Edon Zhegrova is yet to make his first start for Juventus, but the upcoming Coppa Italia clash against Udinese could finally offer him that chance. Whether Luciano Spalletti will give the Kosovar winger the nod from the outset, however, remains uncertain.
Juventus begin their 2025–26 Coppa Italia campaign eager to make amends after last season’s shock quarter-final exit to Empoli. With the side still searching for rhythm and consistency under Spalletti, avoiding any missteps is crucial—yet rotation also feels inevitable as the manager looks to inject fresh energy and evaluate lesser-used players.
A Slow Start for Zhegrova
IlBianconero report how, since joining Juventus, Zhegrova’s opportunities have been limited. After several months sidelined before his arrival, a period of readjustment and stiff competition within the squad have restricted his playing time. In total, he has featured for just 86 minutes across all competitions, never exceeding half an hour in a single outing. Among the current first-team players, only youngster Rouhi has accumulated fewer minutes, a telling statistic for a player once expected to add flair and unpredictability to the attack.
Stalled Progress Under Two Managers
Even the shift from Igor Tudor to Spalletti brought little change to Zhegrova’s situation. Under the current coach, he has collected fewer than 50 minutes across six matches, spending half of them unused on the bench. After a brief cameo in the Derby della Mole, his involvement dropped again—unused against Fiorentina and Cagliari, and barely noticeable in the Champions League tie with Bodo Glimt.
Time for a True Test?
While the coaching staff knew Zhegrova would need time to regain match fitness and adapt tactically, few expected him to still be waiting for a starting berth in December. On paper, the Coppa Italia meeting with Udinese seems an ideal moment to see what he can offer from kick-off. It would allow Spalletti to assess the winger’s physical readiness and gauge his tactical compatibility within the system.
The decision, though, will ultimately hinge on his condition. If he is still deemed short of full fitness, a substitute appearance may again be more realistic. Yet, given the context and fixture, fans will expect him to play a meaningful part. Should that not happen, questions around the value of his transfer will inevitably resurface.
