JUVENTUS SEASON 2025-2026

[Socrates 10361]

 

[Socrates 10361]

Serie A | Juventus 1-1 Verona: Vlahovic rescues a point amid regret

 

 

Dusan Vlahovic came off the bench for his first goal of 2026 to rescue a point for Juventus against relegated Verona, but it’s a missed opportunity to go third.

 

The Bianconeri hoped to make the most of Como, Napoli and Milan dropping points, with Kenan Yildiz back in the starting XI after two games as a substitute and Dusan Vlahovic ready for the bench. ............

 

Francisco Conceicao tested Lorenzo Montipò at the near post, then the Kenan Yildiz pull-back for Jonathan David was intercepted, and Andrias Edmundsson threw himself in the path of the David angled drive. ............

 

Manuel Locatelli saw his strike deflected just wide, then the midfielder was perhaps harshly booked for simulation when going down in a coming together with Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro.

 

Moments later, Verona took the surprise lead when Bremer was caught napping passing out from the back, intercepted by Domagoj Bradaric and rolled across from the left for Kieron Bowie to sweep in. It was all the more remarkable considering Juve had kept four consecutive clean sheets before that gift. ............

 

Dusan Vlahovic was thrown on for Khephren Thuram after the restart and Juve moved to 4-4-2. A couple of crosses were a little too high for the Serbian, but he got them on level terms and ended his 180-day goal drought by bending a free kick around the Verona wall and into the near bottom corner. Remarkably, it was also the first direct free kick scored by Juventus in Serie A this season.

 

 

Akpa Akpro risked an own goal intercepting the Conceicao pull-back to turn over from four yards, but Montipò made two extraordinary reaction saves in the space of a minute, both to deny Conceicao from point-blank range at the back post.

 

Conceicao also drilled wide from the edge of the area, while Jeremie Boga couldn’t surprise Montipò at the far stick on an Edon Zhegrova cross.

 

Boga saw his curler intercepted by a Hellas chest in the six-yard box, but Edon Zhegrova was unlucky in stoppages when his angled drive thumped the base of the near post and hit the goalkeeper on the back, but ricocheted back out.

 

It means both Juve’s games against Verona ended 1-1 this season, dropping four points overall in these fixtures.

 

 

Juventus 1-1 Verona

Bowie 34 (V), Vlahovic 62 (J)

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Read more -> https://football-italia.net/serie-a-juventus-1-1-verona-vlahovic-rescues/

[Socrates 10361]

Juventus 1-1 Hellas Verona: Bianconeri squander golden UCL opportunity

 

 

Juventus had the chance to make a large stride in their quest to qualify for the Champions League, but they settled for a draw at home against the already-relegated Hellas Verona. ............

 

Juventus dominated the action from the get-go, even though they had to wait until the 16th minute for their first big chance of the match. Conceicao chested down the loose ball and hit the target, but Lorenzo Montipo produced a stellar save.

 

The hosts had several other chances in succession, but David’s close-range shot was blocked by Victor Nelsson, while Bremer’s header hit the crossbar.

 

Against the run of play, Verona took the lead in the 34th minute. Bremer failed to properly clear the ball, as his poor pass to Kalulu was intercepted by Dogomoj Bradaric, who swiftly picked up Kieron Bowie with a square ball. The Scottish striker aimed at the near post, and even though he didn’t put too much power behind it, his shot still beat Michele Di Gregorio.

 

Therefore, the Gialloblu headed to the interval with a shocking one-goal lead.

 

Spalletti decided to bring in Dusan Vlahovic straight after the break for Thuram. The substitution paid off, with the Serbian scoring from the free-kick in the 62nd minute. The returning striker managed to bend the ball around the defensive wall to beat Montipo at the far post.

 

Juventus had another half an hour to find a winner, but they couldn’t break the resolute Verona defenders led by Andrias Edmundsson. ............

 

Conceicao came very close on back-to-back occasions, but was denied by Montipo, who also produced an astonishing fingertip save to deny Edon Zhegrova in added-time, diverging the Kosovar’s low drive into the post.

 

The Old Lady will thus end the weekend in fourth place after wasting the opportunity to leapfrog Milan and widen the gap with Como. ............

Juventus 1-1 Hellas Verona

Goals : 34′ Bowie (V), 61′ Vlahovic (J)

 

Juventus (3-4-2-1) : Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Bremer, Kelly (79′ Koopmeiners); McKennie, Locatelli, Thuram (45′ Vlahovic), Cambiaso (74′ Boga); Conceicao (79′ Zhegrova), Yildiz, David (68′ Miretti).

 

Verona (3-4-2-1) : Montipò; Nelsson, Edmundsson, Frese; Belghali, Akpa Akpro, Gagliardini, Bernede (79′ Harroui), Bradaric (70′ Slotsager); Suslov (70′ Lovric); Bowie.

 

Yellow card: 4′ Gagliardini (V), 30′ Frese (V), 32′ Locatelli (J), 63′ Bernede (V).

