The 3-2 defeat at the Mapei Stadium has left deep bitterness at Juventus — not only for the result, but for the manner in which it arrived: Adžić’s decisive third goal at the last second, after the conviction had grown that the match could yet be won following Zhegrova’s second equaliser. Giovanni Carnevali, who was watching from the stands of the ground he helped build across thirteen years, addressed the defeat directly on Radio Anch’io Sport on Sunday morning — covering the errors, the season’s objectives, the Conte speculation, Vlahović’s departure, and his honest verdict on a market conducted under extreme time and financial constraints.
“Returning to Sassuolo Was Emotional — the Squinzi Family Are Extraordinary People”
On the personal dimension of returning to the Mapei Stadium as a visiting CEO: “Returning to Sassuolo is something special. I was there for 13 years and the team grew across those years. The return was quite emotional — I saw many friends and collaborators again, and the ownership that helped me in my growth. My memories went to patron Squinzi, to his wife and now to his children — extraordinary people. And I was able to see that Sassuolo is a great team with a manager who has demonstrated outstanding qualities.”
“We Made Errors Juventus Cannot Make — but the Spirit Was Positive”
On the match itself: “If we look at the result, it is certainly negative. We made various errors that Juventus cannot make — whilst creating chances. It is part of the growth journey of this squad and this club. We tried to win at any cost, but in doing so we lost equilibrium against a strong side like Sassuolo. We must also give credit to the opponents. What I find positive is the spirit of wanting to seek the result at all costs. I hope this defeat serves as a lesson — the blame is not only of the defence but of all of us.”
“The Europa League Is an Important Competition — the Scudetto Is Still Very Far Away”
On the season’s realistic objectives: “For us the Europa League is an important competition and we must seek the maximum result. There is still a great deal to do to compete for the Scudetto — and the Europa League, despite not being an easy competition, especially in terms of the fixture demands against sides that may look simple but are not, can be and become an opportunity for us.” On the new refereeing approach under Orsato’s direction: “The football is more beautiful, faster, with less time-wasting. The five-second rule helps the spectacle. The objective is to let play flow more — not to exaggerate, but if it helps the championship’s watchability that is positive. Fewer penalties? Good — because too many were given for ridiculous handball decisions and it is right they are not called.”
“Vlahović Was Respectful — but After He Rejected the Proposal, That Was That”
The truth about the Vlahović situation, from the person who arrived in the immediate aftermath of the failed renewal: “I never spoke to the boy directly. When I arrived, a very significant financial proposal had already been made to him — and it was not accepted. I am not a person who runs after players. Vlahović was respectful towards Juventus — but after he did not accept, that was the end of it. I am convinced we have a good squad. Injuries? Yes, we have many and to important players. It is part of sport — in football you can get hurt. But that is also why we have a broad squad, with young players of prospect. We must think about growing.”
“Conte? Spalletti Is an Extraordinary Manager — One of the Very Best in Existence”
The social media and journalistic noise calling for the replacement of Spalletti with Antonio Conte received the clearest possible institutional rejection. “Spalletti is an extraordinary manager — one of the very best in existence. Changing manager is not in my spirit. We must seek to plan and build. We must give time and have patience, knowing we will have to swallow bitter pills but will eventually find satisfaction. In football there are cycles — there are periods when you are at the peak and others when you are in difficulty, and from those you must emerge. Our objective? The objective of a club like Juventus is to win. At the same time you must understand where you are and where you want to go. Words count for little. I know only the method of work. We must work.”
“I Have Been at Juventus for Three Months — Studying, Building, Working Towards Tomorrow”
The final passage placed the entire summer’s work — and the current difficulties — in their proper institutional context. “Evaluations must always be made — but you must also know what work is being done. I have been at Juventus for three months. We have tried to understand the opportunities and the possibilities. I am studying, because Juventus is a different institution seen from the inside compared to the outside. We have created an important working group with Spalletti — watching him train on the pitch he is among the finest coaches around. We are fortunate to have him. With Massara and Ottolini it is a new group, and time is needed. The negative result must already be in the past. Today there is training and we must think about Thursday’s match and the one against Atalanta. We know we must fight in the league — but that must also be the spirit to be a great club like Juventus.”
