Juventus head into NEC tie as media doubt Spalletti's grip ahead of Thursday

Juventus, sitting on seven points after four Serie A duels, travel to Turin on Thursday to meet NEC in the Europa League, just days after a loss to Sassuolo that saw them concede two late goals and sparked a wave of criticism towards manager Luciano Spalletti.

The Bianconeri entered the season hoping to improve on a sixth‑place finish last term, yet they have managed only seven points from four matches. Sunday evening they fell to Sassuolo in injury time, a defeat that hurt especially in Turin because the side surrendered two goals in the closing stage.

Media scrutiny intensifies

Italian media have turned their focus sharply onto Spalletti. headlined that Juventus cannot afford this situation and suggested Antonio Conte is needed. Corriere dello Sport described a growing trainer crisis, while Il Giornale called the defeat the logical outcome of three previous games lacking spectacular play, consistency or goals.

Spalletti tried to put the loss into perspective, saying the two goals resulted from losing balance as the team attempted to overturn a complex match. He added that sending eight players forward left huge spaces at the back, a tactical error born from the desire to win.

NEC clash looms in Europa League

Three minutes into the update, it was confirmed that NEC will face a considerably weakened Juventus on Thursday. The encounter forms part of the Europa League group stage, with the Dutch side looking to capitalise on Juventus’s recent fragility.

Beyond the NEC game, Juventus also have a challenging Europa League tie against Atalanta and a difficult Serie A fixture ahead, both set to be played in a stadium where patience and confidence have been in short supply.

The stark contrast between a club under intense media scrutiny and an upcoming European test highlights the urgency for Spalletti to reverse fortunes, or risk further erosion of belief among supporters and pundits alike.