JUVENTUS SEASON 2025-2026

[Socrates 9807]

Preview: Atalanta BC vs Juventus - prediction, team news, lineups

 

 

Clashing in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals, Atalanta BC and Juventus will meet in Bergamo on Thursday evening.

 

After Juve beat La Dea to lift the trophy for a 15th time in 2024, this time they are vying for a semi-final tie against either Lazio or holders Bologna.

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Match preview

For all their recent success - most notably winning the Europa League - Atalanta's sole national cup triumph dates all the way back to 1963. ............

 

Atalanta may have won seven of nine home matches under ex-Juventus winger Palladino, who now welcomes his former club to Bergamo, but Juve have been busy with their own revival. ............

 

Much has changed since the sides played out a 1-1 league draw in September, with both clubs changing their head coach to great effect.

One of Luciano Spalletti's first wins as Bianconeri boss came in the previous round of the Coppa Italia, where Juve beat Udinese 2-0 in Turin.

 

Following that success in early December, they have grown in confidence and forged a clear identity, while lifting themselves into Italy's top four.

 

Also safely through to the Champions League's knockout phase, Juventus have lost just twice across all competitions under Spalletti - posting a particularly good set of results over the past fortnight.

 

After beating Benfica and Serie A champions Napoli in quick succession, they followed a midweek draw with Monaco by putting four goals past Parma on Sunday, as defensive rock Bremer bagged a brace.

 

However, Juve's February schedule only gets tougher from there: after tackling Atalanta, they will face Lazio and Como either side of the Derby d'Italia, while squeezing in both legs of their Champions League playoff against Galatasaray.

 

Atalanta BC Coppa Italia form:

W

Atalanta BC form (all competitions):

W D L W L D

 

Juventus Coppa Italia form:

W

Juventus form (all competitions):

W L W W D W

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Team News

 ............

 

Dusan Vlahovic - who scored the winner against Atalanta in the 2024 final - remains on the sidelines, along with forgotten man Arkadiusz Milik.

 

Though Vlahovic has been absent for some time, Jonathan David now has four Serie A goals in 2026, and Weston McKennie has scored six across all competitions since Spalletti arrived in October.

 

Meanwhile, Bremer will pose a significant threat at set-pieces. Including his double strike against Parma, no central defender has scored more goals across Europe's top five leagues since 2019; fellow Brazilian Gabriel Magalhaes has also registered 21.

 

Atalanta BC possible starting lineup:

Carnesecchi; Djimsiti, Hien, Kolasinac; Zappacosta, De Roon, Ederson, Zalewski; De Ketelaere, Raspadori; Scamacca

 

Juventus possible starting lineup:

Perin; Kalulu, Bremer, Gatti, Cabal; Locatelli, Koopmeiners; Zhegrova, McKennie, Miretti; David ............

 

 

We say: Atalanta BC 0-1 Juventus 

While Juventus have won four of their last five away games in Serie A, Atalanta have become much tougher to beat on home turf. So, just as in the 2024 Coppa Italia final, a single strike could split these sides.

 

As Andrea Cambiaso's freak own-goal against Parma is one of just four goals conceded by Juve across their last dozen matches, the Old Lady can defeat La Dea. 

 .

Read more -> https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/atalanta-bc/coppa-italia/preview/atalanta-vs-juventus-prediction-team-news-lineups_591315.html

[Socrates 9807]

Juventus receive major Yildiz boost ahead of Atalanta showdown

 

 

Juventus star Kenan Yildiz will join the team on the trip to Bergamo for the Coppa Italia quarter-final clash against Atalanta.

 

Last Sunday, the Turkish forward felt some discomfort during the first half of the Serie A contest against Parma. ............

 

After the Ennio Tardini contest, Luciano Spalletti offered a reassuring update, insisting that the player did not suffer a serious injury.

 

Therefore, the 20-year-old didn’t undergo any clinical tests at the J|Medical Centre, as the doctors felt that a few days of rest and physiotherapy sessions were sufficient in his case. ............

 

However, the youngster is recovering faster than expected. ............

 

Yildiz will be expected to start on the bench, with Miretti the favourite to fill in for him alongside Weston McKennie and Francisco Conceicao, who should act as the supporting trio behind the striker.

 

Therefore, Spalletti might be able to resort to his services if required. On the other hand, if the team isn’t chasing a result in the second half, he will likely be given the night off. ............

 .

Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/juventus-receive-major-yildiz-boost-ahead-of-atalanta-showdown/

[Socrates 9807]

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

 

 

Atalanta and Juventus meet in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals, with reduced rotations, although Kenan Yildiz and Gleison Bremer are expected to start on the bench for the Bianconeri.

 

It kicks off at 21:00 CET (20:00 GMT) at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo. ............

 

Jonathan David will lead the Juventus attack with Francisco Conceiçao, Fabio Miretti and Weston McKennie starting behind the Canada international.

 

Federico Gatti will partner with Lloyd Kelly in central defence, while Mattia Perin will start between the sticks for the Old Lady. ............

Atalanta vs. Juventus – probable line-ups

Atalanta (3-4-2-1): Carnesecchi; Ahanor, Djimsiti, Scalvini; Zappacosta, De Roon, Ederson, Zalewski; Raspadori, De Ketelaere; Scamacca.

 

Juventus (4-2-3-1): Perin; Kalulu, Gatti, Kelly, Cambiaso; Thuram, Koopmeiners; Conceiçao Miretti, McKennie; David.

 .

