Basel vs Juventus | Expected Lineup

The engines are running again at Continassa as Juventus have officially begun preparations for the 2026/27 season.

The Bianconeri have returned to the Juventus Training Center, where Luciano Spalletti and his coaching staff have kicked off pre-season with intensive double training sessions focused on fitness and the first tactical adjustments.

The priority is clear: build the physical condition needed to ensure the squad is ready for the Serie A opener on August 23.

Before competitive football returns, however, Juventus will face their first real test of the summer. On Saturday, July 18, the Italian giants travel to Switzerland to take on Basel, with kick-off scheduled for 3:30 PM local time.

A Makeshift Juventus Awaits First Test

Supporters should expect a heavily experimental Juventus lineup for the opening friendly. Spalletti is still without many of his key players, who remain on holiday after their involvement in the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.

As a result, the head coach will be forced to rely on a mixed squad featuring available first-team players and younger talents as preparations continue.

The transfer market has also yet to deliver the reinforcements the club is working to secure. At this stage, the only new face available to Spalletti is highly rated youngster Jeff Ekhator, while the rest of Juventus‘ expected arrivals are likely to join the squad in the coming weeks as negotiations progress.

Despite the absences, the trip to Basel will offer valuable insights into the team’s early tactical ideas and physical condition.

The starting XI is expected to feature several selection dilemmas due to the limited options available, but the overall structure of Spalletti’s system is already beginning to take shape.

The match represents the first opportunity to evaluate the squad on the pitch as Juventus begin laying the foundations for what they hope will be a successful 2026/27 campaign.

Juventus expected Starting XI by Spalletti against Basel :

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