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Juventus vs Como 1907: Preview and Prediction Separated by just one place in the Serie A table, Juventus and Como meet in Turin on Saturday with both sides chasing UEFA Champions League qualification, albeit from very different trajectories. Juventus return home wounded after a sobering midweek collapse in Istanbul. A 5-2 defeat to Galatasaray has left their European campaign hanging by a thread, undoing what had been a steady run under Luciano Spalletti. The Bianconeri led 2-1 at halftime thanks to a Teun Koopmeiners brace, only to unravel under relentless second-half pressure. A late red card for Juan Cabal compounded the damage in what was arguably their most chaotic performance of the season. That result followed another setback in the Derby d’Italia, where Juventus fell 3-2 to Inter despite mounting a spirited comeback after Pierre Kalulu’s dismissal. Defensive lapses at critical moments have dented their top-four push, yet they remain only a point behind fourth-placed AS Roma ahead of a pivotal clash next week. Domestically, though, Juventus have been formidable in Turin. They are unbeaten at home in Serie A this season and have not lost a league match at the Allianz Stadium for nearly a year. That resilience could prove decisive as they seek to steady the ship. ............ Team News & Tactics Juventus Juventus head into this fixture with defensive and attacking concerns following their midweek European setback. Gleison Bremer is a major doubt after limping off with a thigh injury against Galatasaray and could miss out if he fails to recover in time. Pierre Kalulu is suspended after his recent dismissal and is unavailable, while Emil Holm is also ruled out. In attack, Jonathan David remains a fitness question due to a groin issue and did not travel for the midweek clash. Long-term absentees Dusan Vlahovic and Arkadiusz Milik continue to be sidelined, further limiting options up front. There are no additional suspension issues beyond Kalulu’s ban. With Bremer potentially absent and Kalulu suspended, Luciano Spalletti is expected to reshuffle his defensive structure. The lack of natural centre-back depth could force a tactical adjustment, while attacking decisions may hinge on David’s fitness. Should the Canadian striker fail to recover, Juventus may deploy Weston McKennie in an advanced role or hand a rare start to Lois Openda. Juventus are projected to line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation. Michele Di Gregorio will start in goal. The back three should consist of Federico Gatti on the right side of defence, Lloyd Kelly operating centrally, and Teun Koopmeiners potentially dropping deeper into the left-sided centre-back role if required. In midfield, Andrea Cambiaso is expected to operate as the right wing-back, with Juan Cabal likely positioned on the left flank. Manuel Locatelli and Khephren Thuram should form the central midfield partnership, combining ball progression with defensive protection. Further forward, Francisco Conceicao and Kenan Yildiz are projected to play as dual attacking midfielders supporting the lone striker. Weston McKennie is the most likely candidate to lead the line if Jonathan David does not recover in time, offering physical presence and tactical flexibility in the final third. Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Di Gregorio; Gatti, Kelly, Koopmeiners; Cambiaso, Locatelli, Thuram, Cabal; Conceicao, Yildiz; McKennie Como 1907 ............ Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Butez; Smolcic, Ramon, Kempf, Valle; Perrone, Da Cunha; Vojvoda, Baturina, Rodriguez; Douvikas Key Stats Juventus are unbeaten at home in Serie A this season and have not lost a league match in Turin for nearly 12 months. The Bianconeri sit just one point outside the top four heading into this round. Como defeated Juventus 2–0 in their previous meeting earlier this season, their first league win over Juve since 1951. Como have collected 19 away points in Serie A this campaign and remain unbeaten on the road in the current calendar year. Juventus have conceded seven goals across their last two matches in all competitions. Player to Watch Kenan Yildiz Kenan Yildiz could be the decisive figure in Turin, particularly with Juventus navigating injuries and suspension issues in attack. The Turkish forward has developed into one of the Bianconeri’s most dynamic attacking outlets, combining intelligent movement with sharp ball-carrying ability. Operating between the lines, Yildiz is adept at drifting into half-spaces, linking midfield to attack and accelerating play in transition. His willingness to shoot from range, placing him among Serie A’s most active shot-takers, makes him a constant threat, especially against a Como defence that can be compact but vulnerable to quick combinations around the box. ............ Prediction Juventus 2-1 Como 1907 Juventus enter this fixture under pressure after a bruising European defeat, but their domestic home record remains a powerful foundation. The Allianz Stadium has been a fortress in Serie A, and with top-four qualification hanging in the balance, urgency should sharpen their performance. Como’s away form and tactical organisation suggest they will not be overwhelmed. Even without Nico Paz, they possess enough structure and discipline to frustrate for long stretches. However, Juventus’s need for redemption, combined with their superior depth and individual quality, should ultimately tilt the balance. Expect a competitive contest, but one where the hosts reassert control late on. . Read more -> https://thehardtackle.com/round-up/2026/02/20/juventus-vs-como-1907-preview-and-prediction/