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Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/juventus-1-1-hellas-verona-bianconeri-squander-golden-ucl-opportunity/

[Socrates 10361]

Juventus player ratings vs Verona: Vlahovic’s impact not enough

 

 

At the Allianz Stadium in Turin, Juventus settled for a disappointing draw against Hellas Verona, which keep them in a precarious place in the Champions League race.

 

The Bianconeri had a flurry of chances in the first half, but it was the visitors who headed to the interval with one-goal advantage thanks to Kieron Bowie’s shocking opener. After the break, Dusan Vlahovic came off the bench to salvage to score the equaliser from a set piece, but the hosts weren’t able to find a winner. ............

Juventus XI (3-4-2-1)

Michele Di Gregorio – 5.5

The goalkeeper was beaten at his near post on Verona’s only dangerous chance in the match.

Pierre Kalulu – 5.5

 ............

Gleison Bremer – 5.5

The Brazilian was unlucky to see his header denied by the bar. His complacency was the main reason behind Verona’s goal, as he should have cleared the ball properly.

Lloyd Kelly – 6

 ............

Weston McKennie – 5.5

 ............

Manuel Locatelli – 5.5

The Juventus captain ran more than any other player, but the team was crying for a Regista capable of orchestrating the play and raising the tempo, and he just couldn’t fulfill this role this time.

Khephren Thuram – 5.5

 ............

Andrea Cambiaso – 6.5

The wing-back was one of Juve’s best players on the pitch, causing havoc with his runs, and picking up Conceicao with a couple of dangerous crosses. The Bianconeri became more predictable and stagnant following his exit.

Francisco Conceicao – 7

The Portuguese international has been the most consistent Juventus attacker in recent weeks. He was able to deliver dangerous balls to the box even when he had two opponents marking him. Lorenzo Montipo had to produce three top-notch saves to deny him.

Kenan Yildiz – 5

The Turkish international is obviously struggling for form and fitness amidst his ongoing knee problem, but Luciano Spalletti insisted on keeping him for the duration of the match, even when he was unable to deliver a proper ball to the box.

Jonathan David – 4.5

The Canadian striker wasted a good chance in the first half, and his display worsened after switching to a deeper role to accommodate Vlahovic.

Substitutes

Dusan Vlahovic – 7

The Serbian striker showcased his importance to the cause with a brillianty-executed free-kick. Posed a major threat to Verona’s defences, but often found himself outnumbered.

Fabio Miretti – 5

 ............

Jeremie Boga – 5.5

 ............

Edon Zhegrova – 6.5

The Kosovar made a positive impact off the bench. He dribbled past his marker, delivered crosses, and almost opened his Juventus count, but Montipo directed his shot towards the post.

Teun Koopmeiners – N/A

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Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/juventus-player-ratings-vs-verona-vlahovics-impact-not-enough/

[Socrates 10361]

Spalletti: ‘Juventus disappointed and have regrets’ after surprising 1-1

 

 

Luciano Spalletti admits Juventus are ‘disappointed and have regrets’ after a surprising 1-1 draw with Verona, along with tension on the touchline with director Sean Sogliano.

 

This was a huge opportunity to catch Milan in third place after the Rossoneri were beaten 2-0 by Sassuolo earlier today, with Napoli and Como also dropping points in the fight for the top four.

 

It was assumed that Juve would sweep Verona aside in Turin, especially as Hellas had already been mathematically relegated on Friday night and had nothing to play for. ............

 

“We must always evaluate what happens, analyse things, and then try to improve for the next matches, because those are the ones that matter now, seeing as we didn’t win this one,” Spalletti said.

 

“Clearly, we are disappointed, we have regrets, and unfortunately this happens in football. We were not fortunate, and with a little more sharpness we could’ve turned it around, even if you cannot always control everything.

 

“What we can do is stay clear-headed in the moments that matter, and we didn’t do it today. That is one of the qualities that makes a great player, because you can identify those moments where you’ve got to be fully concentrated.” ............

 

“I thought we had started quite well, but then Verona locked it down, as is only right for them to do. We created some dangers, but couldn’t break through the right way, then allowed them a few counter-attacks, plus that error which made it all the more difficult.

 

“The tension cranked up after that, you have the fear of not making it, when everyone is telling you it’s an easy game and you discover it isn’t easy at all,” continued the coach.

 

“We make mistakes that you see from kids, things that are too banal to be at this level, then in the second half you pin them back and have great moments of football that deserve to win a match.

 

“We played our game and I think overall we did deserve to win it.” ............

 

It was a frustrating evening, as Francisco Conceicao looked furious when substituted after a couple of good chances, while Edon Zhegrova hit the upright in stoppages.

 

It is remarkable that when the race for a Champions League spot could go down to the wire, Juventus were held to a pair of 1-1 draws by Verona this season. ............

 

If Roma beat Fiorentina tomorrow, then they will close to within a point of Juve in fifth place. ............

 

There was tension in the closing stages when Verona director Sean Sogliano was sent off from the touchline for dissent, then complained bitterly in the press interviews just before Spalletti took to the microphones.

 

“I don’t understand what the director was talking about,” noted the Juventus coach.

 

“I will go and see what he was complaining about, but I really don’t understand it, he was a little cryptic, but we never got up from the bench to complain whenever his players stayed down for 30 seconds after every foul, tried to use up every available second on throw-ins, it’s all a bit much.”

