are capable of dragging a team on their own and that can take them a long way.”

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Read more -> https://football-italia.net/yildiz-impresses-capello-juventus-2-1-cagliari/

Modificato Lunedì alle 14:41 da Socrates

[Socrates 9445]

Six Juventus players set to return to the starting lineup in Coppa Italia

 

 

 

Juventus boss Luciano Spalletti will rotate his starting lineup for the Coppa Italia encounter against Udinese.

 

The Old Lady will kickstart her cup campaign by hosting the Friulians at the Allianz Stadium in Turin for a Round of 16 tie. ............

 

The Bianconeri’s starting lineup against the Zebrette will feature a host of changes.

 

The first is Federico Gatti, who fell ill in recent weeks, but should finally be able to reclaim his starting berth. ............

 

Juan Cabal will get the nod as well, although it remains to be seen if he’ll replace Teun Koopmeiners in the backline, or Andrea Cambiaso on the wing.

 

Speaking of the wingback slots, the almost forgotten Joao Mario should finally get the opportunity to prove his worth for Spalletti. The Portuguese should start on the right flank.

 

In the middle of the park, the manager is determined to field Fabio Miretti, who has recently won him over. ............

 

Edon Zhegrova could be fielded from the start, in addition to one between Jonathan David and Lois Openda, or potentially both.

 

On the other hand, Mattia Perin should maintain his place between the sticks for the third match in a row, allowing Michele Di Gregorio additional time to recover from gastroenteritis. ............

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Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/six-juventus-players-set-to-return-to-the-starting-lineup-in-coppa-italia/

Modificato Lunedì alle 20:44 da Socrates

[Socrates 9445]

Spalletti previews Juventus vs. Udinese: ‘Would have preferred to have Vlahovic available’

 

 

 

Luciano Spalletti admits that he would have ‘preferred to have Dusan Vlahovic available’ for Tuesday evening’s Coppa Italia clash with Udinese, but is adamant that his team have to find a way to win in the cup, and that they need to do so by playing ‘beautiful’ football. ............

 

“We have to expect a few changes because we’ve struggled physically and mentally over the last few days. The whole group is working as best as possible and everyone deserves a spot.”

 

And on Vlahovic specifically, Spalletti said: “As far as precise timings are concerned, you have to talk to the doctors, they’re the ones who know these things. As far as I’m concerned, he will be out of action for two to three months.

 

“The football is a ball that bounces and spins, chances come and go. Now it’s a matter of grasping them and showing how to use them. Everything is possible, but I would have preferred to have (Vlahovic) available because he’s a big part of this team.” ............

 

“Obviously we have to win important games, but you have to be successful and play well, maybe even beautifully. Supporters have a fine palate here. Winning is not enough, you also have to play well. We will try to do both, but in the meantime, we’re starting to win games.

 

“For us, at the moment, they’re all big tests. We want to give the supporters a better spectacle and bring good results. I don’t know who we’d face in the next round, I’m only thinking about this one.” ............

 

“Miretti is a man, not a boy. He has great timing, knowing when to take an extra touch, when to get it out of your feet and has the personality to go and create the unexpected. Good players know how to do the unexpected, and he knows how to do it.

 

“It was good to try him in a different role to the one he played out on loan. He saw the ball from different perspectives and it served him well. I think his role is as a midfielder, but the fact that he knows how to adapt certainly helps the team.” ............

 

Spalletti said: “Zhegrova is coming off a long injury, but he’s a footballer, a lit fuse. When he starts, he could explode at any moment. He has that flair, you don’t know what he could do at any given moment. ............

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Read more -> https://football-italia.net/coppa-italia-spalletti-pre-juventus-vs-udinese/

[Socrates 9445]

Graziani Appalled by Juventus duo: “Never seen two players play so poorly”

 

 

Legendary Italian striker Francesco Graziani was shocked by the abysmal displays of Juventus duo Jonathan David and Lois Openda against Cagliari.