Spalletti: I ‘can’t say’ how I handled three steps back, no doubt about Juventus future Luciano Spalletti insists that recent poor results have not made him reconsider his future at Juventus, but won’t disclose how he handled recent issues: ‘There are things you can’t say.’ Juventus prepare for Saturday’s Serie A match against Como following three defeats in the last four games across all competitions. The Bianconeri have conceded 13 goals in the process. ............ “There are things you can say in a press conference and others you can’t because they’re meant to be said to the players,” he said. “I’ve told the footballers. The famous three steps back were addressed in our meeting, and they could be the steps that take you before a run-up to gain more momentum. We’ll see if that turns out to be the case. “The three steps back are also the defeats we suffered. There are moments when we must run more, press more, and sometimes think more clearly, because we must not be dragged into the chaos and remain clear-headed without being emotionally involved. We had been good at hiding some uncertainties, and when you have uncertainties, the opponents take advantage.” ............ “Como are a strong team that knows how to apply their coach’s ideas and the kind of football he has in mind,” Spalletti said. “Fabregas is a strong coach with great qualities to pass on to his team. He himself was the example of a complete player, always available, and he wants to instil that in his side. For him, controlling the match is the simple foundation on which to build everything else, in terms of quality of play and results. I think he’s doing very well. I consider him one of the best we have. I went to watch him train when I was the national team coach, and that confirmed it to me.” ............ “Do you care about this situation? I don’t think that’s the solution that would change things,” Spalletti told the reporter. “I think it’s the opposite. Since it’s been said to me as well, it’s something I could do on my part, because I’m not looking for anything different. I’m looking for a football pitch, a ball, and players to coach, preferably intelligent ones, and I have that because my players are like that. If that were the necessity, it could be sorted out immediately.” . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/spalletti-not-say-3-steps-back-juventus-future/

Spalletti: Juventus right to react to Kalulu ‘injustices’, McKennie ‘useful’, David returns Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti feels the club was right to ask for a one-game ban for Pierre Kalulu to be revoked, confirms he won’t drop Weston McKennie, and says Jonathan David will be available against Como despite not having trained with the rest of the team in recent days. Juventus prepare for a home Serie A match against Como on Saturday, following three defeats in their last four matches. ............ “Sometimes, you can see things, you can feel them, but they still hit, even if it’s unfair,” Spalletti said at a pre-match press conference. “You have to decide what to do with that fall. We have to make a correct and objective analysis, and we must use this pain like a rubber band that lifts you and propels you toward the next match.” Juventus have asked FIGC President Gabriele Gravina to revoke a one-game ban for Pierre Kalulu, who received two debatable yellow cards against Inter on Sunday. “It’s a necessary step because we are talking about two clear injustices that everyone was forced to acknowledge,” Spalletti said. “In my opinion, the club did the right thing. Bremer won’t be available for the match. David has been called up, but hasn’t trained and doesn’t have the confidence to play the full game. However, he’ll travel with us, and then we’ll decide whether to play him from the start or bring him on later.” ............ “Locatelli doesn’t seem to feel fatigue; he’s always very present, enthusiastic, and energetic, bringing a spirit to the team,” said the Bianconeri boss. “It would be tough to do without McKennie, especially in certain roles. The club had done well to bring in Holm, but he got injured. Kalulu is suspended, and Bremer is injured, so we are a bit short of options. We don’t really have other right-backs or players who can cover the entire right flank, and McKennie is very useful to us there.” ............ “Perhaps we made some wrong assessments, but the fundamental thing is that David links up with the team a bit better,” Spalletti said. “If we lose our unity, we lose effectiveness and strength. We all have the same responsibility, so we continue with Di Gregorio.” ............ . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/spalletti-juventus-right-kalulu-mckennie-david/