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Read more -> https://football-italia.net/spalletti-juventus-disappointed-have-regrets/

[Socrates 10361]

Juventus 1 - Hellas Verona 1: Initial reaction and random observations

 

 

So much of Juventus’ first four games out the March international break was about them taking advantage of the opportunity right in front of them. They got the help from other teams who were playing their direct rivals for fourth place, and they got the result to take care of their own business as they quickly flipped the entire situation in their favor after things looked so bleak heading into the break. ............

 

Juventus lined up against a Hellas Verona team on Sunday that had known for the past 48 hours that it was officially relegated to Serie B. But when it comes to that, you wouldn’t have known. Not because Hellas Verona were all that great during their last trip to Turin for at least one season. Instead, it was because Juventus, a team that got more help from Napoli the day before in their scoreless draw against Como, looked about as ineffective in front of goal as we’ve seen in a good amount of time. It didn’t matter how many shots they actually had — oh, and they had plenty of chances! — it was because outside of Dusan Vlahovic’s free kick in the 62nd minute, Juventus were either frustrated by their own actions or what Lorenzo Montipò was doing in goal.

 

The end result was a maddening 1-1 draw with the 19th-place team in Serie A, a club that has barely won since Christmas and have looked virtually inept in attack over the past couple of months.

 

But leave it to Juventus, in a game that had virtually everybody thinking three points were the only thing that could come out of it, to both let the first-shot-on-goal curse strike again and fail to score much at all against a team that has been relegated and is one of the worst defenses in the league.

 

It’s the kind of performance that has you seriously questioning whether they can finish in the top four even though they will still be in fourth place even if Roma beat Fiorentina on Monday night. But when they had the chance to pull even with Max Allegri’s AC Milan on points and go into third on goal differential, Juventus went out and did whatever the hell you want to call their showing against Hellas Verona.

 

(That’s also the second draw against Verona this season. Considering how bard they are, that’s not exactly something Juventus should be happy about both now and when the season is officially over.)

 

Juventus finished with 29 shots against Hellas Verona. For much of the game, only a slim number of those were on frame, giving Montipò a relative reprieve despite all of the pressure directly in front of him. Outside of the Vlahovic free kick that tied the game and maybe gave us a momentary glimmer of hope for a win, Montipò looked awfully close to going fully Sorrento and keeping just about everything he had to save out of the goal. He got some pretty good defending in front of him, of course, but it also helped that Juventus were up to their usual (bad) tricks when it comes to try to break down an extremely low block and finishing like they were back in their first full day of training after a couple of weeks completely away from kicking a ball.

 

It was the kind of performance you might excuse in the very early parts of the season.

 

But when you’ve got the door open to move into third place and greatly improve your chances of qualifying for the Champions League in the final month of the season? Yeah, not so much. ............

 

This is 100% a draw that feels like a loss. Juventus had room for error when it comes to their standing in fourth place, but you sure would have liked to see that still in play come the final couple weekends of the season when you’ve got Fiorentina and Torino on the schedule. Instead, that room for error is now basically gone and the final three games of the season now swing back to all being must-win so that Roma or Como don’t pip you right before the finish line arrives. ............

 

You just can’t help but think of the alternative to what actually played out. Juventus could have been in third place with a win. Instead, they’re now going to be barely hanging on to fourth place if Roma beat Fiorentina. That is quite a swing for a team that just seemed to be doing so much right only a few weeks ago. ............

RANDOM THOUGHTS AND OBSERVATIONS

• Bad. Very, very bad.
• Really is amazing how this club can look good against clubs that are around them in the table and then just look completely off it against some of the worst teams in the league. Truly amazing two-sided nature.
• An xG of 2.48 and you only put a handful of shots on target. Come on!
• Final three games of the season and we’re still wondering how the heck Juventus might actually be able to score goals. It’s another one of those years, I guess.
• Amazing what a free kick taker who can actually take direct free kicks can do, huh? Maybe if Vlahovic could stay healthy for more than five minutes in 2026 he would help this team out even more than some of us think he can.
• Gleison Bremer looked absolutely great in the opening 33 minutes of Sunday’s game. Then that big mistake of his at the back directly led to Hellas Verona getting a goal out of nowhere in the 34th minute.
• Not like Michele Di Gregorio helped all that much on Hellas Verona’s goal, either. Quite the juxtaposition for Di Gregorio after he was awarded Juventus’ MVP award for the month of April prior to kickoff.
• Just cover your near post, man. It’s not that difficult to do!
• For as good as Vlahovic’s free kick was, the entirety of Jonathan David’s performance felt like the opposite. Just a frustrating day for a forward who just didn’t have it this weekend.
• How in the hell was Roberto Gagliardini not sent off at some point of this game? It could have been for going studs up against David. It could have been for a couple other yellow card-worthy tackles that got called for fouls but nothing more than that. ............ But these are Serie A referees we’re talking about here, so nothing else really needs to be said. ............
• But seriously, though, what was the point of bringing on Fabio Miretti as the first sub off the bench not named Vlahovic? I know it was just a couple of months ago that I was talking about Miretti deserving more minutes, but not now. ............
• It also just felt like Spalletti was a little slow to react to how the game was progressing. He used three of his five subs in the final 15 minutes or later. He’s usually pretty good with these types of things and reading when he should make his subs. Sunday didn’t feel like one of those instances.
• I know Edon Zhegrova hasn’t had a very good season because of (insert multiple reasons you want here), but that man has also had some crap luck in front of goal. That was a great save from Montipò to put the cherry on top of an overall frustrating-as-hell performance from Juventus.
• I miss Khephren Thuram being consistently good like he was last season. That man has regressed and I’m having trouble figuring out why it is.
• The count stats might say Kenan Yildiz had a good game, but this was quite the tame performance from Juventus’ best player. It’s easy to get why — he’s been battling this knee injury for nearly a month now and we’re just at the point in the season where a player who has logged as many minute as he has can easily be exhausted by it all. That’s not an excuse, of course, but trying to apply some logic here. ............

