Spalletti's Juventus under pressure as attack misfires and squad runs thin
Juventus entered the current campaign with high expectations after Luciano Spalletti's rapid turnaround of the club following Igor Tudor's dismissal in match-week 8 of the previous season. However, after narrowly missing out on Champions League qualification with a 2-2 draw against Torino on the final day of 2025-26, serious concern now surrounds the Italian giants early in the 2026-27 season.
The Juventus board showed its faith in Spalletti by extending his contract through June 2028 last April. But the former Roma, Inter and Napoli coach could be dismissed far sooner if results do not improve. After a frustrating 1-1 draw with Cagliari at the Unipol Domus, Juventus are sixth with 11 points, five behind leaders Inter and Lazio, who share the top spot on 16 points each.
The parallels with Tudor's tenure are uncomfortable. Over the first six matches of their respective seasons, Tudor collected 12 points, one more than Spalletti's current tally, and both managers have scored nine goals and conceded five.
Giovanni Albanese of La Gazzetta dello Sport has highlighted three key problems facing the coach.
A substandard attack
When Randal Kolo Muani returned to the club this summer, many expected the 27-year-old to recreate his form from his first spell in Italy in 2024-25, when he scored 8 goals and provided 1 assist in 16 appearances after joining on a six-month loan from PSG in the January transfer window. However, the €41m move has yet to pay off, with the Frenchman scoring just one goal in the opening six games.
Spalletti has allowed Kolo Muani to roam freely up front, while Argentine Nico Gonzalez operates as a second striker with cunning runs in behind. Yet the former PSG forward continues to misfire in the final third.
Nick Woltemade has also been underwhelming since arriving on deadline day on loan from Newcastle. The 24-year-old German has not scored in four Serie A appearances for the Bianconeri, and lacks the killer instinct of a clinical finisher.
Lack of personality
Several leaders are emerging, including Nico Gonzalez and central defender Gleison Bremer, but the squad still has plenty of growing up to do. The draw with Fabio Pisacane's side was Juventus' 14th consecutive match under Spalletti without a win after conceding first. That inconsistency, and the failure to manage key moments, suggests the team is not yet ready to compete for the Scudetto and is struggling to keep pace with Inter and Roma.
A very thin squad
Spalletti is also managing a congested fixture list with a depleted squad. Kenan Yildiz, captain Manuel Locatelli, Khephren Thuram, Jeff Ekhator and winger Jeremie Boga have all been sidelined through injury in recent matches. The lack of depth has reduced the quality of the squad, and Juventus have won only one of their last four Serie A fixtures.
Spalletti must now find a way to inspire his side and restore strength and confidence as Juventus prepare to host Lazio at the Allianz Stadium, in a crucial match in the race for a Champions League place next season.