Read more -> https://football-italia.net/coppa-atalanta-v-juventus-probable-line-ups-tv/

[Socrates 9807]

[Socrates 9807]

[Socrates 9807]

Juventus probable lineup vs Atalanta: Five changes for Coppa Italia clash

 

 

Juventus head coach Luciano Spalletti will rotate his starting lineup when he takes on Atalanta in the quarter-final of the Coppa Italia.

 

The contest will take place at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo. It kicks off on Thursday, 21:00 CET. ............

 

After all, Juventus have a gruelling schedule to negotiate in February, which includes back-to-back Serie A clashes against Lazio and Inter, and a double header against Galatasaray in the Champions League play-offs. ............

 

The lineup changes will begin with the goalkeeper, as Mattia Perin is considered the designated Coppa Italia custodian, a role he’s become accustomed to during his time in Turin. Therefore, Michele Di Gregorio will start on the bench.

 

At the back, Gleison Bremer should be afforded some rest, making way for Federico Gatti, who hasn’t started a match since returning from a meniscus surgery. The Italian defender will link up with Lloyd Kelly.

 

Despite the arrival of Emil Holm, Pierre Kalulu will have to wait for his first ‘day off’. The ever-present Frenchman is expected to start at right-back, with Juan Cabal taking over from Andrea Cambiaso on the opposite flank. ............

 

With Kenan Yildiz only fit enough for the bench the super-versatile Weston McKennie should move to the left wing, while Fabio Miretti starts behind Jonathan David, and Francisco Conceicao keeps his starting berth on the right flank.

 

Atalanta (3-4-2-1): Carnesecchi; Scalvini, Djimsiti, Ahanor; Bellanova, De Roon, Ederson, Zalewski; De Ketelaere, Raspadori; Scamacca

 

Juventus (4-2-3-1): Perin; Kalulu, Gatti, Kelly, Cabal; Locatelli, Koopmeiners; Conceicao, Miretti, McKennie; David

 .

Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/juventus-probable-lineup-vs-atalanta-five-changes-for-coppa-italia-clash/

Modificato Giovedì alle 14:17 da Socrates

[Socrates 9807]

Del Piero: Juventus ‘must’ have title belief, but avoids Yildiz comparison

 

 

Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero feels the Bianconeri can still aim for the Serie A title, but plays down comparisons with Kenan Yildiz: ‘He has to build his own path.’

 

Juventus and Italy legend Del Piero feels the Old Lady can still hope to win the Scudetto in 2025-26.

 

Inter are currently the table leaders, while Milan sit second, just five points below the Nerazzurri. ............

 

“I don’t think so. It’s undeniable, though, that the Rossoneri, along with Inter, are the teams with the best chances of challenging for the title,” he told Italian reporters.

 

“After all, Milan are among those who have had the fewest setbacks, and they don’t have any European competition draining all their energy. However, there are other candidates.”

 

Juventus sit fourth, ten points below Inter and Del Piero says Luciano Spalletti’s men still have a chance. ............

 

“Why not? There’s a renewed sense of confidence in the environment,” said the ex-striker.

 

“The dressing room can and must start believing again. It’s true that their comeback began later than their rivals’, but who knows? You always have to aim as high as possible, and if the team were to put together four or five wins in a row, also considering the big match at San Siro against Inter, anything could still happen.” ............

 

“I’ve always avoided comparisons. Kenan is growing and, match after match, he’s showing that he can take on responsibility in big games,” Del Piero said.

 

“He’s certainly improved a lot, and you can see that he’s committed, trying to take inspiration from more experienced teammates as well, just as I did when I was a kid, and critics tried to compare me to one champion or another. The truth is that, beyond ideas he’ll try to pick up, he has to build his own path, a unique one. He has to carve out his own space in the world.” ............

 

“I think Juventus have a strong chance of advancing to the next round against Galatasaray” Del Piero concluded.

 

“The players are very focused on these two matches. However, given how the season started, I don’t believe they truly have the goal of reaching the final. Considering the initial difficulties, they need to take one step at a time.”

 .

Read more -> https://football-italia.net/del-piero-juventus-title-no-yildiz-comparison/

Modificato Giovedì alle 14:34 da Socrates

[Socrates 9807]

[Socrates 9807]

Atalanta 3-0 Juventus: Toothless Old Lady crash out of Coppa Italia

 

 

In a déjà vu scenario from 2019, Juventus ended their Coppa Italia campaign with a 0-3 defeat to Atalanta in Bergamo.

 

Spalletti decided to mirror Atalanta’s 3-4-2-1 formation by reverting to a three-man backline, with Gleison Bremer operating in between Federico Gatti and Lloyd Kelly.

 

In the middle of the park, Manuel Locatelli and Khephren Thuram kept their places, while Pierre Kalulu and Andrea Cambiaso worked the flanks. Francisco Conceicao and Weston McKennie supported Jonathan David in attack. ............

 

Juventus had several chances to score in the first half, especially through Conceicao, who was put through by a long throwball from McKennie, but couldn’t beat Marco Carnesechi, who came off his line to block the shot.

 

A minute late, the diminutive winger had the Atalanta goalkeeper beaten, but his effort crashed against the woodwork.

 

The Bianconeri swiftly regretted Conceicao’s missed opportunities, as Bremer was unlucky to give away a spot-kick in the middle of the first period when Ederson’s cross brushed off his hand from close range. Gianluca Scamacca kept his composure to beat Mattia Perin and put La Dea ahead.

 

After the interval, Juventus continued to dominate possession, but they simply couldn’t inflict the damage in the final third. ............