Read more -> https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/previews-reviews/38154/juventus-hellas-verona-2026-serie-a-matchday-35-final-score-result-initial-reaction-random-observations

[Socrates 10361]

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

 

 

 

Both needing points to secure their seasonal objectives, Serie A giants Juventus and lowly Lecce will lock horns at Stadio Via del Mare on Saturday evening.

 

With just three games to go, Juve are aiming to secure Champions League football, while their hosts have yet to banish the threat of relegation.

---

Match preview

Juventus are at a crucial point in their quest to qualify for Europe's top competition, having seen their lead in the race for fourth place cut again last weekend.

 

Not only did the Bianconeri miss a good chance to overtake AC Milan, but fifth-placed Roma also closed to within one point - and outsiders Como are still in contention.

 

Juve could only follow their goalless stalemate against Milan with an even more disappointing draw, despite dominating against already-relegated Hellas Verona.

 

At home to a team that had very little to play for, it took a set-piece leveller from substitute Dusan Vlahovic to spare their blushes.

 

All is not lost, though, and Luciano Spalletti's side have still collected 19 points from the last nine Serie A matchdays - only Napoli have tallied more - while conceding only five goals.

 

Now 10 games unbeaten across all competitions, Juve have recently kept three consecutive clean sheets away from home, and this week's trip is traditionally one of their favourites. 

 

Juventus have lost just once in 12 league visits to Lecce so far this century, and that lone defeat dates back more than a decade.

 

Home or away, Lecce have won none of the last 11 top-flight meetings, though they did draw 1-1 in Turin earlier this season. ............

 

Lecce Serie A form:

L L L D D W

 

Juventus Serie A form:

D W W W D D

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Team News

As Vlahovic returned to action last week, only Juan Cabal and Arkadiusz Milik are ruled out for Juventus.

 

Despite lacking match-fitness, Juve's Serbian striker may be ready to displace the misfiring Jonathan David, although Spalletti sometimes plays a false nine.

 

Two candidates for that role are Jeremie Boga - who has scored three goals in his last four away matches - and 10-goal top scorer Kenan Yildiz, who is still struggling with a persistent knee problem. ............

 

Lecce possible starting lineup:

Falcone; Veiga, Siebert, Gabriel, Gallo; Ramadani, Coulibaly, Ngom; Pierotti, Cheddira, Banda

 

Juventus possible starting lineup:

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

 

We say: Lecce 0-2 Juventus 

Since Spalletti rode to the rescue in November, Juventus have had no problem creating chances, but converting them has sometimes proved problematic.

 

However, key attackers are now regaining fitness, while Lecce have been getting tighter at the back but still pose minimal threat up front.

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Read more -> https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/lecce/preview/lecce-vs-juventus-prediction-team-news-lineups_597116.html

[Socrates 10361]

US Lecce vs Juventus: Preview and Prediction

 

 

The Serie A title race was settled last weekend, with Inter Milan being crowned champions. However, there are still many things at stake for numerous teams in the league. Starting with Lecce, the struggling outfit are still fighting for their lives to stay afloat in the top flight. ............

 

Meanwhile, Juventus are very much in the mix to fight for a top-four place, with only a point separating them from fifth-placed AS Roma. The Giallorossi have roared back to life in the running for the Champions League spots following consecutive wins in the league, while the Bianconeri have had a bag of mixed results of late.

 

The 1-1 draw with Hellas Verona will be particularly aggravating for Luciano Spalletti in the grand scheme of things, considering that it was a team Juventus were expected to beat, particularly on home soil. Before that, they ensured another stalemate against top-four rivals Milan, which has pinned them in fourth spot.

 

The ultimate aim for Spalletti’s side would be to get into Milan’s third spot, as catching up to Napoli may seem challenging at this point. The bigger danger comes from Roma lurking behind, as they will be ready to pounce on any slip-ups from Juventus; losing a top-four place would be catastrophic for the Turin giants.

Team News & Tactics

US Lecce

 ............

