In Florence, Juventus once again came up against their toughest opponent — themselves. Limitations, hesitation, and unanswered questions led to yet another draw, prolonging a troubling pattern that Luciano Spalletti must break soon. IlBianconero write how the air of mediocrity enveloping the Bianconeri continues to settle, extinguishing the early optimism that accompanied the manager’s arrival. Spalletti’s influence is visible, but the growing sense of illusion is difficult to ignore.
The match at the Franchi left behind more doubts than certainties. Dusan Vlahovic battled through the usual hostility and pressure, yet physical fatigue once again became evident. Weston McKennie offered industry but little influence. And then there was Edon Zhegrova — the biggest question mark of all, still waiting for his chance.
Vlahovic: Determined but Drained
Vlahovic’s evening summed up Juventus’ current state — determined in spirit, limited in energy. The Serbian forward fought on multiple fronts: against defenders, the crowd, and even his own condition. Having missed a potential penalty and faced unrelenting pressure, he soldiered on until the 88th minute before being replaced by Jonathan David.
In hindsight, it is fair to ask whether Spalletti should have preserved his striker earlier, especially with Champions League commitments ahead. Vlahovic’s intensity remains admirable, but his visible decline in the second half showed that sheer fight cannot mask an evident physical struggle.
Zhegrova: The Unused Option
The curious case of Zhegrova remains unresolved. The Kosovan winger warmed up for a long stretch on the sidelines but never stepped onto the pitch. Once again, Spalletti opted for caution, leaving him unused. After months of personalised training and gradual reintegration, his playing time still stands at just 79 minutes — far too little to make an impact or build rhythm.
The decision not to use him in a tight game drew some raised eyebrows. Given Zhegrova’s proven ability to inject pace and creativity, his absence felt significant, especially in a match Juventus desperately needed to win. Perhaps Spalletti’s thinking was long-term, with a view to maintaining fitness for the upcoming trip to Norway — but that doesn’t make the immediate result any less frustrating.
McKennie: Effort Without Impact
McKennie’s performance typified Juventus’ ongoing inconsistency. The American’s versatility remains valuable, yet against Fiorentina he found himself trapped in a tactical grey zone — industrious but ineffective. That sense of being “everywhere and nowhere” reflected not only his match but the team as a whole: functional but never dangerous.
Spalletti may have needed a different kind of midfielder for such an intense fixture. Fiorentina pressed aggressively, playing with the urgency Juventus once showed in earlier matches under their new manager. By contrast, the Bianconeri often appeared passive, struggling to match their opponents’ energy.
For Spalletti, Florence was another reminder that rebuilding this team means more than adjusting tactics — it requires rediscovering conviction and identity. The unanswered questions from Zhegrova to McKennie are not setbacks but signposts, pointing to where Juventus must start again.