Blow for Juventus as Kalulu suspension upheld by FIGC Juventus have been dealt a defensive blow after the FIGC rejected their appeal to have Pierre Kalulu’s suspension overturned, ruling the Frenchman out of Saturday’s Serie A clash with Como. The Italian Football Federation, led by president Gabriele Gravina, dismissed Juventus’ request to have Kalulu reinstated following the controversy of the Derby d’Italia. The Turin club had argued the ban was unjust in light of what they considered a simulation by Inter’s Alessandro Bastoni, which led to the red card shown to their defender. ............ His absence is a notable one, the Frenchman has been ever-present this season, featuring in every competition including the Champions League, Serie A and Coppa Italia. Since August, Kalulu has made 36 appearances under both Igor Tudor and Luciano Spalletti, contributing two goals and five assists. ............ Juventus will look to their squad depth to cope without him, though history offers some encouragement. The last time Kalulu was absent, across the final two rounds of last season against Udinese and Venezia, serving a suspension, the Bianconeri won both games. ............ . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/blow-for-juventus-as-kalulu-suspension-figc/

Juventus ask Gravina to overturn Kalulu red card after Derby d’Italia controversy Juventus have reportedly lodged a request with FIGC President Gabriele Gravina in an attempt to get Pierre Kalulu’s red card rescinded after the controversial Derby d’Italia between the Old Lady and rivals Inter last weekend. Inter won the derby 3-2, but their victory was largely overshadowed by the controversial decision to send off Kalulu in the 42nd minute for a second bookable offence. ............ However, replays showed that Bastoni, who was on a yellow card himself at the time, had dived in an attempt to get his opponent sent off and was then seen passionately celebrating when Kalulu was given his marching orders. Refereeing chief Gianluca Rocchi has since admitted that a mistake was made, and Bastoni has since apologised for his role in the debacle. Despite the fact that Rocchi has admitted that the decision to send off Kalulu was incorrect, the Juventus defender has still picked up a one-match suspension, which rules him out of this Saturday’s Serie A match against Como. ............ Juventus followed protocol by appealing the Kalulu red card decision with the sporting court of appeal, which was, however, unsuccessful. Now, according to Friday’s reports, Juventus have appealed directly to FIGC President Gravina, hoping for a pardon from the man at the top of Italian football. The most recent time that Gravina sanctioned a pardon over a sending off decision was in 2023, when Romelu Lukaku was shown a second yellow card for his reaction to racist and discriminatory chants. ............ . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/juventus-ask-gravina-to-rescind-kalulu-red/

Barcelona makes Juventus man their main attacking target Dusan Vlahovic could be heading to Barcelona at the end of this season when he becomes a free agent. The Serbian striker has been sidelined with injury for some time, and it has been a long time since Juventus proposed a new contract. His wage demands reportedly exceeded the club’s budget, and they were unable to secure a sale during the last transfer window, although the Old Lady continues to utilise him while he remains under contract. ............ Juventus appear unconvinced that Vlahovic would accept a renewed offer, making it unlikely that he will remain in Turin beyond the current campaign. The striker seems focused on making the right decision for his career, weighing his options carefully before committing to any long-term plan. His situation highlights the difficulty clubs face when negotiating with high-profile players approaching the end of their deals, particularly when financial demands are involved. ............ Barcelona have now added Vlahovic to their list of potential forwards. The Catalan club may consider releasing Robert Lewandowski at the end of this season, and Vlahovic could serve as a suitable replacement for the Poland international. It remains unclear whether Barcelona can meet his financial demands, but his inclusion on their shortlist indicates a serious level of interest. The next few weeks will be crucial for the striker, as he must decide on his next destination if he does not sign a new deal with Juventus. ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/barcelona-makes-juventus-man-their-main-attacking-target/