 

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Falcone; Veiga, Siebert, Gabriel, Gallo; Ramadani, Ngom; Pierotti, Coulibaly, Banda; Cheddira

Juventus

The big boost for Luciano Spalletti is the return of Dusan Vlahovic, who has endured an injury-disrupted season. However, given the importance of the late run-in for the team, it is viable to see the Serbian striker replace the misfiring Jonathan David, who has continued to have an underwhelming season.

 

There are absentees in Arkadiusz Milik and Juan Cabal, while everyone else is relatively fit for action. Vlahovic could be joined by Weston McKennie and Kenan Yildiz in the attacking setup, as Jeremie Boga could miss out on a starting berth despite having decent goal contributions of late.

 

Michele Di Gregorio has recently won his place back between the sticks, with Pierre Kalulu, Gleison Bremer, Lloyd Kelly, and Andrea Cambiaso all set to feature in the backline. Spalletti will keep faith in Khephren Thuram and Manuel Locatelli to manage the midfield setup, while Francisco Conceicao will feature out wide on the right-hand side.

 

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

Key Stats

• Lecce are unbeaten in their last three games in Serie A.
• Lecce have won none of their last 11 games against Juventus.
• Juventus have lost just once in their last 12 visits to Lecce.
• Juventus are unbeaten in 10 games across all competitions.

Player to Watch

Dusan Vlahovic

Juventus need a solid end to their season to confirm their participation in next season’s Champions League. The same could be said about Vlahovic, who has endured an injury-disrupted season, as there are considerable doubts over his future in Turin.

 

The return of the Serbian striker is key for Juventus’s chances, starting with the game against Lecce, as he could be seen as a better option than the misfiring Jonathan David. A big performance in this away game will be key not only to his future but also to Juventus’s chances of finishing in the top four.

Prediction

US Lecce 1-2 Juventus

Lecce are in a decent vein of form heading into this key clash against Juventus, as Eusebio Di Francesco will certainly target a win to keep their chances of survival alive. However, the Bianconeri could provide a big test, although the Lecce boss will be eager to take note of how Hellas Verona performed last weekend.

 

The result against Hellas Verona may have served as a wake-up call for Luciano Spalletti, as he will prioritise correcting the mistakes from that game to help his players provide a fitting reply against Lecce. It is difficult to predict this game where two teams are fighting for key objectives, but the Bianconeri are widely expected to get the three points with a narrow scoreline.

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Read more -> https://thehardtackle.com/round-up/2026/05/08/lecce-vs-juventus-preview-and-prediction-2/

Modificato May 7 da Socrates

[Socrates 10361]

Juventus probable lineup vs Lecce: Vlahovic gunning for starting role

 

 

Following the back-to-back draws against Milan and Hellas Verona, Juventus have no other option but to return to winning this weekend when they travel to Lecce.

 

Luciano Spalletti’s men remain ahead of Roma and Como in the Champions League race, but the Giallorossi have reduced the deficit to a single point, while the Lariani are only three points behind and have a superior head-to-head.

 

Therefore, the Bianconeri cannot afford any more slip-ups, especially with only three rounds remaining. ............

 

The Juventus boss Spalletti will have to decide who will lead the line: Dusan Vlahovic or Jonathan David. ............

 

However, Vlahovic is slowly but surely regaining his optimal physical condition, and Spalletti could be tempted to field him, especially after equalising the scoring with a stunning freekick against Verona.

 

This would be the Serbian’s first start since sustaining a serious adductor injury in November.

 

While it remains to be seen who will spearhead the charge against Lecce, Kenan Yildiz and Francisco Conceicao should constitute the supporting crew.

 

The Turkish international has seemingly recovered from the knee inflammation that has been impeding him in recent weeks. Spalletti and the fans are thus expecting more from the 20-year-old, who looked out of sorts against Verona. ............

 

Juventus XI (3-4-2-1): Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Bremer, Kelly; McKennie, Locatelli, Thuram, Cambiaso; Conceicao, Yildiz; Vlahovic (David).

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Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/juventus-probable-lineup-vs-lecce-vlahovic-gunning-for-starting-role/

[Socrates 10361]

Lecce v Juventus match preview and prediction

 

Juventus travel to Lecce for a must-win fixture after failing to beat Verona at home in their previous league match, with the Bianconeri under pressure to respond quickly as the season reaches its decisive stage.

 

AS Roma have closed the gap in the standings, increasing the pressure on Juventus in the race for their objectives this season. Any further slip-ups could seriously damage their position, meaning the team must avoid dropping points at all costs in this crucial period.

 

The upcoming match presents a difficult challenge, as Lecce is also fighting for their own survival. ............

 

Juventus will be aware that they cannot afford another setback after their recent draw against Verona. The squad is expected to approach the game with full focus and determination, as consistency will be essential in the final stages of the campaign.

 

The Bianconeri possess the quality within their squad to secure all three points, but they will need to demonstrate strong mentality and discipline to overcome a Lecce side that is fighting for survival. The match is expected to test both their patience and attacking efficiency. ............

 

The earlier draw against Juventus has provided Lecce with the belief that they can compete once again, particularly in front of their own supporters. However, the stakes are now even higher, and Juventus are expected to treat this fixture with maximum seriousness. ............

