JUVENTUS SEASON 2025-2026

[Socrates 9674]

Player Ratings: Juventus 2-0 Benfica – McKennie revives Old Lady

 

Juventus player ratings vs. Benfica

Di Gregorio 6.5 –  ............

Kalulu 5.5 – Lost possession a couple of times in dangerous zones and won just two duels. A bit tired, probably, having played every minute under Spalletti.

Bremer 5.5 – A resolute defending performance before giving away a needless penalty, which, luckily for Juventus, Pavlidis awkwardly missed.

Kelly 6.5 –  ............

Cambiaso 6 –  ............  (70′ Cabal 5.5)

Thuram 7 – Scored a vital goal for Juventus, who had been struggling for some time before his strike. The Frenchman also made 47 touches and recorded 95% passing accuracy.

Locatelli 6.5 – Not as accurate as Thuram with the ball at his feet, but he was very solid defensively with four clearances and five blocked shots. (86′ Koopmeiners N/A)

McKennie 7.5 – The USMNT international woke Juventus up in the second half. He had a big chance minutes before Thuram’s opening goal and then linked up with David to score the second of the night for the Bianconeri. Could have scored the second for himself as well, but hit the post after another excellent late run inside the box. MOTM.

Miretti 5 –  ............ (46′ Conceiçao 6).

Yildiz 6 – Inspired Juventus’ attacks in the first half, even if, generally, he was not as dangerous as usual. (82′ Kostic N/A).

David 6.5 – One might criticise him for a missed opportunity in the first half, but the Canadian was still involved in both Juventus goals, providing the assist for McKennie. (70′ Openda 6).

 

Coach: Spalletti 7 – Bringing on Conceiçao at halftime and shifting McKennie into a central role proved to be a smart tactical adjustment. In the last two games, he won when he played badly and lost when he played well. Surely, he prefers nights like these even if his side struggled to cope with Benfica’s high press for big parts of the game. He even argued with a home fan during the match, but earned three vital points that keep hope for Round of 16 qualification alive.

 

Benfica: Trubin 7; Dedic 6, Otamendi 5.5, Tomas Araujo 5.5, Dahl 5; Barreiro 6, Aursnes 5.5; Prestianni 5.5 (77′ Rego N/A), Sudakov 6.5 (69′ Barrenechea 6), Schjelderup 6 (69′ Ivanovic 5.5); Pavlidis 5. Coach: Mourinho 6.

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Read more -> https://football-italia.net/player-ratings-juventus-2-0-benfica-mckennie/

[Socrates 9674]

Juventus secure important Champions League win against Benfica

 

 

Juventus secured a vital two-nil victory over Benfica in the Champions League this evening, a result they knew they had to achieve. The win keeps their hopes alive in the race for a place in the Champions League playoffs and restores confidence after a difficult domestic setback. ............

 

Juventus entered the contest fully aware that any further dropped points would severely damage their European ambitions. As a result, they began the match with real intensity and purpose, pressing high and committing numbers forward. Playing at the Allianz Stadium, the hosts looked determined to take early control of the game.

 

However, they were met by a resilient Benfica side that had never previously lost to the Old Lady in a Champions League fixture. The Portuguese team defended with discipline and composure, frustrating Juventus despite sustained pressure. Kenan Yildiz and Fabio Miretti both came close to breaking the deadlock, with Miretti missing the clearest opportunity of the first half. ............

 

The second half brought a noticeable improvement from Juventus, who raised their tempo and sharpened their attacking play. Their persistence was rewarded before the hour mark when Khephren Thuram opened the scoring, providing the breakthrough the home side desperately needed.

 

Momentum swung firmly in Juventus’ favour soon after, as Weston McKennie doubled their advantage. At that point, Benfica appeared vulnerable, and Juventus looked capable of adding further goals as confidence spread through the team.

 

Despite this, Benfica offered a reminder of their threat by earning a penalty kick. The opportunity went unconverted. ............

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Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/juventus-secure-important-champions-league-win-against-benfica/

[Socrates 9674]

Thuram and Locatelli praise Spalletti: ‘Double joy’ as Juventus beat Benfica 2-0

 

 

Khephren Thuram and Manuel Locatelli praise Luciano Spalletti after Juventus’ 2-0 win over Benfica in the Champions League: ‘He gives a lot of energy from the touchline.’ ............

