Spalletti outlines squad rotation and injury list ahead of Juventus‑Cagliari showdown
Juventus head coach Luciano Spalletti confirmed that his side will need to rotate heavily for the Serie A clash at Sardinia, as a string of injuries and a congested schedule force careful management of the squad. A win in Cagliari would lift the Bianconeri to 13 points, matching Massimiliano Allegri’s best start in the last seven seasons and eclipsing the early records set by former managers Pirlo, Motta and Tudor.
Spalletti disclosed that long‑term absentees Grabara, Yildiz, Thuram, Locatelli, Boga, Owusu and Ekhator will miss the trip, while backup goalkeeper Cabral will sit on the bench and defender Cambiaso returns to the match‑day squad. The only recent injury concern, Alajbegović, is expected to be cleared, allowing the coach to retain his preferred starting eleven.
The coach hinted at a 3‑4‑2‑1 formation, with Vicario in goal, a back three of Kalulu, Bremer and Lucumì, a midfield quartet of McKennie, Sarr, Douglas Luiz and Cambiaso, and an attacking line featuring Conceição, Nico González and Kolo Muani. "We have to keep the core group that has given us the first ten points, but also give minutes to those who have been waiting for their chance," Spalletti said.
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The Sardinian away game marks the beginning of a demanding nine‑match stretch in 28 days, a schedule Spalletti described as a "tour de force" that will test the depth of his roster. "With nine games in less than a month, it is essential to dose the forces and avoid fatigue," he added, underscoring the importance of strategic rotation.
Juventus currently sit on ten points after five rounds, a tally that has surprised many supporters. A victory in Cagliari would not only raise the tally to 13 but also place the team level with Allegri’s 2023‑24 campaign as the best start in the club’s recent history, surpassing the 12‑point starts of Pirlo, Motta and Tudor.
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The match will be available exclusively to subscribers, with streaming via the app and website. A live text commentary will also be provided on.it. Spalletti’s press conference at the Unipol Domus took place at 20:45, where he reiterated the need for squad balance and highlighted the importance of maintaining momentum.
"We will go to Sardinia with the same hunger that got us those first ten points," Spalletti concluded, emphasizing that the team’s focus remains on securing three points while managing the physical demands of the upcoming schedule.