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Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/lecce-v-juventus-match-preview-and-prediction/

[Socrates 10361]

[Socrates 10361]

[Socrates 10361]

[Socrates 10361]

[Socrates 10361]

Juventus back to winning ways with 1-0 victory over Lecce

 

Juventus secured a valuable 1-0 victory away to Lecce after failing to beat Hellas Verona in their previous fixture and moved closer to clinching a top-four finish in Serie A. The Bianconeri produced a disciplined display and showed clear determination to respond positively after their earlier disappointment.

 

The visitors made the perfect start to the match, taking the lead within the opening seconds through Dusan Vlahovic, who found the net after just 12 seconds. The early breakthrough immediately set the tone for Juventus, who approached the fixture with intensity and confidence from the first whistle. ............

 

Lecce appeared stunned by the rapid opener and were forced to regroup quickly in an attempt to avoid conceding further goals. Juventus continued to control large periods of the game and looked determined to ensure there would be no repeat of the frustrating draw against Verona.

 

The Bianconeri remained composed in possession and created several dangerous moments during the first half. ............

 

Uncertainty still surrounds whether this will be Vlahovic’s final season in Turin, and the striker thought he had doubled Juventus’ lead shortly after the restart. However, the effort was ruled out for offside, providing Lecce with a significant moment of relief as they searched for a route back into the match.

 

Pierre Kalulu also had the ball in the net for Juventus later in the second half, but his goal was similarly disallowed for offside. The Bianconeri continued pressing for another goal while Lecce pushed forward in pursuit of an equaliser.

 

Although no further goals arrived, Juventus remained organised defensively and successfully protected their narrow advantage until full time ............

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Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/juventus-back-to-winning-ways-with-1-0-victory-over-lecce/

[Socrates 10361]

Serie A | Lecce 0-1 Juventus: Vlahovic early bird special for victory

 

Dusan Vlahovic’s goal within 12 seconds proved enough for Juventus to take three precious points away from Lecce, although they had two more goals disallowed.

 

This was a huge fixture for both teams, as the hosts needed to stay clear of the drop zone after opening up a four-point gap from Cremonese, while the Bianconeri needed to fight for fourth following a surprising 1-1 draw with Verona.

 

Dusan Vlahovic got his first start since November 2025, with Kenan Yildiz also shaking off a knock, Juan Cabal and Arek Milik out of action. Lecce were unbeaten in three, despite missing Riccardo Sottil, Medon Berisha, Kialonda Gaspar and Sadik Fofana. For Mother’s Day, the hosts wore special shirts with the names of their mothers on the back. ............

 

It was a truly remarkable start, because within 12 seconds Vlahovic had controlled the Andrea Cambiaso cross from the left, turned between three defenders and fired into the roof of the net from seven yards.

 

Lecce responded immediately too, Walid Cheddira’s first-time strike from a Lameck Banda roll across forcing a desperate Michele Di Gregorio reaction save, then at the other end Francisco Conceicao smashed a finish onto the inside of the far post from a tricky angle. ............

 

Juve did have the ball in the net straight after the restart when Falcone parried a Cambiaso effort and the first Vlahovic rebound, beaten eventually at the third time of asking, but VAR confirmed an offside position. ............

 

Another Juventus goal was disallowed due to a Vlahovic offside, this time he was interfering with play during the Jamal Siebert clearance, before Pierre Kalulu flicked in the Cambiaso low cross from six yards on the hour mark. ............

 

 

Konan N’Dri came on and robbed Kelly playing out from defence, his finish skimming the near upright, then Di Gregorio struggled to parry a swerving Pierotti screamer from distance.

 

Falcone made a double save in stoppages, first on Jeremie Boga’s attempted lob, then the Edon Zhegrova follow-up.

 

 

 

Lecce 0-1 Juventus

Vlahovic 1 (J)

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Read more -> https://football-italia.net/serie-a-lecce-0-1-juventus-vlahovic-early-bird/

[Socrates 10361]

Lecce 0-1 Juventus – Player Ratings as Vlahovic decisive with early strike

Juventus (4-2-3-1)

Michele Di Gregorio (8/10) –  ............

Andrea Cambiaso (8/10) – One of his best performances in the second half of the season! The in-demand wingback set up Vlahovic for the winner and had another assist denied by VAR after the break.

Lloyd Kelly (6/10) –  ............

Gleison Bremer (7/10) – Another commanding display from the Brazilian center-back as he kept Walid Cheddira at bay, dominating his opponent in the air while making numerous no-nonsense clearances.

Pierre Kalulu (7/10) –  ............

Manuel Locatelli (8/10) – Though he failed to get his name on the board tonight, Juve’s captain dictated the tempo in midfield with authority, breaking up Lecce’s attacks and distributing the ball with trademark composure.

Teun Koopmeiners (6/10) –  ............

Kenan Yildiz (6/10) –  ............

Weston McKennie (6/10) –  ............

Francisco Conceicao (7/10) – Came agonizingly close to doubling Juventus’ lead in the fifth minute, only for the woodwork to fend off his thunderous close-range attempt.

Dusan Vlahovic (8/10) – Scored less than 15 seconds into his first Serie A start since late November and had a goal disallowed for offside at the start of the second half.