 

The hosts thus managed to add two more goals, the first thanks to a swift counterattack culminating with a cool finish from Kamaldeen Sulemana, and the second stemming from a poor Bremer pass that allowed Mario Pasalic to slot a deflected shot past Perin.

 

While crashing out of the domestic cup might not be a major blow for Juve’s campaign, the fans will expect them to rally back with a big statement against Lazio on Sunday.

 

Atalanta 3-0 Juventus

Goals: 27′ Scamacca (A), 77′ Sulemana (A), 84′ Pasalic (A).

 

Atalanta (3-4-2-1) : Carnesecchi; Scalvini (75′ Kossounou), Djimsiti, Ahanor; Zappacosta (69′ Bellanova), De Roon (C), Ederson, Bernasconi; De Ketelaere (82′ Pasalic), Raspadori (75′ Krstovic); Scamacca (69′ Sulemana).

 

Juventus (3-4-2-1): Perin; Gatti (64′ Boga), Bremer, Kelly; Kalulu, Locatelli (C) (73′ Koopmeiners), Thuram, Cambiaso (79′ Zhegrova); Conceicao (79′ Openda), McKennie; David (73′ Holm). 

 .

Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/atalanta-juventus-crash-coppa-italia/

[Socrates 9807]

Spalletti: ‘Juventus made all the wrong choices, Atalanta the right ones’

 

 

Luciano Spalletti admits Juventus ‘made the wrong choices, Atalanta made the right ones’ in a 3-0 Coppa Italia quarter-final defeat. ............

 

However, a controversial penalty changed the quarter-final this evening, as VAR spotted the Ederson cross clipping Gleison Bremer’s hand in a situation where even Atalanta players hadn’t realised anything was amiss.

 

Gianluca Scamacca converted the penalty, then as Juve threw on new buys Jeremie Boga and Emil Holm, it was Atalanta whose substitutes made the difference, with Kamaldeen Sulemana and Mario Pasalic on target. ............

 

“They were better than us in the decisive moments of the match. When you comment on a 3-0 defeat, there’s not much you can say. We congratulate Palladino and Atalanta, it is a well-built team that plays good football,” Spalletti said.

 

“We made the wrong choices when the going got tough. There are moments where the ball moves around and it’s largely about statistics, but when the game gets real, you have to make the right calls, do them quickly and sharply. In those moments, we made the wrong choices, they made the right ones.”

 

“There were spaces to send players through two on one, but instead we took it near the corner flag. We lack the experience sometimes to recognise those situations, but also there are the characteristics of some players that are either there or not. We cannot seem to have that sharpness and clear-headed focus in the decisive moments. It happens.” ............

 

“Stepping up a level is also down to the way the whole group trains. We have a few defects, as many teams do, but I feel that we are a team. We just need to recognise these moments of a match that can become decisive, because if you look at the number of chances in this game, the result seems like a false reflection of it,” noted Spalletti.

 

“We lost 3-0, so it seems odd to say the lads worked hard and put in a good performance. What I didn’t like was in the closing stages we all got spread out and tried to find a breakthrough individually, so we lost organisation too much. We lost some unity.” ............

 

“It’s a penalty because it touches his hand. I am interested in other things, I have a different job,” smiled the coach.

 

“My hardest job is convincing the lads of what really happened in this match tomorrow, not what the result says. They need to see the reality of their performance.”

 .

Read more -> https://football-italia.net/spalletti-juventus-made-wrong-choices-atalanta/

Modificato ieri alle 10:19 da Socrates

[Socrates 9807]

Bremer: ‘Letter of the law says it’s a penalty, Juventus must accept it’

 

 

Gleison Bremer admits ‘it is a penalty by the letter of the law and we must accept it’ after a controversial spot-kick sparked Atalanta’s 3-0 Coppa Italia win over Juventus. ............

 

Even Ederson had not appealed when his cross was deflected off Bremer into the arms of Mattia Perin, but VAR spotted that it had hit the defender’s hand, and referee Michael Fabbri awarded a penalty following the On-Field Review. ............

 

“It is honestly difficult to talk about this, because it is a penalty by the letter of the law,” Bremer said.

 

“As a defender, I would naturally say it isn’t a penalty, but the referee awarded it and we must accept it. This is a decision that changes the game, but we can’t do anything about that.

 

“After all, it was in the first half, we had an hour left to turn the match around.” ............

 

Former referee Graziano Cesari in the studio noted that the replay showed Bremer’s hand never moved towards the ball, but was in a fairly natural position for someone running.

 

He even called this kind of penalty ‘anti-football,’ but Bremer was more focused on the rest of the Juventus performance.

 

They failed to convert any of their scoring opportunities, while Atalanta were clinical in adding two more goals through Kamaldeen Sulemana and Mario Pasalic late on. ............

 

“It happened against Cagliari and Lecce too, so we have to improve on taking our chances,” insisted the Brazilian.

 

“We have just started this new era with the coach, so we are on the right track, even if we made mistakes today. We also must apologise to the fans, because a 3-0 result is too much, but we’ve got to get right back on track from the next game.” ............

 .

Read more -> https://football-italia.net/bremer-letter-of-the-law-penalty-juventus/

Modificato ieri alle 10:31 da Socrates

[Socrates 9807]

Atalanta 3 - Juventus 0: Initial reaction and random observations

 

 

The final score from Bergamo on Thursday night will say that Atalanta thoroughly beat Juventus. It make things seem like they weren’t close, and that Luciano Spallett’s squad was completely overwhelmed by what La Dea were doing for much of the night.

 

But that’s not the case.

 

The scoreline, it can be deceiving. And this one is most certainly a case of that.

