Juventus were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw against city rivals Torino in the Derby della Mole, leaving fans and analysts reflecting on missed opportunities and tactical possibilities. While the Bianconeri dominated possession and created numerous chances, the performance highlighted ongoing challenges in finishing and tactical fluidity. One of the standout names of the night was Kenan Yildiz, whose work rate and technical ability drew attention despite Juventus failing to score.
This match marks the third fixture under head coach Luciano Spalletti, following a debut 2-1 victory against Cremonese and a 1-1 draw in the Champions League against Sporting CP. Although unbeaten in these initial games, Juventus has only managed one win, leaving room for improvement as the team seeks consistency in Serie A and European competitions.
Spalletti Hints at Potential System Changes
After the Derby, Spalletti addressed the media at the Allianz Stadium, discussing the team’s performance and potential tactical adjustments. “We can play with two wide forwards, a central striker, or a 4-3-3 formation,” he said. “We have the players to adapt to multiple setups, and this flexibility will be important moving forward.”
Spalletti also reflected on the value of gaining match experience in his early tenure:
“These first three games haven’t changed my opinion about the team. We’ve learned from each match, and there is room to explore different tactical approaches. We are not satisfied, but the players’ attitude has been excellent.”
He specifically mentioned Kenan Yildiz in terms of his energy and potential:
“Yildiz may appear tired at times, but his quality and determination are clear. He will continue to play and contribute, even if we need to manage his workload carefully.”
Juventus’ Attacking Struggles Continue
Despite dominating shots on goal (22-8), Juventus was unable to score. Much of the attention fell on Torino goalkeeper Alberto Paleari, whose decisive saves kept the Bianconeri at bay. Paleari, at 33, may not have been a household name, but his performance in the Derby was reminiscent of top-tier goalkeeping displays, frustrating Juventus’ forwards across 90 minutes.
Key players missed clear chances, including:
- Dusan Vlahovic, who showed skill and effort but could not break through.
- Jonathan David and Loïs Openda, both energetic in attack but lacking finishing precision.
- Kenan Yildiz, who impressed with his vision, dribbling, and willingness to create space for teammates, highlighting his rising influence at Juventus.
Spalletti acknowledged that clinical finishing remains an area for improvement:
“In matches like this, you need a move that goes against the flow, a precise touch, and maybe a bit of luck. We haven’t had enough of that yet.”
Player Highlights and Tactical Insights
Despite the frustration, several players impressed under Spalletti’s system:
- Kenan Yildiz stood out for his creativity and ability to link midfield with attack. His off-the-ball movement created opportunities for others, showing why Spalletti has high hopes for him.
- Edon Zhegrova provided energy off the bench, demonstrating the depth Juventus can rely on.
- Teun Koopmeiners and Manuel Locatelli controlled the midfield with over 120 touches each, distributing the ball effectively and maintaining Juventus’ possession dominance.
- Gatti showed positive attitude when introduced, contributing to defensive stability.
Spalletti also explained his decisions regarding substitutions:
“Vlahovic was carefully managed due to a minor issue, and we appreciated his effort to be ready. Players like Yildiz will continue to play important roles, even when managing fatigue.”
Looking Ahead: Juventus Post-International Break
Following the international break, Juventus will travel to Fiorentina at Stadio Franchi, aiming to convert chances into victories and climb the Serie A standings. Spalletti hinted at possible formation changes, including:
- Playing with two strikers to increase goal-scoring options.
- Using a 4-3-3 setup to balance attack and midfield control.
- Flexibly switching between wide forwards and central striker combinations, adapting to opponents’ weaknesses.
The coach’s emphasis on adaptability and player-specific roles, especially with young talents like Kenan Yildiz, indicates Juventus is focusing on building long-term tactical versatility.
Key Takeaways from the Derby
- Juventus dominated but failed to score, highlighting ongoing issues in finishing.
- Kenan Yildiz showcased his potential, creativity, and stamina despite the team’s frustration.
- Alberto Paleari’s heroics were decisive, emphasizing that even lower-profile goalkeepers can influence key matches.
- Tactical flexibility is on the horizon, with Spalletti willing to experiment post-break.
- Players like Zhegrova, Koopmeiners, and David demonstrated encouraging form, signaling potential growth under Spalletti.
For full match stats and player analysis, visit Football Italia.