 

The Canadian and Belgian strikers have been misfiring since they arrived in Turin in the summer. While the fans were hoping that the two strikers had turned the page after scoring against Bodo/Glimt last Tuesday, they produced another woeful showing on the weekend against Cagliari. ............

 

“I criticised Luciano the other week because he made some late substitutions and brought the attackers on in the 88th minute,” began Graziani during his appearance on La Nuova DS.

 

“Today I understand why he did it in the 88th minute. Because Openda and David were absolutely not present, not available.

 

“They have bad concepts. You have to fight, you have to attack and help a team that’s struggling. In defence, you come back, you sacrifice yourself. The two of them weren’t in touch, and above all, they were soft.

 

“I’ve never seen two players play so poorly at the same time.” ............

 

Unfortunately for Spalletti, he will have to do without Vlahovic for several months due to a serious injury.

 

Hence, David and Openda have been presented with a golden opportunity to prove their worth, with the manager forced to give them additional playing time. ............

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Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/graziani-juventus-jonathan-david-lois-opend/

[Socrates 9445]

“I hope” Massimo Pavan discusses a Juventus without Vlahovic

 

 

Juventus face a challenging period following the injury to Dusan Vlahovic, who could be unavailable for up to two months. His absence places significant responsibility on Lois Openda and Jonathan David, both of whom arrived in the summer and were expected to play major roles in the team’s attacking development. The club had even considered offloading DV9 during the last transfer window, believing that David possessed the qualities needed to replace him. However, the Canadian has struggled for form, a situation that enabled Vlahovic to reclaim his status as first choice under successive managers. ............

 

Luciano Spalletti showed immediate confidence in Vlahovic upon his arrival, keeping David on the bench. Yet the current circumstances mean that both Openda and David must now shoulder the responsibility of leading the line. With Vlahovic sidelined, the focus turns to whether the pair can deliver the goals needed to keep Juventus competitive. Their opportunity has arrived, and supporters are keen to see how the attacking duo respond during this crucial period. ............

 

Analysts have echoed the concern surrounding the team’s ability to cope without Vlahovic. Massimo Pavan remarked, “Vlahovic’s absence is a huge blow, but in the summer some people said he should be sold, so… now we will do without him, and if he is out for a long time and David and Openda do not start scoring, in a month we will have to think about someone to bring in. I hope David and Openda wake up, or that they wake up.” ............

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Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/i-hope-massimo-pavan-discusses-a-juventus-without-vlahovic/

[Socrates 9445]

Coppa Italia Preview: Juventus vs. Udinese

 

 

Just as was the case a year ago, the Coppa Italia is popping up on Juventus’ schedule a little earlier than we had become accustomed to in previous seasons. We can almost certainly thank the extended Champions League league phase fixture list for that, with the early days of January providing no bit of respite for players who have already put thousands of minutes on their bodies as the midway point of the season arrives.

 

So while we get another midweek fixture to begin the month of December’s slate of games, it’s not in the Champions League. It’s the Coppa Italia. ............

 

In what is becoming more of the reality of Juventus this season, the Coppa Italia is looking like the most realistic chance Juventus have at competing for silverware this season. Serie A? Not unless something seriously changes soon. Champions League? HA! Now that’s funny! But the Coppa Italia, that’s the wild card this season. And to actually have a chance and prevent what happened last season when Juve were ousted by a team that ended up getting relegated to. Serie B, Luciano Spalletti’s squad will first have to try and get past Udinese on Tuesday night at the Allianz Stadium.

 

Yes, the same Udinese squad that Juventus beat in the hours before Spalletti was officially hired to replace Igor Tudor. So maybe Juve should bring in Massimo Brambilla for the night just like they did back in late-October and see if he can replace the good mojo he had five or so weeks ago? ............