 

Sure, losing by three goals and seeing your Coppa Italia run end in the same round that it did a year ago is not a good look. That is the simplistic view of it. But when you are on the receiving end of a … let’s just say … less-than-questionable penalty call well after the supposed incident actually happened, then you’re suddenly forced to chase the game rather than have things be the way they were for much of the night — pretty dang even. Or maybe even favoring Juventus compared to how Atalanta were playing. But with Spalletti’s squad having to chase rather than truly play things out and the early chances that Juventus had not being converted, it all added up to Juve losing in the Coppa Italia quarterfinals for the second straight season. ............

 

The fact is, the game changed after VAR ruled that Gleison Bremer handled the ball and gave a penalty away to Atalanta. Less than 20 minutes before the half, a performance in which Juventus should have been ahead suddenly turned into a case where they were trailing 1-0 and having to generate scoring chances without their best player on the field. (Which, considering Kenan Yildiz asked to be subbed off at the half all of four days ago, wasn’t necessarily the worst thing in the world. Let the young man rest for a game or two. He needs it.)

 

But the catch in that is the reality that Juventus should have had the lead even before Atalanta actually went ahead. In terms of really good scoring chances alone, Francisco Conceição should have put Juve ahead. Weston McKennie also had one of the best chances of the night and wasn’t able to convert.

 

This was far from Atalanta domination that the scoreline would suggest it was. Instead, Raffaele Palladino set his team up well — especially after the goal — and then proved to be very opportunistic to extend their lead.

 

This should not have been a night in which Juventus didn’t score. They racked up a total of 1.51 xG in the first half alone, with Atalanta pretty much just being dangerous from the penalty spot and that’s it in the first half. One team took their best chance, the other one didn’t — and were left to wonder what could have been if things had been different in front of goal rather than seeing chance after chance go wide, go high or even go crashing off the crossbar.

 

Or you can point to the fact that the Coppa Italia was Juventus’ only true remaining opportunity to win silverware this season. The Scudetto? Nah, not when you’re 10 points back in February and the league leaders are, unfortunately, looking as strong as Inter are right now. The Champions League? Not this iteration of Juventus, one that still has to get through the play-off round first … and then a whole lot of other tough opposition. ............

 

RANDOM THOUGHTS AND OBSERVATIONS

• Not a good night for Gleison Bremer Silva Nascimento. Not good at all.
• That doesn’t take into account the fact that I maintain he got jobbed by the VAR review on the handball. I’m not exactly sure what he was supposed to do there other than try and do something completely unnatural when the letter of the law says that he had to be doing something totally unnatural for it to be a handball. That makes sense, right? Because sometimes I don’t even know how to explain some of these things.
• Not a good night for Mattia Perin.
• Not a good night for Weston McKennie, which is something that I haven’t really thought in months.
• Not a good night for Francisco Fernandes da Conceição, either.
• Not the best night for Luciano Spalletti, too. His subs just didn’t take any sort of effect at all. And maybe seemed a little too slow — which, considering how very quick to right the in-game wrongs he and his team make is a little surprising. ............
• Speaking of Thuram, I thought this was the game in which Spalletti gave him some rest. That’s because he appears — and that is one man’s opinions from a very far distance away — to be rather tired. ............
• Was Manuel Locatelli one of the few Juventus players who had a really good performance in this one? Because I feel like Manuel Locatelli was one of the few Juventus players who actually played well against Atalanta.
• If only Juventus had converted one of those first-half scoring chances, huh? Guessing that thought is going to float across my brain a few times over the next couple of hours.
• It’s been a while since I’ve seen a goalkeeper with a minus-0.93 goals prevented number, but that is what Fotmob gave to Mattia Perin for his showing against Atalanta. And you know what? Feels about right. ............
• Juventus’ defense on the second goal … not great.
• Juventus’ defense on the third goal … also not great.
• Atalanta recorded four shots on goal the entire night. They scored three of them.
• Juventus recorded 13 shots total the entire night. They put two of them on target. ............
• This a well-established fact, but something has to be done about the entire VAR review process. I mean, Atalanta players and coaches weren’t even complaining about a potential handball and then everybody hits the brakes, the game stops and then there’s a review. At some point, you gotta hope they realize that some of these calls are just not actually the correct calls and that you’re just continuing to impact your product.
• Then again, this is Italian football in 2026, so it’s hard to say what they will realize is actually the truth.
• Good first impression Jérémie Boga — especially considering he hasn’t played for six weeks. ............
• Three former Atalanta players coming off the bench against Atalanta. Just as we all expected.
• One of the few positives to come out of this one? Kenan Yildiz rested. He needed it.
• So now you either have him back to face Lazio or unleash him on two weeks worth of rest against Inter at the San Siro next weekend. I like the sound of that — especially the second part.
• Let’s just hope that this proves to be a one-off rather than the regression to the mean. It’s up to Luciano to prevent the second half of that sentence from happening. Sure would be nice if that’s the case no matter how tough the schedule is over the next month.

Read more -> https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/previews-reviews/36228/atalanta-juventus-2026-coppa-italia-quarterfinals-final-score-result-initial-reaction-random-observations

[Socrates 9807]

Juventus player ratings vs Atalanta: Bremer endures rare Off night

 

 

While the final result may be too harsh, Juventus were eliminated from the Coppa Italia at the hands of Atalanta, who put three unanswered goals past Mattia Perin.

 

The Bianconeri saw more of the ball, and had several dangerous chances, but they lacked the serenity in the final third. On the contrary, the Orobici were exceptionally clinical in front of goal, although they had luck on their side when Gleison Bremer’s handball gifted a spot-kick, resulting in the opener. ............