 

Thuram scored the opening goal in the second half after a struggling Juventus performance in the opening 50 minutes. “I always try to do the best for my team. I scored, and when you do that, you surely feel a bit better. Today we won, and it was the most important thing,” the Frenchman said. ............

 

“It’s true that the situation at the beginning of the second half was a bit difficult, but we know that against these teams, a difficult moment always comes,” he said.

 

“We must not concede and suffer together, and tonight we did it well.”

 

“Spalletti gives a lot of energy from the touchline; we feel it, and it’s good when we are struggling,” Thuram said.

 

“We feel well on the pitch, and it’s good to have a coach who conveys so much energy.

 

“Juventus always want to go as far as possible in the Champions League. Are we in the play-off right? It’s fine.” ............

 

Manuel Locatelli also spoke to Prime Video Italia.

 

“We played better in the second half, when we were mentally freer. We were good at staying in the game; we had to remain calm and not concede,” said the Bianconeri captain, who had received a standing ovation when he was subbed off late in the second half.

 

“I’m glad about it, I’ve had difficult moments in these years, but I always given my heart,” he admitted.

 

“Today, it was great to receive it from the fans of the team I love. It’s a double joy.” ............

 

“The coach immediately spoke to me, and I’ve made myself available. He’s a great coach who has a lot to give us. I had to be better in the year of the Euros,” Locatelli concluded.

 

“Now I’m happy, I’m okay, and in the end, winning is the most important thing.”

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Read more -> https://football-italia.net/thuram-locatelli-spalletti-double-joy-juventus/

Modificato Giovedì alle 10:20 da Socrates

[Socrates 9674]

Spalletti: ‘Juventus tension was building, our radar must always be online’

 

 

Luciano Spalletti explained some of the ‘tension’ with Juventus fans during tonight’s 2-0 win over Benfica and where his team must improve. ‘Our radar must always be online.’

 

The Bianconeri took a while to break Jose Mourinho’s Benfica down in Turin, but thanked their midfielders Khephren Thuram and Weston McKennie for finally finding a way through. ............

 

“At times I am a little afraid we won’t make it, but that’s just what I am like,” Spalletti said.

 

“It was an important match, things get thrown in your direction if you don’t bring these results home, so there is a lot of tension that builds up.

 

“We had started well, then it was balanced with us sitting a little too deep, we lost the ball a few times far too cheaply, and that added even more pressure on us that was unnecessary.” ............

 

“We had some difficulty too at the start of the second half, but then we got back to playing our football. Benfica had chances in the first half, but so did we with Miretti and McKennie.

 

“It was in the balance, if they had converted that penalty late on then it could’ve been a tense finale, we could’ve avoided giving that spot-kick away, because you don’t have to go in for the tackle every time.” ............

 

“I expect to see a quicker reaction, a quicker prediction of when the opponents are going to come back at you, because that ferocity is part and parcel of modern football now.

 

“We’ve got to have our radar always online, instead we lost the ball too often because we were frenetic, we made the ball ‘cough’ with our stuttering passes.

 

“Benfica tried to attack us, these are things we’ve got to get used to if we want to play at a certain level, although I have to say I’ve seen definite improvements.” ............

 

 

“David knows how to play football,” replied Spalletti. “He might not have that determination and ferocity, in his view every match is the same, he has this nice boy aura, but maybe he needs a bit more experience to be more determined. That is where he has to improve.

 

“Apart from the goal, the match is a box you need to fill with other things too, otherwise the opponents force you to scramble in defence.

 

“Kenan Yildiz is the ‘alien’ of the team, the one who really stands above, but his defensive movements are not going to be the same as those of McKennie. Knowing how to do certain things and not others isn’t enough anymore, you have to complete your game and help the team.

“David at times has to hold the ball up and work for the team, the same goes for Openda.”

 

This result means Juve are on 12 points and in 15^th place in the Champions League table, going into the final game away to Paul Pogba’s AS Monaco. ............

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Read more -> https://football-italia.net/spalletti-juventus-tension-radar-must-online/

[Socrates 9674]

Juventus 2 - Benfica 0: Initial reaction and random observations

 

 

 ............

 

With Juventus’ strong second-half performance that included goals from Khephren Thuram and Weston McKennie within 10 minutes of each other, the Bianconeri were able to right the wrongs of a tough opening 45 minutes and claim an incredibly valuable 2-0 win over Mourinho’s Benfica. It’s a win that mathematically secured Juventus a spot in the play-off round, with the small hopes of pushing for a spot in the top eight still there as they head into next week’s Champions League league phase finale against Monaco in the Principality.

