Fabio Miretti’s powerfully struck free-kick earned Juventus a 1-0 victory over Standard Liege in Belgium, securing Luciano Spalletti’s first win of pre-season. The midfielder drilled home from the edge of the penalty area ten minutes into the second half to settle a match that showcased the Bianconeri’s depleted resources.
The fixture marked Spalletti’s second warm-up assignment following a goalless draw with Basel, yet the Italian was again forced to field an experimental side. Several established stars remain unavailable after World Cup duty, including Gleison Bremer, Weston McKennie, Francisco Conceicao, Jonathan David, Khephren Thuram and Kenan Yildiz. Their absence has left the squad threadbare, prompting Spalletti to rely heavily on academy prospects.
With Lois Openda—the only senior centre-forward in the travelling party—relegated to the bench amid expectations of a season-long loan to Lyon, 18-year-old Arman Durmisi led the line. The teenager was flanked by Vasilije Adzic and Jeremie Boga in a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Douglas Luiz returning to partner Manuel Locatelli in midfield.
First-half frustrations
Standard Liege threatened early, with Gustav Mortensen crossing for Timothe Nkada after ten minutes, but the striker failed to convert. Federico Gatti produced a crucial block to deny Alexis Trouillet following an Andrea Cambiaso error midway through the first period, while Luiz and Locatelli both fired over from distance before the interval.
Spalletti restructured his side at half-time, switching to a 4-2-3-1 system and introducing Mattia Perin, Zeki Celik, Joao Mario, Arthur Melo, Miretti and Justin Oboavwoduo. The tactical tweak yielded dividends when Miretti broke the deadlock from a set-piece, though he spurned a chance to double the lead moments later when Ibe Hautekiet blocked his follow-up effort.
Squad concerns persist
The narrow triumph offers temporary respite for Spalletti, who has reportedly grown frustrated by the lack of reinforcements during the early weeks of pre-season. With Openda’s departure to Lyon imminent and Durmisi thrust into senior action, the coach is understood to feel he has only three or four regular starters currently at his disposal.
The defensive unit provided experience throughout the contest, with Pierre Kalulu, Federico Gatti and Lloyd Kelly operating as a back three in the first half before the reshuffle. Andrea Cambiaso and 17-year-old Adin Licina supplied width from wing-back positions, while Michele Di Gregorio started between the posts ahead of Perin’s introduction.
Juventus will hope to welcome back their international contingent in the coming weeks as preparations intensify for the competitive campaign. For now, the result offers encouragement for the youthful fringe players seeking to stake a claim for senior minutes.