Juventus XI (3-5-2)

Mattia Perin – 5.5

Aside from picking the ball from his net thrice, the experienced goalkeeper had very little to do. However, none of the goals were his mistake, including the third, which came from a slightly deflected shot.

Federico Gatti – 6

 ............

Gleison Bremer – 5

While the Brazilian had his moments, he had a negative role to play in all three goals. Gave away the spot-kick on the opener with an unfortunate own goal, opted against clearing the square ball on the second, and gifted Atalanta possession on the third.

Lloyd Kelly – 5

The Englishman couldn’t prevent the square ball on the second goal. Tried to block Mario Pasalic’s shot on the third, but inadvertently wrongfooted his goalkeeper.

Pierre Kalulu – 5.5

 ............

Manuel Locatelli – 6

The Juventus captain put on a shift in the middle of the park, helping the team win back the ball and maintain possession. The whole game plan faltered following his exit.

Khephren Thuram – 6

 ............

Andrea Cambiaso – 5.5

 ............

Francisco Conceicao – 5.5

The Portuguese winger will be kicking himself for failing to capitalise on a golden opportunity to break the deadlock when he saw his shot blocked by Marco Carnesecchi. He tried to rectify his mistake shortly afterwards, but his effort crashed against the woodwork.

Weston McKennie – 5.5

The American played as an attacking midfielder and even switched to a striker at one point, but he lacked the ability to execute his chances properly.

Jonathan David – 6

A generous display from the Canadian striker, who ran all over the pitch and set up McKennie on a couple of occasions. However, his teammates didn’t provide him with sufficient service.

Substitutes

Jeremie Boga – 6

The Ivorian produced some exciting touches on his Juventus debut and almost created the equaliser for McKennie.

Teun Koopmeiners – 5.5

 ............

Emil Holm – 5.5

 ............

Edon Zhegrova – N/A

Lois Openda N/A

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Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/juventus-player-ratings-vs-atalanta-bremer-endures-rare-off-night/

[Socrates 9807]

Tacchinardi: Three players ‘adding nothing’ ahead of ‘terrible month’

 

 

Former Juventus midfielder Alessio Tacchinardi criticises Teun Koopmeiners, Lois Openda and Edon Zhegrova following the Old Lady’s Coppa Italia exit: ‘They add nothing, and Juve have a terrible month ahead.’ ............

 

Former Juventus midfielder Tacchinardi examined the game during SportMediaset’s post-match show, blaming the Old Lady’s reserves and focusing particularly on three players. ............

 

“The result was too harsh for Juve, because they put in a very good performance,” Tacchinardi said.

 

“They created a lot before the penalty, which, for me, was nonexistent. They are playing great football, but paid a high price because they were unable to finalise their attacks. After all, who wins is right.” ............

 

“I think Juventus wanted a striker with different characteristics because David wants the ball inside the box and he fights, but it’s not enough, and he’s still shy up there,” Tacchinardi said. ............

 

“Juventus have many tough games coming up, and David and Openda are not increasing their level. I see a player who puts in commitment, but is struggling. Juventus’ reserves are struggling, but Spalletti can’t use only 11 players and needs everyone to improve. Koopmeiners, Openda and Zhegrova are adding nothing, but Spalletti needs them because he has a terrible month ahead.”

 

The Serie A giants will host Lazio in their next Serie A match on Sunday before visiting Inter the following week. ............

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Read more -> https://football-italia.net/ex-juventus-3-players-add-nothing-terrible/

[Socrates 9807]

Juventus’ fourth kit for 2025-26 leaked

 

 

Juventus’ fourth kit, featuring a ‘hooped design in black and white’, has been leaked online. ............

 

According to the report, it will be available in the coming weeks and is expected to be worn by Juventus players for a competitive match this season, as it already happened in the past. ............

 

The Bianconeri’s fourth kit has been designed by Adidas and Studio Sgura and features a black and white hooped design, moving away from the club’s traditional stripes. ............

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Read more -> https://football-italia.net/picture-juventus-fourth-kit-2025-26-leaked/

[Socrates 9807]

Piscedda discusses one big problem in the Juventus defence

 

 

Massimo Piscedda has criticised Juventus’ defence following the Bianconeri’s 3-0 defeat to Atalanta in the Coppa Italia quarterfinal last night. Juventus had approached the fixture with confidence, believing they could compete effectively and potentially secure a victory against La Dea. ............

 

The result has raised questions over the consistency of their defensive performances, especially given the strong displays seen previously. While Spalletti’s side had appeared well-organised in past matches, the Coppa Italia loss demonstrated that lapses can occur, undermining confidence in the backline during crucial fixtures. ............

 

Commenting on the defeat, Piscedda highlighted the potential weaknesses in Juventus’ defensive approach. He said, “On paper, Lazio is an underdog against Juve, but then you have to play it. Spalletti’s team is vulnerable in some respects. The weak point? The defence sometimes falls asleep. So Lazio can score against them. The problem is that Lazio’s attack needs to wake up at the same time.”

 

His remarks suggest that while Juventus remain a strong team on paper, defensive lapses could be exploited by teams capable of capitalising on mistakes. The Coppa Italia defeat serves as a reminder that even recently solid units are susceptible to errors, emphasising the need for concentration and consistency in upcoming matches. ............

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Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/pundit-discusses-one-big-problem-in-the-juventus-defence/

[Socrates 9807]

Juventus injury news: Conceicao risks missing Lazio clash

 

 

Juventus are sweating over the fitness of Francisco Conceição ahead of their upcoming Serie A match against Lazio.