Substitutions

Emil Holm – 6/10

Jeremie Boga – 6/10

Edon Zhegrova – 5/10

Jonathan David – 5/10

Federico Gatti – N/A

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Read more -> https://cultofcalcio.com/juventus-player-ratings-vs-lecce-vlahovic-early-strike-saves-bianconeri/

[Socrates 10361]

Spalletti vents Juventus frustration: ‘Can’t change 18 out of 25 players’

 

Luciano Spalletti vented his frustration with Juventus after beating Lecce, warning they ‘don’t have someone else with Dusan Vlahovic’s characteristics’ and yet ‘we can’t change 18 players.’

 

It had seemed like this was going to be a rout when Juve opened the scoring within 12 seconds at the Stadio Via del Mare, as Vlahovic found the net immediately into his first start since November 29.

 

However, that proved to ultimately be the only goal, as two others were disallowed for offside, chalked off for Vlahovic and Pierre Kalulu. ............

 

“We’ve been saying for a while that we keep doing this, we score early and then don’t finish the games off, it’s like a cut and paste of previous mistakes,” Spalletti told Sky Sport Italia.

 

“We dominate whole areas of games, it seems like we are in total control, and then there are moments of superficiality where we lose our way, misplace passes that are just incredible for the level of football we are playing at. ............

 

“We cannot seem to maintain that concentration, determination and grit for the whole game. Once we make those mistakes, the tension and fear sets in, the match goes back into the balance.

 

“Then we get annoyed with ourselves, go and grab the game by the scruff of the neck and put it back on track. A game like this one cannot end 1-0, we barely allowed them to get into our half, there were so many situations where we had two attacking options and always went for the third worst one. That’s just what we are like.”

 

Spalletti was visibly fuming on the touchline after certain situations, shouting angrily at his players for not moving the ball around the way he wanted. ............

 

“I had already talked about this in the press conference, really,” replied the coach.

 

“The media act as if we are going to change 18 of the 25 players in the locker room, but you can’t do that. This is a serious project, so that means many of these players have to be involved, because it’s tough right now to change that many. ............

 

“Juventus also spent a fair amount over the last two seasons, so it’s not like they can keep digging into their pockets. There are some situations in football where you need to keep up with the times, but first and foremost these players must grow within themselves,” ranted Spalletti.

 

“They need to realise that many of them will stay here. We missed Vlahovic terribly because we don’t have someone else with his characteristics. A winning team needs a physical, strong centre-forward. Even if he’s not that tall, he still needs to be able to hold off defenders, deal with the physical duel.

 

“Jonathan David can score goals, but when it comes to the duel, the physical impact, that is where he struggles.” ............

 

“That is not easy. Staying on their toes for long periods is to do with the determination and character of these players. Those players who are creative and can take men on are unfortunately also the same ones who need to take a breather and charge themselves up before sparkling. They just are,” shrugged Spalletti.

 

“We still have to work on it and train that. This evening, the team played well in so many ways, but if Di Gregorio didn’t make those two big saves, it would be a different result. We have got to build out better from the back, absolutely, that is something we simply must improve. ............

 

 

“Of course, it’s different when you’ve got Vlahovic, because he has different characteristics to the other strikers in the squad. Last time there was talk of the quality midfielder, but the one who translates the pass from the back into an attacking situation, we are missing that figure a little.

 

“I said the other day we need a bus with two levels, because for all the players that people say we’re going to buy, there won’t be enough room on one bus,” concluded Spalletti.

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Read more -> https://football-italia.net/spalletti-juventus-frustration-cant-change/

[Socrates 10361]

Juventus 1 - Lecce 0: Initial reaction and random observations

 

The unfortunate part of Juventus’ regression from the best in Italy a half-decade ago to whatever you want to call the 2026 version of the club is that the last month of each season has turned into an absolute grit-your-teeth moment when it comes to Champions League qualification. It has left you with the feeling of no matter how Juve played, they just need to get the three points. It’s a much, much, much more tame version of the club’s mantra that we all know by heart but obviously doesn’t have anywhere close to as much sting as the original version. ............

 

We saw that with Juventus on Saturday night at the Via Del Mare. Were Juve all that good? Nope, not at all. But when they heard the final whistle sound, they secured a big three points with a 1-0 win over a 17th-place Lecce squad that is just hanging onto their Serie A lives by a couple of threads. It wasn’t pretty. It wasn’t the kind of strong performance like we saw against Bologna or Atalanta a few weeks ago. It wasn’t memorable for pretty much most of the time after Dusan Vlahovic found the back of the net within 15 seconds of kickoff. Hell, Juve saw more goals chalked after we thought they had scored thanks to VAR reviews rather than actual goals being scored.

 

It was one of those nights that could have gone bad — very, very bad.

 

But, you know what it didn’t? In some ways, I don’t really know how. This could have been a game in which Juventus threw away more points along the same lines as they did last weekend against a team that is just outside the relegation zone rather than against a club that will be playing in Serie B next season. It’s the kind of opponent that they’ve done that exactly thing multiple times over the last couple of years. Or, better yet, IT IS an opponent that they’ve done that exact same thing multiple times over the last couple of years.