 

Could they really?

 

I mean, there’s a lot that will have to go their way next Wednesday night, but there’s still a chance of it. That’s because there’s only one point separating Juventus in 15th place and Chelsea in eighth. Although, the obvious hurdle is the simple fact of there being six teams — including Atalanta and Inter Milan — in between where Juventus currently sit thanks to their win over Benfica. ............

 

But if Benfica can miss a penalty that poorly and do it in hilarious kind of fashion, then maybe we can think that good things can continue to happen as long as Juventus take care of business in Monaco.

 

Either way, I feel like it’s pretty safe to say that Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti was able to right some of the wrongs as his team came out for the second half. The first one being bringing Francisco Conceição on right out of the break, giving Juve a much more consistent threat down the right wing. That allowed McKennie to shift to a role where he was able to play off Jonathan David much more than when he was out wide to star the game. And what do you know? Both of Juve’s goal resulted in some nice interplay between David and both Thuram and McKennie, giving Juventus a lead just as it looked like Benfica might be starting to kick into gear.

 

Just like that, though, two goals in less than 10 minutes changed all that. ............

 

Through a good — not great — showing against Benfica, Juventus got the job done. They started out a huge three-game stretch domestically and in Europe with three vital points. That is something we weren’t saying before Spalletti arrived. And now? Well, it’s going better than how it was when the Champions League campaign first got underway. (Yes, even with the loss to Cagliari over the weekend.)

Now they just need to keep it going rather than another slip-up like we saw a few days earlier.

RANDOM THOUGHTS AND OBSERVATIONS

• That Vangelis Pavlidis penalty. What is there to say about it? ............
• Can I say something in all-caps again real quick? I’ll take that as a yes. Here we go: RENEW WESTON McKENNIE’S CONTRACT AND DO IT NOW. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME ON THIS IMPORTANT MATTER.
• The camera on Spalletti on the sidelines worked overtime in this one. More of that, please.
• Oh that’s right! Enzo Barrenechea plays for Benfica now! Thanks for the reminder, everybody.
• Jonathan David touches through the first 18 minutes: 3.
• Di Gregorio touches through the first 18 minutes: 3. ............
• Locatelli blocked five shots! On his own! He had 13 defensive actions, according to Sofascore. That’s a whole hell of a lot. He just worked his ass off against Benfica.
• Locatelli also had 69 touches. Chef’s kiss.
• That man got a really nice ovation as he was subbed off in the second half and deserved every bit of it.
• I love them and I don’t care what anybody else has to say about it!!! ............

• Thuram doesn’t score that goal if not for the work that David did to shield his man from the ball just long enough for KT to get there with his run and do the rest. It’s that kind of stuff that David has been improving on over the last few weeks, and it’s his combination play with his teammates that are creating more scoring chances on the whole.
• Gleison, you know I love you, but please no more penalties no matter what the score is at the time. Got it? Good, good, good. Now just keep doing good things more often than bad things like you usually do.
• We started the month with Federico Chiesa being linked to Juventus as a potential vice-Yildiz and now we’re three weeks into January and Filip Kostic might be the vice-Yildiz option off the bench. Good times.
• Not Fabio Miretti’s best game. Nope, not even close. ............
• Pierre Kalulu continues to play every single minute of every single game and he’s still so consistently good.
• But seriously, renew McKennie’s contract. Dude continues to score goals in the Champions League and it would be really said if he’s doing that same kind of thing somewhere other than Turin come next season. ............
• Now we focus on Napoli. How did they do in the Champions League this week? (Sorry, couldn’t resist. It was right there for the taking … and I took it. You would have done the same.)

Read more -> https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/previews-reviews/35664/juventus-benfica-2026-champions-league-league-phase-matchday-7-final-score-result-initial-reaction-random-observations

[Socrates 9674]

Juventus player ratings vs Benfica: Thuram & McKennie run riots

 

 

Juventus secured their spot in the Champions League play-offs after beating their visitors Benfica by two unanswered in the penultimate matchday of the group stage. ............

Juventus XI (4-2-3-1)

Michele Di Gregorio – 6.5

The Italian goalkeeper produced some important saves, especially in the first half, to earn his clean sheet. His services weren’t needed on the spot-kick thanks to Vangelis Pavlidis’ shocking slip.

Pierre Kalulu – 6

 ............

Gleison Bremer – 6

The Brazilian was enjoying a solid outing at the back, but gave away a penalty for clipping Leandro Barreiro with a late challenge.

