The defeat to Sassuolo could prove to be the trigger for major changes at Juventus. Luciano Spalletti is considering a change of system as early as the opening Europa League match against NEC Nijmegen, with a return to 3-4-2-1 currently gaining momentum.
Italian media report that the Bianconeri coach wants to give his team what has been missing in recent matches – greater balance in midfield and more security when possession is lost.
SPALLETTI TO BRING BACK A THREE-MAN DEFENCE?
Juventus have played most of the season so far with a back four, but their European opener could bring a completely different approach.
According to Tuttosport, 3-4-2-1 is a concrete option against NEC, who also build their play with three players in the defensive line. Spalletti has already shown that he likes to adapt his system to the opposition, and he now has more options available to make such a change.
The return of Andrea Cambiaso and Weston McKennie to group training has further opened the door to this possibility. ANSA confirmed that both players have returned to training with the rest of the squad.
LOCATELLI'S ABSENCE FORCES A CHANGE OF PLANS
One of the reasons why Spalletti is considering a different Juventus is the situation in midfield.
Without Manuel Locatelli, the Bianconeri struggled with their balance against Sassuolo, particularly when the team pushed forward in search of victory.
Sport Mediaset highlights the need for greater solidity in midfield as one of the main reasons why the 3-4-2-1 system is being considered.
Instead of leaving large gaps between the lines, the idea would be to give Juventus a more compact shape and greater protection in front of the defence.
PREDICT THE SCORE – JUVENTUS vs NEC
PAPE MATAR SARR COULD GET HIS BIG CHANCE
A change of system could particularly suit Pape Matar Sarr.
The Senegalese midfielder is a serious candidate for more playing time against NEC, with his physical strength and ability to cover space being exactly the kind of qualities Juventus could use in midfield.
Tuttosport lists him among the players who could be given an opportunity in the European fixture, while Spalletti is expected to make several changes compared to the team that started against Sassuolo.
WOLTEMADE AND KOLO MUANI TOGETHER?
Perhaps the most interesting potential change, however, concerns the attack.
Spalletti is considering how he could use Nick Woltemade and Randal Kolo Muani at the same time.
Sport Mediaset reports that Woltemade could operate as the central reference point in attack, while Kolo Muani would be given greater freedom to move around him.
Such a solution would effectively allow Juventus to have two forwards on the pitch, even if the basic formation is presented as a 3-4-2-1.
This could be particularly important for Kolo Muani, as it would allow him to attack space rather than being tied to the traditional number nine position throughout the match.
GATTI ALSO WAITING FOR HIS CHANCE
Changes could also affect the defensive line.
Federico Gatti is competing for a place in the starting XI, while one of the regular centre-backs could be rested ahead of the Serie A clash with Atalanta.
One thing is already certain – Lloyd Kelly will not play against NEC due to suspension, while Cambiaso and McKennie are available again.
The final training session and Spalletti's decisions before the match will therefore determine the shape of the new-look defence.
WHAT COULD THE NEW JUVENTUS LOOK LIKE?
If Spalletti does switch to a 3-4-2-1, Juventus would have a completely different structure compared to what we have seen in recent matches.
Three centre-backs, four players across midfield and two attacking players behind or around the central striker should primarily reduce the amount of space opponents can exploit after Juventus lose possession.
However, this formation should not yet be treated as definitive. The final line-up has not been confirmed and several positions remain open.
What is clear is that Spalletti is seriously considering a change.
NEC AS THE FIRST TEST FOR THE NEW JUVENTUS
The European opener therefore comes at an interesting moment.
Juventus need to respond quickly following the defeat to Sassuolo, but Spalletti must also keep the upcoming Serie A clash with Atalanta in mind.
NEC could therefore become something of a laboratory for a new version of the Bianconeri – featuring a different defensive structure, a more solid midfield and potentially a completely new solution in attack.
If the experiment works, 3-4-2-1 may not remain merely a European alternative, but could become a system Spalletti returns to later in the season.
Sources: Tuttosport, Sport Mediaset, ANSA
