Juventus opened their pre-season schedule on Monday as Luciano Spalletti took charge of his first training session with the senior squad. The manager began work with a group of 28 players, comprising 22 first-team members and six prospects drafted from the Juventus Next Gen youth ranks.
The reduced numbers reflect the ongoing impact of the 2026 World Cup, with six established first-team stars yet to return from extended leave following their international exertions in the United States.
World Cup absentees delay full squad reunion
The missing contingent includes representatives from six different national teams. Defender Bremer returns from duty with Brazil, while midfielders Teun Koopmeiners and Weston McKennie featured for the Netherlands and United States respectively. Winger Francisco Conceicao represented Portugal, and forwards Jonathan David and Kenan Yildiz competed for Canada and Turkey.
Until these players rejoin the group, Spalletti must prepare for the upcoming campaign with an incomplete squad. Those present include key figures such as Pierre Kalulu and Manuel Locatelli, who are expected to form part of the core group next season. New signing Jeff Ekhator was also among the early arrivals as he begins his integration following his recent transfer.
Transfer uncertainty clouds early preparations
The session also underscored several unresolved squad issues. Goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio, forward Lois Openda and winger Edon Zhegrova remain in limbo, with their futures with the Bianconeri yet to be clarified.
Additionally, the club expects to move on several out-of-favour players before the window closes. Midfielders Arthur Melo and Douglas Luiz, plus defender Daniele Rugani, are likely to depart on either permanent or temporary deals as the coaching staff streamlines the roster.
Next Gen prospects seize opportunity
Spalletti’s initial sessions have provided a platform for young talent, with six Next Gen players joining the senior setup. Defenders Pedro Felipe, Javier Gil Puche, Shane van Aarle and Arman Durmisi have stepped up alongside midfielder Augusto Owusu and forward Justin Odoavwoduo. Their presence offers the new coaching staff an early look at potential breakthrough candidates ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.
Juventus will continue their pre-season programme without their World Cup participants for the immediate future, giving fringe players and academy graduates valuable time to state their case before the full squad assembles.