 

The Portuguese winger returned from the Coppa Italia trip to Atalanta with a muscle issue similar to the one recently suffered by Kenan Yildiz, an overload to the adductor.

 

In Conceição’s case, the problem affects his right leg. ............

 

There is a real risk that Conceição could miss the Lazio fixture, a match with personal significance as he would be facing a club closely associated with his father’s career.

 

Earlier in the week, Yildiz was able to recover after just one day of rest, helped by the extra time between fixtures. ............

 

This time, though, the turnaround is tighter, and Conceição’s explosive playing style, built on sharp bursts of pace, makes the situation more delicate. ............

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Read more -> https://football-italia.net/juventus-news-conceicao-risk-lazio-clash/

[Socrates 9807]

Aldo Serena explains the difference between the Juventus and Atalanta attack

 

 

Atalanta eliminated Juventus from the Coppa Italia last night following a 3-0 victory in Bergamo, leaving the Bianconeri at risk of finishing the season without silverware unless they secure the Champions League or Scudetto. The Italian Cup had been viewed as a realistic opportunity for Luciano Spalletti in his first season as Juventus manager, particularly given the team’s strong form in recent weeks. ............

 

The result serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of cup competitions and the importance of clinical finishing. While Juventus remain competitive on other fronts, the loss in Bergamo will be viewed as a missed opportunity to claim tangible success this season. ............

 

Former striker Aldo Serena, who has closely followed both teams, has commented on a key difference in their attacking play. He said, “Atalanta have Krstovic and Scamacca, two central strikers who know how to move in the box to score goals, but also to help others. For the second goal, the number 90 went beyond the near post to pass the ball. In Bergamo, they have two, at Juve they don’t have a single one.”

 

Serena’s observation emphasises Juventus’ lack of a comparable central striking presence capable of creating and finishing chances in key moments. ............

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Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/aldo-serena-explains-the-difference-between-the-juventus-and-atalanta-attack/

[Socrates 9807]

Massimo Pavan says Spalletti should have rotated more against Atalanta

 

 

Massimo Pavan has called for greater use of the Juventus squad, arguing that Luciano Spalletti should have rotated more during the recent defeat to Atalanta in the Coppa Italia. Juventus possess several high-quality players, and despite being knocked out of the competition, they produced a strong performance against La Dea.

 

The result was not what the club expected, particularly given the good football they had played in the weeks leading up to the match. Juventus entered the fixture in encouraging form, which made the outcome even more disappointing. However, Atalanta approached the contest with a superior game plan and ultimately deserved their victory, leaving Juve facing the possibility of ending the season without a trophy. ............

 

With the Italian Cup no longer an option, the men at the Allianz Stadium will now work harder to ensure they finish the season strongly. A top-four finish remains the minimum objective, and consistency in the league will be vital if they are to meet that target. Missing the chance to win the Coppa Italia will be a source of regret, especially given how competitive the team has been for much of the campaign. ............

 

Pavan watched the Atalanta match and was pleased with the team’s display, even in defeat. However, he felt that Spalletti could have rotated his squad more effectively. He said, “Spalletti, in my opinion, should have rotated more on Thursday, but I don’t want to be presumptuous. He obviously has the physical capabilities that can do well tomorrow. Based on the lineup he’s fielded, he needs to be confident he can play more or less the same two games that are close in level. Otherwise, the concept is wrong. The Coppa Italia is an interesting trophy, but not on the condition of finishing lower in the league.” ............

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Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/massimo-pavan-says-spalletti-should-have-rotated-more-against-atalanta/

[Socrates 9807]

Spalletti on Yildiz’s extension, future at Juventus and use of McKennie

 

 

Luciano Spalletti insists he’s in no hurry to discuss his contract extension with Juventus, but Kenan Yildiz’s signing on a new deal marks an ‘important day’ for the future of the club.

 

Spalletti held a pre-match press conference on Saturday, on the eve of a Serie A match against Lazio. ............

 

“It’s an important day for the future of Juventus. It’s great to know that Kenan will be part of the team for as many years as possible,” Spalletti said. ............

 

Comolli described Yildiz as a ‘leader’ despite his young age.

 

“First of all, it gives strength to the entire team. The assessments of these champions are based on how much they can connect with the rest of the squad,” Spalletti added.

 

“That’s how you become stronger. He has this explosive one-on-one ability, putting you in a position of great advantage. Those who have this quality give you a spark to immediately create something important.

 

“Yildiz is really something special. The fact that he’s very young is part of the culture and the family he comes from. It’s a merit, and you can see that he’s a young man who has received proper guidance. He’s always smiling, joking with everyone. Knowing how to be with people and understand them is an extremely important quality.”

 

“He is available. He trained with the team today,” Spalletti confirmed.

 

“Conceiçao and Kelly worked separately. We’ll assess them tomorrow.” ............

 

“I think it’s better not to put too much pressure on this, as the club must be given time to make assessments,” the coach argued.

 

“If I’m able to show my worth as Kenan has done, then it will be possible. We are focused on our priority, mine is to prepare well for the matches. Juventus have something to fix, which becomes crucial for the future. They have to discuss expiring contracts. There’s also mine, but I came here with the intention of leaving them the choice.

 

“I often talk to Elkann, and I feel he’s very close to our proof of strength and our desire to become stronger. With him close, we are even stronger.” ............

 

“You know Sarri and his teams. They know how to play football, and we must be able to adapt to different scenarios in the game,” Spalletti said.