Senior Juventus players deliver dressing room speech as major concern emerges Juventus players had an ‘honest confrontation’ in the dressing room after a 5-2 loss to Galatasaray in the Champions League: ‘We have to wake up.’ Juventus are going through a tough moment, having won just one of the last five games across all competitions and conceding 13 goals in the last four matches. Coach Luciano Spalletti looked particularly irritated after Tuesday’s Champions League match against Galatasaray, which ended in a 5-2 away loss. ............ Juventus players are aware that if they go down the same path, they’ll struggle to finish in the top four. ............ There is still a lack of awareness at certain moments during the games, which is perhaps the major concern at the moment, but the players are not looking for excuses, and the team has never been so united, according to the report. ............ Juventus host Como at the Allianz Stadium on Saturday, and Spalletti is reportedly considering making a tactical change, switching to a three-man defence, also due to Gleison Bremer’s injury. . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/juventus-players-dressing-room-speech-concern/

Juventus reach agreement to sign Roma man for free Zeki Celik is set to leave AS Roma, with Juventus reportedly emerging as his most likely destination after reaching an agreement with his entourage. The Turkish defender has been regarded as one of the finest performers in Serie A and has established himself as Roma’s first-choice right back. Celik has entered the final months of his current contract. Roma had been in discussions with him over a renewal worth 2 million euros per season. However, the defender is said to have requested at least 3 million euros net per season, a demand that led the club to suspend negotiations regarding an extension. ............ Roma’s decision to halt discussions appears to have opened the door for Juventus to intensify their pursuit. Celik’s consistent performances have ensured he remains highly rated within Italian football, and his contractual situation has made him an attractive opportunity on the market. ............ Juventus are keen to strengthen at right back, particularly after failing to replace Timothy Weah in the summer. Celik has been on their radar for some time due to his reliability and strong displays in Serie A. Juventus have been courting the defender and holding discussions with his entourage over a free transfer to Turin in the summer. ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/juventus-reach-agreement-to-sign-roma-man-for-free/

Bisogna vincere la prima partita con questa maglia .....

Official: Juventus reveal new Adidas 2025-26 fourth kit – pictures Juventus have officially released their new fourth strip for the 2025-26 season, which features horizontal black and white stripes instead of the traditional vertical bars. ............ Juve announced on Friday that they have released a new fourth kit, which is a collaboration between the club, kit manufacturer Adidas and Studio Sgura, led by photographer Giampaolo Sgura. ............ The new shirt is inspired by a concept design from the 1996-97 season, which also featured vertical stripes instead of horizontal, but was never used in an official match. The club have confirmed that this new kit will be used in a competitive league fixture, specifically against Como on Saturday, February 21. . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/official-juventus-reveal-2025-26-fourth-kit/

Paolo Di Canio gives a damning verdict on Cambiaso Andrea Cambiaso is widely regarded as one of the most important players in the Juventus squad and was even linked with a move to Manchester City during the summer. City have monitored him for some time and may have pursued a transfer more aggressively had they not prioritised strengthening other areas of their team. Juventus, however, have shown little interest in selling him, viewing the defender as a cornerstone around whom they can build for the future. ............ Despite his previously strong standing, Cambiaso’s recent performances have drawn scrutiny. A noticeable dip in form has prompted debate regarding his overall quality and whether he merits the high regard in which he has been held. Observers have questioned whether earlier praise may have been influenced by limited alternatives within Italian football rather than sustained elite displays. This reassessment has intensified discussion among pundits and supporters, with some suggesting that expectations surrounding Cambiaso may have been inflated. While he remains an integral part of the squad, the scrutiny reflects the demanding standards applied to players at a club of Juventus’ stature. ............ Paolo Di Canio has offered a critical evaluation of Cambiaso’s abilities. He said, “The problem is the narrative of our football. We don’t have much, there are no creative players, wingers, wingers, or attacking midfielders. I’m saying now that he’s had a few good games, a few goals, and a few assists. In our narrative , we mistake Cambiaso for a quality player, but that’s not true. Cambiaso is a player who falls into the category of hard workers.” ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/paolo-di-canio-gives-a-damning-verdict-on-cambiaso/