 

Should Juve beat Udinese on Tuesday night? Yes, because these Round of 16 ties are always going to favor the bigger club.

 

But it’s not like Udinese is coming back to Turin for the second time in a little over a month on some kind of horrendous run o form. They’ve won two of their four games since facing Juventus, and those two losses came to two of the more talented teams in Serie A in Atalanta and Bologna on either side of the November international break.

 

And dare we say where Udinese currently sits in the Serie A table? Yeah, let’s just go ahead and do it: in ninth place and all of five points behind seventh-place Juventus.

 

So, that is no layup. We’ve seen Juve play relegation battlers at this stage of the Coppa Italia before, but not this season. There will be squad rotation for one team, but the other side will be playing with house money as they face the giants of Turin. Just like we said the first couple of rounds that Juve played last season, the goal here is to avoid disaster and just move on. They did that once, but not twice. Let’s just not repeat any sort of that history.

 

TEAM NEWS

• The big news of the day on Monday: Dusan Vlahovic will be out for (at least) three months due to an adductor injury he picked up against Cagliari over the weekend. At his pre-match press conference, Spalletti not only confirmed the injury, but said he expects Vlahovic to be out “two or three months” — which is more than Juve’s initial announcement told us.
• That means for the next few months, it will be up to Jonathan David and Loïs Openda to lead the line.
• Spalletti said that Mattia Perin won’t be part of the squad to face Udinese because “he’s slightly fatigued” after starting against Bodø/Glimt and Cagliari within the span of four days. That means Michele Di Gregorio, who is coming off being sick for much of the past week, will be back in goal for Juventus. ............

 

JUVENTUS PLAYER TO WATCH

The early games of the Coppa Italia for Juventus always mean one thing: squad rotation.

 

So while we don’t know for sure how much rotation will be happening, it’s going to be something that plenty of folks will be quite interested in seeing as we get closer to starting lineups coming out.

 

All that being said, I feel pretty safe in one guy getting a start against Udinese on Tuesday night.

 

When it comes to Fabio Miretti’s role on this Juventus squad, it’s clearly become obvious that Spalletti is very much a fan of the young Italian midfielder. Just look at what Spalletti had to say about Miretti during Monday’s pre-match press conference:

He’s a footballer who can do many things. He has the timing of the play, of the game, because then you have to be good at knowing when to hold on to an extra touch, when to get it out of the way without touching it, and then the personality to create the unexpected from the expected. A good player knows how to create the unexpected, and he knows how to do it. He’s a playmaker who occasionally invents something. It worked well for him to play in a different role when he was on loan, seeing the ball from different perspectives, and it helped him. I think his role is a defensive midfielder. But the fact that he can adapt is something that can help the team.

That is a lot of praise for a player who Spalletti has only been working with for about a month. Miretti’s loan spell at Genoa has proven to be the right move for him personally, as he’s returned to Juventus both physically stronger and also somebody who just benefited from the consistent playing time that he received. We saw it before his injury in the preseason, and we’re seeing it again now that he’s back to being healthy and available for a manager like Spalletti who has a history of doing some good things with young players of Miretti’s age. ............

 

 

MATCH INFO

When: Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025.

Where: Allianz Stadium, Turin, Italy.

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.

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Read more -> https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/previews-reviews/34248/juventus-udinese-2025-coppa-italia-round-of-16-preview-team-news-schedule-how-to-watch

[Socrates 9445]

Coppa Italia: Juventus vs. Udinese – probable line-ups

 

 

Juventus will look to Jonathan David and Lois Openda in tonight’s Coppa Italia Round of 16 tie against Udinese.

 

It kicks off at 21:00 CET (20:00 GMT) at the Allianz Stadium in Turin. ............

 

In the first game without the Serbian, Luciano Spalletti will pick Openda and David in attack, and Vasilije Adzic will start as an attacking midfielder.

 

Or Francisco Conceiçao, rather than Adzic, will support Openda and David up front.

