It’s a difficult period for Jonathan David. The Canadian striker continues to struggle in front of goal and, after another disappointing evening against Lecce, questions are mounting over his form and confidence.
Signed by Juventus on a free transfer last summer following the end of his contract with Lille, David has yet to deliver the consistency expected of him. On Saturday, his struggles were again in the spotlight when he missed a crucial penalty in the 1–1 draw with Lecce — a soft chip straight down the middle that goalkeeper Falcone comfortably saved with his feet while diving.
The miss drew criticism from pundits analysing the match, with particular focus on David’s execution and decision-making.
Giaccherini’s Harsh Words
Former Juventus winger Emanuele Giaccherini, speaking on DAZN, did not mince words about the episode.
“You can’t take a penalty like that,” he said bluntly. “As Stramaccioni mentioned during commentary, in that situation you have to smash it into the net. Missing a penalty is part of football, but the problem is the attitude — the aggression you bring to the ball. That was missing.”
Hernanes Questions Yildiz Too
Another ex-Juventus player, Hernanes, extended his criticism not only to David but also to Kenan Yildiz, who had allowed the Canadian to step up.
“If you’re the number nine at Juventus and you earn six million, you don’t try a chip in that moment,” he remarked. “And Yildiz shouldn’t have handed it over either. When I was 16, I practised free kicks daily — so when a teammate asked to take one in a match and then missed, the coach wanted to know why I’d let him. It’s about responsibility.”
Spalletti Defends His Players
Head coach Luciano Spalletti, meanwhile, sought to calm the criticism.
“I think you journalists should have taken it,” he joked. “These situations bring out players’ emotions. There’s fear from those who don’t take it, and courage from those who do. David showed personality — he just didn’t lift the shot the extra 20 centimetres needed to beat the keeper.
“Locatelli and Yildiz are both regular penalty-takers too, and they let him take it. That’s fine. It’s a spontaneous decision made on the pitch. Next time, maybe I’ll intervene. But it’s not about assigning blame — he’s a penalty taker, he missed, it happens. Now we move on and focus on the next games.”