Lloyd Kelly – 6.5

Another dominant showing at the back from the Englishman, who made a timely interception to deny Pavlidis the chance to pounce on the rebound. His only blunder was giving away a needless free-kick in a dangerous area for pulling Gianluca Prestianni’s shirt.

Andrea Cambiaso – 5.5

 ............

Manuel Locatelli – 6.5

 ............

Khephren Thuram – 7

The Frenchman’s outing was a slow burn, as his presence was hardly felt in the first half, but he scored the all-important opener with a daring run and a clever drive to the bottom corner.

Weston McKennie – 7

The USMNT looked disoriented in the first half when he played as a right winger, but relished the opportunity to operate in a central role after the break. He finished off a lovely combination with David with a clinical touch.

Fabio Miretti – 5.5

 ............

Kenan Yildiz – 6

The Turkish star came close on a couple of occasions in the first half, but was kept quiet afterwards. Nevertheless, with the Benfica players closely marking him, his teammates had more room to manoeuvre.

Jonathan David – 6.5

The Canadian frustrated the fans with his wayward header in the first half, but made up for it by producing a couple of assists. He did well to hold off Nicolas Otamendi on the opener and create a path for Thuram, and then put McKennie through on a goal with a simple, yet clever touch.

Substitutes

Francisco Conceicao – 6

Although he didn’t produce a marquee moment against his old rivals, the Sporting Club youth product helped Juventus stretch out the opposition’s backline with his menacing presence on the right wing.

Lois Openda – 5.5

 ............

Juan Cabal – 6

 ............

Filip Kostic – N/A

Teun Koopmeiners – N/A

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Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/juventus-player-ratings-vs-benfica-thuram-mckennie-run-riots/

[Socrates 9674]

Spalletti explains argument with fan during Juventus 2-0 Benfica: ‘It was continuous’

 

 

Luciano Spalletti has explained why he decided to engage in an argument with a supporter during Juventus’s 2-0 Champions League victory against Jose Mourinho’s Benfica on Tuesday night: ‘It was continuous throughout the game’. ............

 

It was an all action affair for Spalletti, who made headlines for his touchline row with a supporter and for slapping striker Lois Openda on the sideline at the Allianz Stadium. ............

 

Spalletti assured reporters that there was nothing much worth reading into, but revealed what the supporter had said to draw a reaction.

 

“To clarify, I only responded once. From the first minute, whenever anybody misplaced a ball it was: ‘Spalletti, take him off, Spalletti take him off’,” the Bianconeri head coach told the press.

 

“It was continuous throughout the game. I told him ‘look, I only have five substitutions. It’s difficult if you carry on like this, I can’t change them all’. I turned around and told him I couldn’t take them all off. It was all very normal, without stepping out of line.” 

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Read more -> https://football-italia.net/spalletti-fan-argument-juventus-2-0-benfica/

[Socrates 9674]

Spalletti slaps Openda during Juventus 2-0 Benfica

 

 

Luciano Spalletti drew attention to himself after his decision to slap centre-forward Lois Openda before bringing him on during Juventus’s 2-0 victory against Benfica in the Champions League on Tuesday night. ............

 

Despite their victory, and the fact that they have drawn level on points with rivals Inter, one of the biggest talking points of Juventus’s victory was Spalletti’s decision to slap Openda on the sidelines. ............

 

The incident occurred just after McKennie had doubled Juve’s advantage midway through the second half. 

 

While the players celebrated, the cameras stayed on the Juventus dugout, and showed Spalletti slapping Openda and telling him: ‘You have to wake up’, according to various outlets. ............

 

This was not the only touchline incident on Tuesday night that made headlines. Spalletti was also caught in confrontation with a supporter earlier on, telling the fan: ‘Listen, I only have fixe substitutions’ in response to frustrations regarding team selection.

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Read more -> https://football-italia.net/spalletti-slaps-openda-juventus-2-0-benfica/

[Socrates 9674]

What Juventus need to finish in Champions League top eight after 2-0 Benfica victory

 

 

Juventus gave themselves a big boost in the race to finish in the top eight of the Champions League table with their 2-0 victory over Benfica on Wednesday night, but the Bianconeri still need favours from several sides in the final round of league phase fixtures if they are to qualify directly for the round of 16. ............

 

This result puts Juventus into 15th place in the league table. They have collected 12 points from their first seven matches of the competition this season: Three wins, three draws and one loss. ............

