Juventus travel to Parma this weekend with Champions League qualification ambitions in full view — but Luciano Spalletti faces a number of tactical and physical questions as he finalises his starting XI. Tuttosport report how, chief among them is the fitness and workload of Gleison Bremer, who continues to hold the defensive line together despite showing clear signs of fatigue.
The Brazilian was expected to rest against Monaco in midweek, in what was arguably Juventus’ least pressing fixture of January. Instead, he played the entire match. Spalletti, reluctant to take unnecessary risks yet unwilling to invite a late collapse, opted against substituting him for Federico Gatti — even though Gatti, returning from injury, badly needs minutes.
Bremer Between Rest and Reliability
The time has come for a decision. Bremer’s physical condition demands a break, but his importance to the team makes benching him a difficult call. He has featured in 15 matches this season, with Juventus losing only once in that span — away to Cagliari. In contrast, Gatti requires playing time to regain sharpness.
Spalletti had initially planned for Bremer to play an hour in Monte Carlo before handing the reins to Gatti. That plan was scrapped mid-match, and now Bremer risks another full shift at the Stadio Tardini. Over the next 48 hours, Spalletti will assess both centre-backs before making a decision, balancing the need for stability at the back with the risk of overburdening one of his key men.
Locatelli Returns, David Indispensable
In midfield, Manuel Locatelli’s return is guaranteed. Under Spalletti, the Italian’s influence has grown immensely — his control and passing rhythm are central to Juve’s possession game, offering far more fluidity than Teun Koopmeiners, who once again disappointed against Monaco.
Alongside him, several regular starters are expected to return. Michele Di Gregorio will reclaim his place in goal, and Andrea Cambiaso should start on the left after Cabal’s underwhelming European outing. Up front, Jonathan David remains untouchable.
The Canadian striker, once under fire for inconsistency, has transformed his Juventus experience within weeks. From his penalty miss against Lecce to scoring the crucial goal against Napoli, David has earned his coach’s trust through relentless work and key contributions. His energy and timing make him essential to Spalletti’s system — a contrast to Loïs Openda, whose struggles in Monaco reaffirmed the gap between the two attackers.
