Assessment: Juventus

In the first of a series, we look back at the Bianconeri’s season last year and assess where they were strong and where they need to improve heading into 2025/26.

Season Overview

Last season Juventus finished 4th in Serie A after a bizarre start to the season in which they were unbeaten after 20 games, somehow drawing 13 of them. Thiago Motta was wishing for draws, however, when consecutive defeats to Atalanta (4-0) and Fiorentina (3-0) led to the end of his short reign in late-March.

Igor Tudor took over and in 9 matches managed to win 5 and lose just one of them. Overall, however, Juventus will be disappointed with their season, 4th is too low for a club the size of theirs. Add to this a semi-final exit in the Supercoppa, a quarter-final Coppa Italia defeat on penalties to Empoli and exiting the Champions League in the play-off round against PSV and it was a disappointing campaign.

Strengths and Weaknesses

So where did it all go right, and wrong, for Juve this year? In a league campaign in which they lost only 4 games, they were clearly still hard to beat. High numbers of draws takes the shine off this consistency, however.

A balanced, consistent and disciplined defence helped them on their way, conceding an xGA of only 1.17/game and receiving no red cards.

However, it was in front of goal that the problems are stark for Juventus. They have a high shot volume but with remarkably low efficiency. Juventus converted only 8.3% of shots to goals in Serie A last season, and their top scorer only hitting 10 goals is a consequence (or cause) of this.

Vlahovic with 10 was too far ahead of the next highest scorer Yildiz, who managed 7 goals all season. Two of these coming in that barmy 4-4 draw (yes, draw) with Inter. Don’t just blame the strikers though, no midfield player for Juventus managed double-digit assists in Serie A.

Where should they improve then?

It’s easy to say “everywhere”, but that’s probably the correct, if short, answer. Juventus desperately need a striker when you look at the above, but they also need a capable playmaker. A number 10 to get the fans off their feet, someone like, I don’t know… Zidane, Del Piero? Wishful thinking.

With Igor Tudor preferring a 3-4-2-1 formation, wing backs wouldn’t go a miss and there’s always room for a back up centre back. But really, they look fairly well set at the back. In front of goal has to be the priority.

Transfer Rumours

It’s usually always a busy summer in Turin. Juventus are rightly considered the biggest club in Italy and they will want to get back to the top level as quickly as possible, having not won a Scudetto since 2019.

With their poor record in front of goal, it’s no wonder that along with the rest of the big European clubs they’re maintaining an interest in Viktor Gyokeres. His value of €70m may be a stumbling block for an Italian team, especially with Arsenal and Manchester United also interested.

Any sale of Dusan Vlahovic would be welcome funds towards Gyokeres, however, and talks are rumoured to be ongoing over a move to Fenerbahce for the big Serb.

One player potentially on their way out would be Nicolas Gonzalez who has failed to impress after his big move from Fiorentina last summer. Another, who Juve fans would be more reluctant to lose would be Andrea Cambiaso, reportedly on the shopping lists of Atletico Madrid, Manchester City, Liverpool and Milan.

As ever, Juve are linked with all the big names looking to move in the summer and rumours persist around Victor Osimhen, Jonathan David and Sandro Tonali. Tonali looks the longer shot given Newcastle also qualified for the Champions League, but at least he’s used to wearing black and white.

Josh Doig, Scottish full back at Sassuolo is a versatile player who would offer good back up coverage. He would fit the profile of young players to develop given he’s only 23. Another player who would work in that respect is Giovanni Leoni, 18 year old centre-back from Parma. Roughly €15m would be needed to pry him away from the Tardini, and Juve would face stiff competition from his former manager at Inter.

So how will Juve do next season?

Who the hell knows? Not a great answer for a blog about Juventus, accepted, but they have been notoriously up and down in recent years and this current spell looks no different. One thing for sure though, if they can add goals to a solid defence they’ll do well.

Juventus tend to be that team that if they start well, they’ll sweep all before them, but if they start poorly – write off the season in October and enjoy either one of Inter or Milan collapsing in on themselves.

A lot will depend on their transfer window, and that all depends on the Club World Cup. A strong run in that competition would add much needed lira to the club coffers and enable them to be more aggressive before Serie A returns in mid-August.

One thing is for sure with Juve, don’t you dare write them off. Watch this space…