 

The final round of Champions League league phase fixtures will take place next week on Wednesday, January 28.

 

Juventus will face Monaco away from home and must beat Sebastian Pocognoli’s side if they are to finish in the Champions League top eight first and foremost. ............

 

 

There are then 10 other fixtures that could impact Juventus’s chances of finishing in the top eight. The Bianconeri need at least six of these matches to go their way.

 

So, Juventus need a victory over Monaco and for at least six of the following 10 events to take place:

• Liverpool lose to Qarabag
• Tottenham fail to beat Eintracht Frankfurt 
• PSG vs. Newcastle ends in a draw
• Chelsea fail to beat Napoli
• Barcelona fail to beat Copenhagen 
• Sporting CP fail to beat Athletic Club 
• Manchester City fail to beat Galatasaray 
• Atletico Madrid fail to beat Bodo/Glimt 
• Atalanta fail to beat Union Saint-Gilloise 
• Inter fail to beat Borussia Dortmund

Read more -> https://football-italia.net/what-juventus-need-champions-league-top-eight/

[Socrates 9674]

Del Piero reacts to Spalletti slapping Openda: ‘A good relationship’

 

 

Alessandro Del Piero believes there is nothing much worth reading into after Luciano Spalletti slapped centre-forward Lois Openda on the touchline during Juventus’s 2-0 win over Benfica in the Champions League, instead suggesting that there must be a ‘good relationship’ in place for the coach to have done such a thing.

 

Shortly after Weston McKennie had put Juventus two goals up in their Champions League league phase match against Benfica on Wednesday night, Spalletti was seen slapping centre-forward Openda as he warmed up on the touchline, supposedly telling him to ‘wake up’.

 

Openda did not seem visibly upset by the incident, the opposite if anything, but Spalletti’s actions were a topic for discussion after full-time, in his post-match press conference. ............

 

Bianconeri legend Del Piero spoke at length about the performance his old side put in.

 

“It was a tough game, but Juve are better than Benfica at converting chances,” Del Piero said.

 

“I saw a strong and attentive team. They needed a lot of focus and some nastiness. We saw players doing well at recovering the ball, like McKennie for the second goal, but also from Locatelli who sacrificed himself three or four times to block shots inside the area.

 

“Overall, it was a nice, convincing victory. They managed to hold on well and have earned an excellent position in the league standings.” ............

 

He said: “If a coach lets himself do something like that with one of his players, it means that there’s a good relationship. There’s a lot of communication.

 

“Luciano is good at that, and it’s becoming increasingly important for young players today, who need a different style of communication. Maybe not like this, though,” he joked.”

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Read more -> https://football-italia.net/juventus-del-piero-reacts-spalletti-slap/

[Socrates 9674]

Le Pagelle: Juventus vs. Benfica

 

 

Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Benfica was a big game on a big stage, and Juventus eventually rose to the challenge. ............

 

MICHELE DI GREGORIO - 7. Made a huge save in the first half after a particularly awful giveaway right outside his box, and was able to marshal the defense well enough that even those mishaps—which were far too frequent for anyone’s liking—to a clean sheet against a team that was desperate for a result.

PIERRE KALULU - 6. ............

BREMER - 6. ............

LLOYD KELLY - 6.5. Made perhaps the most important defensive intervention of the game when he beat Vangelis Pavlidis to a rebound, keeping the game scoreless at a critical moment. He tied Bremer for the team lead with seven clearances, and led the team with four tackles.

ANDREA CAMBIASO - 6. ............ 

MANUEL LOCATELLI - 6. ............

KHÉPHREN THURAM - 7.5. Opened the scoring with a fantastic goal, marked by both persistence and skill. His powerful runs through the middle helped kick off more than a few attacks, and he completed 94.7 percent of his passes.

WESTON McKENNIE - 7. His start on the right wing was a little slow, but he came to life in the second half when he moved inside, showing really impressive chemistry with Jonathan David. He made two key passes, and, of course, capped off a really well-run move with the second goal of the night.

FABIO MIRETTI - 5. ............

KENAN YILDIZ - 6. Wasn’t the unholy terror he can be, but he still came darn close to opening the scoring in the first half, only to be denied by a good save from Anatoliy Turbin. He even blocked a shot.

JONATHAN DAVID - 6.5. Missed what looked like a good opportunity on a header in the first half, but did some excellent work in the passing game, especially in the second half, where he really shone combining with McKennie. He shielded off his man just long enough to leave the ball for Thuram on the opener, and his final pass for McKennie’s strike was excellent. Did a lot of dirty work as opposed to the flashy stuff.

