How Juventus could play under Luciano Spalleti

Luciano Spalletti has emerged as the leading candidate for the Juventus bench, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport. His candidacy is fueled by two major qualities: tactical clarity and flexibility.

Unlike many coaches who rigidly adhere to a single system, Spalletti adapts his ideas to the players at his disposal. This versatility is seen as a major asset, especially now that he can return to the daily rhythm of club football — something he missed during his time with the Italian national team.

Luciano Spalletti 📸

Spalletti faces a complex challenge. The current Juventus squad is a mix of styles and profiles that do not perfectly fit any single tactical shape. The injury to Gleison Bremer has further weakened a group already struggling for consistency.

Igor Tudor’s 3-4-2-1 formation did not suit many of the players, and his frustrations grew after missing key signings, such as a dynamic midfielder and a wing-back similar to Nahuel Molina.

However, within Juventus headquarters at Continassa, there is still a belief that the roster is flexible enough to adapt. That is precisely why Spalletti is viewed as the ideal “craftsman.”

Luciano Spalletti 📸

His ability to build systems around players — rather than forcing players into systems — sets him apart. Many see him as better suited than Roberto Mancini to find the tactical balance Tudor never achieved, constantly rotating lineups like an unsolved Rubik’s Cube.

The tactical vision: Yildiz at the core

Spalletti rarely begins from a fixed formation. Instead, he builds around the team’s most creative players. In today’s Juventus, that player is undoubtedly Kenan Yildiz. As Michel Platini once said, “He must always be in the middle.” Yildiz thrives in central areas, where his vision and creativity shine.

Kenan Yildiz 📸

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the most probable setup would be a 4-2-3-1. Yildiz would operate as a playmaker behind a striker — either Dusan Vlahovic or Jonathan David — supported by two contrasting wingers: one focused on dribbling and flair (such as Conceição), the other on balance and movement (like McKennie).

In midfield, rebuilding trust with Manuel Locatelli will be crucial after their uneven collaboration with Italy. Yet, the key could be Teun Koopmeiners, a player Spalletti admired even during his Napoli days.

Alongside him, Khephren Thuram could evolve into Juventus’s version of André-Frank Zambo Anguissa, combining physical power with vertical drive.

Khephren Thuram 📸

Defensively, Spalletti would aim to restore stability, making use of goalkeeper Di Gregorio’s distribution and the familiarity of players like Gatti and Cambiaso, whom he already coached with the national team.

The mission is urgent: Juventus have failed to score in four consecutive matches, and their forwards have not celebrated since mid-September.

Alternative shapes, such as a 4-3-3 or 3-5-1-1, remain possible. But what Spalletti can offer above all is clarity, confidence, and the tactical intelligence to rebuild Juventus into a team with both identity and purpose.

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