 

Federico Gatti, Lloyd Kelly and Juan Cabal are expected to start in a three-man defence, while Teun Koopmeiners will likely get the nod in central midfield alongside Fabio Miretti.

 

Khephren Thuram and Kenan Yildiz are expected to start on the bench, resting ahead of next weekend’s Serie A match against Napoli. ............

 

Udinese have travelled to Turin without Thomas Kristensen and Hassane Kamara. The visitors are also expected to rotate massively, leaving Keinan Davis and Nicolò Zaniolo on the bench. ............

 

Juventus vs. Udinese – probable line-ups

Juventus (3-4-1-2): Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Gatti, Kelly; Joao Mario, Koopmeiners, Miretti, Kostic; Adzic; David, Openda.

Udinese (3-5-2): Sava; Goglichidze, Solet, Palma; Ehizibue, Miller, Piotrowski, Ekkelenkamp, Modesto; Bravo, Buksa.

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Read more -> https://football-italia.net/juventus-udinese-probable-line-ups-watch-on-tv/

[Socrates 9445]

Spalletti will make personnel changes for the Udinese game

 

 

Luciano Spalletti is set to manage his first Coppa Italia game as the new Juventus manager  when the Bianconeri take on Udinese today. Despite an inconsistent start, the club still have opportunities to compete for several trophies, and this match offers a chance to build momentum. Juventus have shown that they remain one of the top clubs in the world, though performances this season have frequently fallen short of expectations. ............

 

Following back-to-back wins, Juventus face a crucial test against Udinese. The team will be expected to advance, as elimination in their opening Coppa Italia fixture would be a significant setback. Spalletti’s task is to maintain focus and ensure the team performs to their capabilities while managing the demands of competing on multiple fronts. The manager has been working to improve consistency and has demonstrated an ability to respond positively to the team’s challenges this season.

 

Given the intensity of Juventus’ schedule, Spalletti plans to manage player workload carefully. Some key players are likely to be rested for the Coppa Italia match to preserve fitness for other competitions. ............

 

Spalletti outlined his strategy for the fixture, stressing the importance of giving players space while ensuring readiness. He said, “We should expect some changes. It’s only been a few hours, and we’ve struggled physically and mentally. Also, because the entire team is working consistently and consistently, it’s right to give them space.”  ............

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Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/spalletti-will-make-personnel-changes-for-the-udinese-game/

[Socrates 9445]

Official: Six Juventus players out as Spalletti names squad list for Coppa Italia game

 

 

Six Juventus players are unavailable for tonight’s Coppa Italia game against Udinese, including goalkeeper Mattia Perin.

 

Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti has named his squad list for tonight’s Coppa Italia game against Udinese in Turin. ............

 

The list of available players does not include the likes of Carlo Pinsoglio, Gleison Bremer, Daniele Rugani, Dusan Vlahovic, Arkadiusz Milik and Mattia Perin.

 

The latter had started Juventus’ last two games against Bodo/Glimt and Cagliari. ............

 

The Juventus squad list for tonight’s game includes NextGen players Stefano Mangiapoco, an Italian goalkeeper, and Brazilian centre-back Pedro Felipe, both 21. ............

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Read more -> https://football-italia.net/6-juventus-players-out-squad-coppa-italia/

[Socrates 9445]

[Socrates 9445]

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′. ............

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Read more -> https://football-italia.net/coppa-italia-juventus-2-0-udinese-locatelli/

 

Modificato 15 ore fa da Socrates

[Socrates 9445]

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. ............

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Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/juventus-progress-in-coppa-italia-with-comfortable-win-over-udinese/

[Socrates 9445]

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 – ............

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Read more -> https://football-italia.net/juventus-2-0-udinese-ratings-david-unlucky/

[Socrates 9445]

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.”

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Read more -> https://football-italia.net/spalletti-juventus-udinese-like-lions-vs-mice/