SUBS

FRANCISCO CONCEIÇÃO - 6. ............

LOÏS OPENDA - 5. ............

JUAN CABAL - 6. ............

FILIP KOSTIC - NR. ............

TEUN KOOPMEINERS - NR. ............

MANAGER ANALYSIS

Luciano Spalletti can credit most of the issues in the first half to player mistakes, as Juve went completely pear-shaped trying to get out of the back for much of the latter parts of the period. ............

 

But he deserves credit for making the changes needed in the second half. Moving McKennie inside turned into a brilliant turn, as the American displayed fantastic chemistry with David and turned in a fantastic second half. If David is going to be the starter up top at the moment—and given Openda’s form it looked like will be for the foreseeable future—trying to play up that chemistry is a good idea. It would be even more interesting if Edon Zhegrova, whose chemistry with David is already firmly established given their days at Lille, were inserted into that equation.

 

Another aspect of McKennie and David’s work together is that it saw Juve played a lot of attacks through the middle. This has been rare this year. Both Spalletti and Igor Tudor both spread the ball out to the wings a lot. But that has seen a lot of attacks bog down, especially in the absence of Dusan Vlahovic as a heading threat. In Spalletti’s pre-match press conference he seemed to realize that, talking about the need to “rip those spaces open” —the spaces being the penalty area. Hopefully after this game Spalletti drills down on it and starts to push the ball through the middle more. It seems like the more promising mode of attack, because it seems to be a lot more effective than their wing work right now.

LOOKING AHEAD

Juve have two more big games ahead. First comes a home game against Napoli, then a Wednesday against Monaco. ............

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Read more -> https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/previews-reviews/35694/le-pagelle-juventus-benfica-player-ratings-manager-analysis-2026-uefa-champions-league-league-phase-matchday-7-final-score-result-vs-benfica

[Socrates 9674]

Ciccio Graziani does not think Juventus will go far in the Champions League

 

 

Juventus remain in contention for progress in the Champions League and could secure a place in the playoffs if they win their final league phase match in the competition. Their European campaign has been encouraging to observe, particularly given the difficulties they have faced in recent seasons. While the Old Lady did not begin this campaign strongly on the continental stage, they have shown resilience and managed to stay competitive.

 

Their victory against Benfica highlighted clear improvements in their European form and suggested that the team is growing in confidence. ............ 

 

Despite the positive signs, Juventus are not considered among the favourites to win the Champions League this season. Even if they reach the round of 16, it would come as a surprise to many observers if they progressed as far as the quarterfinals. The overall quality and depth of some rival teams continue to place the Bianconeri at a disadvantage. ............

 

Former player Ciccio Graziani has offered a more cautious view of Juventus prospects in the Champions League, despite their recent win against Benfica. He said: ” Unfortunately, the teams ahead are superior; the five English teams have all qualified. Then there’s Bayern Munich, Barcelona, and Real Madrid, teams that are stronger. So I say this with a bit of regret, but this Juventus won’t go far in Europe. Juventus also needs a bit of luck in that draw. I hope they can get some more success, but in the long run, you can’t expect this team to be competitive enough to go all the way.”

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Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/pundit-does-not-think-juventus-will-go-far-in-the-champions-league/

[Socrates 9674]

Conte and Spalletti refuse to speak before Juventus vs. Napoli

 

 

Juventus will host Napoli in a highly-anticipated Serie A clash on Sunday evening, but in a strange twist of events, both head coaches, Luciano Spalletti and Antonio Conte, have refused to conduct their customary pre-match press conferences ahead of kick-off.

 

Not only is the Juventus vs. Napoli a matter of third vs. fifth in an incredibly competitive top five, it is also a double reunion: Conte being a former Juventus player and title-winning head coach, and Spalletti being a Scudetto winner with Napoli. ............

 

Spalletti, meanwhile, had been scheduled to speak to the media at around 16.00 local time (15.00 GMT) on Friday, but that press conference was cancelled roughly two hours before it was due to begin.  ............

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Read more -> https://football-italia.net/juventus-napoli-conte-spalletti-refuse-to-talk/

[Socrates 9674]

Preview: Juventus vs Napoli - prediction, team news, lineups

 

 

A pair of old foes from opposite ends of Italy will meet again on Sunday evening, when Juventus welcome reigning Serie A champions Napoli to Turin.