 

“It’s crucial to read what goes on around us to dominate proceedings, especially against them. Distances and intensity must be in line within the team. You saw Sarri work, and you know his qualities.

 

“We’ll have to be just as good at being a united team, able to read different moments in the game, because I think they play better than their position in the standings suggests.

 

“We don’t just play against a team, we play against the whole league and for our future as well,” Spalletti continued.

 

“Every game belongs to us; it’s always us playing, and we must play our game. It’s not about the opponent; it’s about the mentality and the commitment to play as we want. What is in front of us should not affect us, and we must have a strong mentality. A strong mentality is a voice that says who you are, regardless of the context.” ............

 

“Boga knows how to play in different roles, too. He also possesses this pace and sensibility with the ball at his feet. He dribbles opponents, and all these things must be put in a context that works, so it’s easier to adapt him to other roles too.

 

“I had followed Holm for some time. He played in Spezia, and my wife comes from there, so I often watched him play for Spezia. He already impressed me back then, and he has continued to improve. He played under Italiano, and he has played in an important team like Bologna.” ............

 

“The striker creates the space for McKennie,” the coach explained.

 

“The striker who drops deep to link up with the team gives a numerical advantage and frees up the space. We want to be this kind of team that goes ahead through playing style and movement. A team that perceives what is an advantage and what is a disadvantage. Sometimes we use McKennie in the build-up, other times we use him as a target man because we need to beat the press, and he knows how to do it. Therefore, we use him in different areas.”

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Read more -> https://football-italia.net/spalletti-yildiz-extension-juventus-mckennie/

Modificato 1 ora fa da Socrates

[Socrates 9807]

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

 

 

Following their meek midweek cup exit, Juventus will seek an immediate response in Serie A, as they play host to Lazio on Sunday evening.

 

While Juve’s positive momentum was halted by being dumped out of the Coppa Italia, their visitors have been celebrating last week’s dramatic stoppage-time win.

 

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Match preview

Transformed under the canny management of Luciano Spalletti, Juventus have won seven of their last nine Serie A matches while scoring 21 goals; only Scudetto favourites Inter Milan have posted more wins in that period.

 

As well as lifting themselves into Italy's top four, Juve are also through to the Champions League's knockout phase, further increasing the feel-good factor in Turin.

 

However, after putting four goals past Parma in last week’s league fixture - partly thanks to a double by Bremer - the Bianconeri were well beaten in Bergamo four days later.

 

Missing out on a potential semi-final against Lazio, who will play holders Bologna for a place in the last four next week, Juve suffered a chastening 3-0 defeat to Atalanta BC in Thursday’s Coppa Italia quarter-final.

 

Now, seeking a positive result before next week’s Derby d'Italia clash with Inter - and an upcoming Champions League playoff against Galatasaray - Spalletti’s side will head back to base.

 

One of two teams still with an unbeaten home record in Serie A, alongside reigning champions Napoli, they have conceded just eight league goals at the Allianz Stadium.

 

Having won their last three home games against Lazio, recent history will also be on the hosts’ side when they meet again this weekend. ............

 

No side has scored fewer goals on the road - six in 11 matches is also the Rome club’s worst tally at this stage since 1990 - and they have won just three times on their travels so far.

 

Juventus Serie A form:

D W W L W W

Juventus form (all competitions):

L W W D W L

 

Lazio Serie A form:

L D W L D W

 

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Team News

Spalletti tweaked his team for Thursday’s cup tie, but first-choice goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio and key creator Kenan Yildiz should both return to Juve’s starting XI.

 

Though the latter has been struggling with an adductor strain, he is set to feature this weekend, leaving only Dusan Vlahovic and Arkadiusz Milik on the sidelines.

 

In their ongoing absence, Jonathan David can compete with Lois Openda to lead the Bianconeri’s attack, while recent signing Jeremie Boga offers a fresh option out wide.

 

Once again, Bremer will pose a threat at set-pieces. Including his brace against Parma, the Brazilian has scored 21 times since his first Serie A strike in 2019; despite playing just 13 games this season, he has already registered five goal involvements. ............

 

Juventus possible starting lineup:

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

 

Lazio possible starting lineup:

Provedel; Marusic, Gila, Provstgaard, Tavares; Basic, Cataldi, Taylor; Isaksen, Maldini, Pedro ............

 

 

We say: Juventus 2-0 Lazio

Bouncing straight back from their three-goal defeat in Bergamo, Juventus should pick off a patchwork Lazio side.

 

The capital club have sold key players - and other starters will be injured or suspended - leaving them vulnerable to a much-improved Juve attack.

 .

Read more -> https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/preview/juventus-vs-lazio-prediction-team-news-lineups_591556.html

[Socrates 9807]

Juventus vs SS Lazio: Preview and Prediction

 

 

Juventus return to Serie A action on Sunday evening looking for an immediate correction against Lazio after a sobering midweek setback. Their Coppa Italia exit halted a run of growing confidence in Turin, and this meeting with Lazio arrives at a moment where response and control matter just as much as the result itself.

 

Under Luciano Spalletti, Juventus have quietly rebuilt momentum over the past two months. Seven wins from their last nine league matches, accompanied by 21 goals, underline a side rediscovering attacking fluency without losing defensive structure. Only Inter Milan have collected more victories in that period, a return that has lifted Juve into the top four and secured passage into the Champions League knockout rounds.

 

For a team still adjusting to tactical refinements and squad evolution, the trajectory has been largely positive. That progress, however, was abruptly checked in Bergamo. After comfortably dispatching Parma in the league, a match highlighted by a rare brace from Bremer, Juventus were outplayed and outmuscled by Atalanta in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals. The 3-0 defeat was decisive, denying them a potential semi-final meeting with Lazio and exposing vulnerabilities when intensity levels rise sharply.

