The final half-friendly has given Juventus the final push toward their Serie A opener on Sunday afternoon away to Frosinone.
From today, Luciano Spalletti will begin the final preparations for a crucial fixture that the Bianconeri cannot afford to get wrong if they want to keep the enthusiasm generated by their summer transfer business alive.
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According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Spalletti already has several key decisions in mind, with the starting lineup beginning to take shape ahead of the trip to Frosinone.
One of the main talking points will be Randal Kolo Muani, who is expected to lead the line as Juventus’ starting striker.
For the French forward, it would represent a second debut in the black-and-white shirt, adding another important chapter to his Juventus experience.
Behind him, there is still some uncertainty over whether Kerim Alajbegovic will be trusted from the opening whistle.
The 18-year-old Bosnian has impressed since arriving in Turin, but Spalletti could decide to introduce him gradually rather than immediately handing him a starting role in the first league match.
Should Alajbegovic begin on the bench, Weston McKennie could be the player chosen to operate behind Kolo Muani.
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The American midfielder has extensive experience in that position and could provide Spalletti with greater tactical security in such an important opening fixture.
Yildiz and Conceiçao Set to Start, Douglas Luiz Gets the Nod
On the wings, Kenan Yildiz on the left and Francisco Conceiçao on the right appear to be almost certain starters. Both have become important attacking pieces in Spalletti’s plans, and their ability to create chances and stretch opposing defenses could prove crucial against Frosinone.
In midfield, Manuel Locatelli also looks set to keep his place. The Italian remains one of the key figures in the manager’s plans, but there could be a significant change in the deeper midfield role.
Douglas Luiz is increasingly emerging as Spalletti’s preferred option in the regista position. The Brazilian has started virtually every friendly played by Juventus throughout July and August, a clear indication that his standing within the manager’s hierarchy has grown considerably.
His consistent involvement suggests that Spalletti has developed strong confidence in Luiz’s ability to dictate the tempo and provide balance from deep.
At the back, Mattia Perin is likely to get the nod in goal for the opening match, if he will not leave the Bianconeri, as is in talks with Palermo.
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Meanwhile, new signing Guglielmo Vicario could be given a few more days to settle into his new surroundings before making his competitive debut (this can change if Perin leaves).
With the first Serie A match now just around the corner, Spalletti’s choices are becoming clearer. Juventus’ summer reinforcements have raised expectations, and the trip to Frosinone will provide the first real test of whether the new-look Bianconeri are ready to turn that optimism into results.