 

Separated by four points, more than pride is at stake in a showdown between two teams chasing the league-leading Milan clubs - particularly for familiar faces in either dugout.

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Match preview

Since Luciano Spalletti took over an ailing squad in November, Juventus have suffered just two defeats, though the most recent surely cost them any hope of fighting for the Serie A title. ............

 

After embarking on a six-game unbeaten streak, Juventus somehow lost in Cagliari last weekend, despite totally dominating both the ball and the shot count.

 

Sitting three points outside the top four, their foremost concern will be booking a return to the Champions League for next season, while their journey in this term’s competition is set to continue after events in midweek.

 

The Bianconeri returned to form with Wednesday’s 2-0 victory over Benfica, booking their place in the knockout phase by wrapping up at least a playoff spot with one matchday remaining.

 

Following a tight first half, Juve took control thanks to goals from Khephren Thuram and Weston McKennie, before surviving a couple of late scares at the other end.

 

Ahead of next week's league-phase finale in Monaco, the Turin giants will aim to extend a long undefeated streak on home turf - they have not lost as hosts since last March.

 

One of two teams, alongside Napoli, yet to lose a home game in Serie A, the Bianconeri have won 10 of their last 14 at the Allianz Stadium - but they were beaten 2-1 in Naples last month.

 

Including that defeat at Stadio Maradona, Juventus have won just one of their last nine league meetings with Napoli, including several while Spalletti was in charge of Sunday’s opponents. ............

 

Juventus Serie A form:

W W D W W L

Juventus form (all competitions):

W D W W L W

 

Napoli Serie A form:

W W D D D W

Napoli form (all competitions):

W D D D W D

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Team News

Alongside ex-Napoli striker Arkadiusz Milik, who has been sidelined for several months, Juventus will again be without Daniele Rugani and Dusan Vlahovic on Sunday evening.

 

With an impressive cameo from the bench against Benfica, Francisco Conceicao pressed his claim for a return to the starting XI, but Spalletti is unlikely to make many changes.

 

Including his strike in the reverse fixture, Juve’s main man Kenan Yildiz has registered seven goals and four assists in 20 Serie A games this term, matching the same tallies as he set for the whole of last season. ............

 

Juventus possible starting lineup:

Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Bremer, Kelly, Cambiaso; Locatelli, Thuram; Conceicao, McKennie, Yildiz; David

 

Napoli possible starting lineup:

Milinkovic-Savic; Beukema, Buongiorno, Jesus; Di Lorenzo, Lobotka, McTominay, Spinazzola; Vergara, Elmas; Hojlund ............ 

 

We say: Juventus 2-1 Napoli

Juventus can reverse the result of last month's trip down to Naples, closing to within one point of a Napoli side that may be running out of gas.

 

Hit by persistent absences, the Italian champions are rarely at their best on the road, while rejuvenated Juve are gaining confidence under Spalletti.

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Read more -> https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/preview/juventus-vs-napoli-prediction-team-news-lineups_590536.html

[Socrates 9674]

Napoli could welcome key man for Juventus game

 

 

Romelu Lukaku has been sidelined for several months through injury, but he could now be close to returning to action for Napoli ahead of their upcoming match against Juventus this weekend. The Belgian striker remains a central figure in the squad, and his absence has been keenly felt throughout his recovery period. Despite efforts to strengthen their attacking options while he was unavailable, Napoli have struggled to adequately replace his presence and influence on the pitch.

 

During his time out, the club continued to view Lukaku as one of their most important players and worked consistently to support his recovery. ............

 

Napoli regard Lukaku as their leading striker, and his prolonged absence prompted them to sign additional forwards. However, those reinforcements have not managed to replicate his impact or authority in attack. As a result, once Lukaku is deemed fit, he is expected to reclaim his place in the starting line-up without delay. His potential return is therefore seen as a significant boost for the team at a crucial stage of the season. ............

 

Napoli’s next match sees them face Juventus in what is expected to be a challenging contest for both sides. Lukaku could be named on the bench and may be introduced during the match to help Napoli secure a positive result when they take on Juve at the weekend. His involvement, even for a limited period, could provide a valuable lift to the team. ............

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Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/napoli-could-welcome-key-man-for-juventus-game/

[Socrates 9674]

Juventus v Napoli match preview – Another must win game

 

 

Juventus will host Napoli in what is shaping up to be one of the most significant Serie A fixtures of the second half of the season. Both sides enter the contest with title ambitions, with Juventus pushing strongly for the league crown and Napoli aiming to defend their status as reigning champions. The importance of the match is reflected not only in the league table but also in the narratives surrounding both teams. ............