 

Now back at the Allianz Stadium, Juventus will lean on a formidable home record when they take on Lazio. They remain one of only two sides yet to lose a Serie A match on home soil this season, alongside Napoli, and have conceded just eight league goals in Turin. Recent meetings with Lazio also favour the hosts, with three straight home victories suggesting familiarity with how to manage this particular opponent. ............

 

With a Derby d’Italia against Inter and a Champions League playoff looming, Juventus cannot afford hesitation. Lazio, meanwhile, must balance this trip with an upcoming Coppa Italia clash in Bologna, a competition that may yet offer their most realistic route to redemption. 

Team News & Tactics

Juventus

Luciano Spalletti is expected to revert to a more familiar configuration after making a handful of adjustments for Thursday’s Coppa Italia tie. With Serie A now the immediate priority, Juventus should field a stronger and more recognisable XI against Lazio, particularly in key areas of the pitch.

 

From a squad availability perspective, Juventus are dealing with a small but significant cluster of absences. Dusan Vlahovic and Arkadiusz Milik both remain sidelined and will not be involved, limiting Spalletti’s options at centre-forward.

 

There are no suspension concerns. Encouragingly for the hosts, Kenan Yildiz is expected to start despite recently managing an adductor issue, while first-choice goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio is set to return after being rested in midweek.

 

With Vlahovic and Milik unavailable, the responsibility of leading the line is likely to fall on Jonathan David, who continues to compete with Lois Openda for the central attacking role. David’s mobility and pressing ability give Juventus a slightly different dynamic in the final third, while recent arrival Jeremie Boga offers an alternative wide option from the bench, adding pace and directness if required.

 

Juventus are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, designed to provide balance between defensive control and attacking fluidity. Michele Di Gregorio should start in goal, tasked with organising a back line that has been particularly solid at home. The defensive unit is likely to feature Pierre Kalulu at right-back, Gleison Bremer and Lloyd Kelly as the central defensive pairing, and Andrea Cambiaso at left-back, offering width and overlap.

 

In midfield, Manuel Locatelli is set to anchor proceedings alongside Khephren Thuram, a pairing that blends positional discipline with ball-carrying power. Ahead of them, Franciscao Conceicao is expected to operate from the right flank, Weston McKennie should occupy a central attacking midfield role, and Kenan Yildiz is likely to start from the left, drifting inside to link play and create overloads.

 

At the tip of the attack, Jonathan David is poised to lead the line as the lone striker, supported by Juventus’ three advanced midfielders. Set-piece situations remain a notable strength, with Gleison Bremer continuing to pose a major aerial threat. Including his brace against Parma, the Brazilian defender has now scored 21 Serie A goals since opening his account in 2019 and has already contributed five goal involvements this season despite limited appearances.

 

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Bremer, Kelly, Cambiaso; Locatelli, Thuram; Conceicao, McKennie, Yildiz; David

SS Lazio

 ............

 

 

Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Provedel; Marusic, Gila, Provstgaard, Tavares; Basic, Cataldi, Taylor; Isaksen, Maldini, Pedro

Key Stats

• Juventus have lost none of their Serie A home matches this season, conceding just eight league goals at the Allianz Stadium, a record matched only by Napoli on home soil.
• Juventus have won seven of their last nine Serie A games, scoring 21 goals in that span, a return bettered only by Inter Milan over the same period.
• Lazio have won just three of their 11 away league matches, scoring only six goals on the road, their lowest tally at this stage of a Serie A season since 1990.
• Lazio have scored five Serie A goals in second-half stoppage time this season, the most in the division, accounting for more than 20% of their total league goals.
• Juventus have won their last three home league meetings with Lazio, although Lazio claimed a 1-0 victory in the reverse fixture earlier this season, giving them a chance to complete a rare league double over the Bianconeri for the first time since 1943.

Player to Watch

Jonathan David

With Juventus short of recognised centre-forwards, Jonathan David’s role becomes even more pivotal on Sunday night. The Canadian striker is expected to lead the line in the continued absence of Dušan Vlahovic and Arkadiusz Milik, placing the responsibility of converting possession into goals squarely on his shoulders.

 

David offers Juventus a different attacking profile compared to their injured forwards. Rather than operating as a static reference point, he thrives on movement, sharp positional shifts, and intelligent pressing from the front. His ability to drop into pockets between midfield and defence can disrupt Lazio’s shape, particularly against a back line that has struggled for consistency away from home.

 

What makes David especially dangerous in this matchup is his timing. He excels at attacking space created by runners from midfield, and with players like Weston McKennie and Kenan Yildiz arriving from deeper or wider areas, Lazio’s central defenders could be forced into uncomfortable decisions.  ............

Prediction

Juventus 2-0 SS Lazio

Juventus should approach this fixture with a clear sense of purpose after their midweek disappointment, and a return to the Allianz Stadium significantly tilts the balance in their favour. Their home control, defensive solidity, and improved attacking cohesion under Luciano Spalletti contrast sharply with Lazio’s ongoing struggles away from Rome.

 

Lazio may carry some threat through late-game resilience and moments of individual quality, but with several key absences and a poor away scoring record, sustaining pressure over 90 minutes looks unlikely. Juventus’s midfield control and superior structure should gradually wear the visitors down.

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Read more -> https://thehardtackle.com/round-up/2026/02/08/juventus-vs-ss-lazio-preview-and-prediction-2/