 

Not on this night.

 

Juventus need three wins in their final three games to ensure that they qualify for the Champions League without any sort of help needed from a handful of teams that will play Roma and Como the rest of the way that is far from impressive. Thankfully, we can now say that Juventus have the first of those three wins to their name.

 

In short, I am saying that I don’t care how Juventus win these final three games. I just want them to win them.

 

Is that a Juventus way of thinking from yesteryear? Not the glory days. Not from the decade of dominance during the 2010s. But it is, unfortunately, a common theme of the last few years as Juventus’ biggest target in April and May is to hang on for a third- or fourth-place finish and qualify for the Champions League in the final weeks of the season.

 

So much like we saw against Lecce on this night, it was a bit of slog even if Juventus ended up getting all three points at the final whistle. Maybe you’re like and you don’t care how Juve got the points just as long as they did, but it certainly wasn’t a strong performance. Juventus were wasteful in front of goal — and that’s on top of the two goals that were chalked off in the second half thanks to Vlahovic being ruled offside. Even with those goals being called off, it should have been much more than 1-0 win in which a couple of big saves from Michele Di Gregorio helped you get the three points and the clean sheet.

Would you rather have Juventus recording close to 30 shots like they did last week but not winning again? Not at all. I’ll take what Juve did on this day over what Juve did against Hellas Verona on that day. ............

 

So now we can say that Juve’s in third place with a full slate of Sunday fixtures that have implications with how things look heading into the penultimate matchday of the 2025-26 season. Juve could very well end the day in third place with another slip-up from Milan. They could end the weekend just as they started it if Roma get a win over a Parma team that has taken points off some of the big clubs in the last couple of months.

 

At the very least Juventus won — and that is more than we could say last weekend.

RANDOM THOUGHTS AND OBSERVATIONS

• A Juventus goal in the first 15 seconds?! IN THIS ECONOMY?!
• But seriously that was not something I expected. Good thing I may or may not have made the half-hour drive home from work a little above the speed limit to ensure I got home before kickoff happened. If I was a minute late, then I would have missed Vlahovic’s opener. But I wasn’t. Because I risked it for Juventus. ............
• But hey, no matter how this game might have turned out, at least we were able to get Luciano Spalletti breaking the fourth wall and giving us this kind of picture to use in subsequent weeks and months …
• That man makes me laugh. His substitutions might have been a little perplexing and seemed a little too late (again), but at least his sideline swagger will never relent no matter what is going on. It’s the 72nd minute and Spalletti is messing with the camera guy? Maybe he knew his team had it the enture way.
• I sure didn’t, though. That’s probably the last handful of seasons of Juventus blowing leads against provincial teams talking. It’s nothing specific about you, though, Lucio. I promise you that!
• Spalletti certainly made the right call in starting Vlahovic, huh? There were some classic Vlahovic moments in there for sure, but that goal in the first 15 seconds sure proved massive.
• As did the Di Gregorio saves. I hate to think about what this game might have been like if Lecce had tied things up all of a few minutes after Vlahovic’s opener. Thankfully we don’t because of that first save Di Gregorio made. It’s not always going to be pretty with him these days, but he answered the call a week after he played a role in Hellas Verona getting on the scoreboard.
• That opening goal was pretty great, though. Props to Vlahovic for the slick first touch to control the ball before he shot it and shed his defender, props to Andrea Cambiaso for the assist, props to Spalletti for probably telling them to go right down the field and try to score. He obviously saw something that made him think something like that was possible. ............
• Yes, I am sitting here like you wondering how Manuel Locatelli came out of this game without being shown a yellow card and subsequently being forced to miss next weekend’s matchup with Fiorentina. That man was walking a fine line.
• Can Weston McKennie make it through one game without being whacked in the face by somebody on the opposing team? It’s happening way too often lately.
• Also, nice to see McKennie playing behind the striker for the first time in a few weeks. He is just so much better in that position as compared some of the other spots that Spalletti has used him in recently. He is one of the few who can connect the lines and make things happen. Basically he is what Cristiano Giuntoli and Thiago Motta thought Teun Koopmeiners could be and never turned out to be. Whoops!
• Francisco Conceição looked like Simone Pepe a couple of times as he tracked back and absolutely harassed somebody in a Lecce shirt who had the ball. Hell, the man also celebrated like a mad man after a tackle and while he was being shown a yellow card. Where’s this version of Chico been?! ............
• Juventus struggling with their passing against a team that presses is a statement that feels like it goes back to biblical times at this point. It’s just so easy to predict.
• Juventus committed 2 1/2 times as many fouls as Lecce. That doesn’t seem great.
• Congrats to Vlahovic for being on a brace on Saturday night. It was actually for being part of goals that were called off, but it’s being on a hat trick nonetheless, I guess.
• I sure would like to celebrate goals rather than waiting for VAR. But so is life in 2026.
• In conclusion, it’s a good thing Lecce are not very good at all or else that could have been a lot different. ............

Read more -> https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/previews-reviews/38276/lecce-juventus-2026-serie-a-matchday-36-final-score-result-initial-reaction-random-observations