 

In midweek, Juventus recorded an impressive Champions League victory over Jose Mourinho’s Benfica, a result that will have further boosted morale within the squad. That success has heightened their desire to translate European momentum into domestic form, as they look to re-establish themselves as consistent winners in Serie A. Their recent record of three wins and a draw from the last five competitive matches highlights a team that is difficult to beat and growing in confidence.

 

Napoli, meanwhile, arrive in Turin knowing that their title defence has not been as smooth as they would have hoped. Despite this, they remain within touching distance of the top of the standings and cannot be discounted from the race. A strong run of victories is required to close the gap to the teams above them, and a win in this fixture would represent a major statement of intent. ............

 

The match also carries added significance for Luciano Spalletti, who will face the club he previously guided to the 2022/2023 Serie A title. He will be eager to make an impression against his former side. However, Napoli’s recent form has been poor, with only one win from their last five matches across all competitions, even though they remain unbeaten in that run. ............

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Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/juventus-v-napoli-match-preview-another-must-win-game/

[Socrates 9674]

Giovane ready for Napoli debut against Juventus after €20m transfer

 

 

Multiple reports state Giovane has signed the contract with Napoli, so completing the €20m move from Verona, he can make his debut against Juventus.

 

That Serie A match is scheduled at the Allianz Juventus Stadium on Sunday at 17.00 GMT (18.00 CET). ............

 

The player had his medical tests today at the La Madonnina clinic in Milan, with that venue chosen precisely because it would enable him to travel quickly to Turin for a reunion with his new teammates.

 

Giovane has already signed the contract, which will be deposited with the Lega Serie A before midnight tonight. ............

 

That will enable him to be included in the Napoli squad for tomorrow’s Serie A match against Juventus. ............

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Read more -> https://football-italia.net/giovane-ready-napoli-debut-against-juventus/

Modificato 20 ore fa da Socrates

[Socrates 9674]

Milinkovic-Savic has new injury worry for Napoli against Juventus

 

 

There is yet another potential injury problem for Napoli ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Juventus, as Vanja Milinkovic-Savic is in doubt.

 

It kicks off at the Allianz Juventus Stadium in Turin on Sunday at 17.00 GMT (18.00 CET). ............

 

Antonio Conte has a decimated squad travelling for this match, as he is without David Neres, Matteo Politano, Kevin De Bruyne, Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa, Billy Gilmour and Amir Rrahmani.

 

According to various reports, Milinkovic-Savic sustained a muscular issue during the final training session today, and the goalkeeper is by no means guaranteed to start tomorrow. ............

 

If he can’t make it, then Napoli must turn to Alex Meret, who himself has been out of action for two months due to a shoulder injury.

 

Even before that, Meret had lost the gloves to Milinkovic-Savic, not playing since September 28 against Milan. ............

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Read more -> https://football-italia.net/milinkovic-savic-new-injury-worry-for-napoli/

[Socrates 9674]

“Give everything we have” McTominay expects a tough game against Juventus

 

 

Scott McTominay has been an important player for Napoli since joining the club, and the Scottish midfielder will be eager to play a key role when they face Juventus this weekend. The fixture carries major significance for both sides, with each fully aware of what is at stake as the season progresses. ............

 

Juventus head into the match knowing that a win is crucial. Their recent victory over Benfica in midweek has provided a welcome boost in confidence, reinforcing belief within the squad that they can rise to the occasion. That result has strengthened their momentum, and the Old Lady understands how important it is to capitalise on it in a demanding league fixture.

 

Napoli, however, are equally aware that they cannot afford to drop points. Both clubs are battling for a top-four finish, and there is even a sense among sections of their supporters that a title challenge remains possible. ............

 

McTominay has spoken about the importance of the fixture and the emotions surrounding it, highlighting the rivalry between the two clubs. He said, “It’s a historic match because of the rivalry we have. The fans remind us of it often, and we know it will be incredibly tough, as it always is. Their team is very strong, even offensively.

 

“We’ll have to give everything we have, with focus and maximum dedication, trying to get back to winning consistently. I played my first match as a starter here in Naples against Juventus, and it was exciting. I have great memories, despite the misfortune of not winning that game.” ............

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Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/give-everything-we-have-mctominay-expects-a-tough-game-against-juventus/