News Focus
- Fabrizio Ravanelli claims Lloyd Kelly is not good enough for Juventus
- The former striker criticised Kelly’s heading ability and slow passing
- Kelly moved from Newcastle United for €21 million in 2025
- The defender has struggled to impress during his debut season in Serie A
Former Juventus forward Fabrizio Ravanelli has launched a scathing attack on defender Lloyd Kelly. The 57-year-old pundit insists the English centre-back does not deserve to wear the famous black and white shirt.
Speaking during a live broadcast on Sportium, Ravanelli did not hold back. He pointed out that Kelly stands at 1.9 metres tall yet refuses to challenge for headers in the air. The former striker said he has never seen such a tall player avoid jumping for the ball. He also complained that the defender takes three hours to select a pass, showing a lack of urgency that is unacceptable at a major club.
Ravanelli enjoyed a golden period with the Turin giants between 1992 and 1996. He won the Champions League, the Scudetto and domestic cups during his successful spell. After leaving Italy, he played for clubs in England, France and Scotland before retiring.
Kelly arrived at the Allianz Stadium from Newcastle United earlier this year. The transfer cost the Italian giants €21 million, with an additional €6.5 million possible in bonuses. The deal began as a loan but became permanent when specific conditions were triggered.
Despite making 46 appearances across all competitions this season, the 26-year-old has failed to convince supporters. He has scored two goals and provided two assists, yet his defensive displays have drawn criticism. Many fans regard the move as an expensive mistake by the club’s recruitment team.
The former forward now works as a football analyst. His comments reflect growing pressure on Kelly to improve his performances quickly. Juventus will expect better reliability from their back line when the new campaign begins.