Spalletti ponders Juventus tactical switch after defensive collapse and Bremer’s injury Several sources in Italy claim that Luciano Spalletti will switch to a three-man defence in the next Serie A match against Como, following Gleison Bremer’s injury and a poor defensive record that has seen the Bianconeri concede 13 goals in the last four games. ............ The Bianconeri host Cesc Fabregas’ side at the Allianz Stadium on Saturday, and they’ll be forced to cope without Bremer, who suffered a minor muscle injury against Galatasaray on Tuesday. Juventus have won just one of their last five games, losing three and drawing once. Federico Gatti already replaced Bremer against Galatasaray and is expected to feature in the Bianconeri XI against Como as well. Teun Koopmeiners and Lloyd Kelly will complete the Old Lady’s backline against Como. ............ The only other centre-forward in the team, Lois Openda, started on the bench against Galatasaray and Weston McKennie was used as a false nine. According to reports, Openda and McKennie both have a chance to start in attack against Como, even if Kenan Yildiz is also an option for Spalletti. ............ . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/spalletti-juventus-tactical-switch-collapse/

Antonio Cabrini believes Spalletti can help Juventus get back to winning With Juventus now struggling to secure consistent victories, uncertainty has emerged regarding Luciano Spalletti’s long-term future at the club. For much of his tenure, the team appeared on course to compete strongly for major honours, including a push for the Italian Cup and a credible challenge for the league title. However, recent weeks have brought disappointment, with elimination from the Coppa Italia and the prospect of a Champions League exit looming. Spalletti became Juventus’ third permanent manager since last year, highlighting the instability that has affected the club’s technical leadership. There is a growing sense that continuity is required if Juventus are to rebuild effectively and return to sustained success. Nevertheless, in modern football, managerial security is often determined by results, and Spalletti’s position may now depend on performances in the remaining fixtures of the season. ............ Although the club hierarchy continues to place trust in Spalletti, the downturn in results could influence their long-term assessment. A decision on his contract may ultimately be shaped by whether the team can stabilise and demonstrate clear progress before the campaign concludes. Should Juventus opt for change, they would begin the search for a coach capable of delivering renewed competitiveness and restoring confidence. ............ Antonio Cabrini has voiced his support for the current manager. He said, “I really like Spalletti as a coach: he could be the right name to relaunch Juve. If there’s planning and continuity, yes, we can aim to start a significant cycle. But it takes time to build something solid.” ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/antonio-cabrini-believes-spalletti-can-help-juventus-get-back-to-winning/

Bournemouth defender Senesi sends positive signals as Juventus offer revealed Bournemouth defender Senesi is open to joining Juventus as a free agent next summer and has sent ‘positive signals’ to the Bianconeri in recent weeks. ............ The Argentine’s contract with Bournemouth runs out this coming June, and the 28-year-old tops Juventus’ defender shortlist for 2026-27. The report claims that Juventus will offer Senesi a salary between €4m and €5m per season until 2029 or even 2030. ............ Back in January, other Italian sources reported Juventus’ interest in Senesi, suggesting that the Bianconeri would make their move to sign him on a free transfer at the end of the season. According to the report, Juventus will also work on Pierre Kalulu’s contract extension and listen to offers for Federico Gatti. ............ . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/bournemouth-senesi-positive-signals-juventus/

Thierry Henry says Italian teams have problems after Champions League losses The three Italian sides involved in the first leg of the Champions League play-off round all suffered defeats, prompting Thierry Henry to question the current state of Italian football. Juventus were beaten by Galatasaray and Atalanta by Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday, while Inter Milan were overcome by Bodo Glimt in Norway. Defending Serie A champions Napoli failed even to qualify for the play-off stage, adding to concerns about the strength of the league’s representatives in European competition. ............ Serie A is widely regarded as one of the top five leagues in world football, and Italian clubs have received praise in recent years. Inter Milan reached the Champions League final in 2023 and 2025, standing out in Europe under Simone Inzaghi. They currently sit at the top of the Serie A table, yet their defeat to Bodo Glimt has intensified scrutiny. ............ Henry expressed little surprise at the results. He said, “Are you surprised by these defeats? This is the current state of Italian football. Look at Bodo’s recent results, both home and away. Italian teams are having serious problems; are they so confident they can come back in the second leg? I wouldn’t take it for granted; it will be interesting to see how they try to come back in the second leg. When even the national team struggles to reach the World Cup three times, something is clear.” ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/thierry-henry-says-italian-teams-have-problems-after-champions-league-losses/