“Bisogna alzare necessariamente il livello” — “We must raise the level.” Luciano Spalletti’s words after the defeat to Fiorentina were more than just post-match reflection; they stood as a clear starting point for Juventus’ next steps, both on and off the pitch. The match at the Franchi revealed more than tactical or mental shortcomings. It offered another coded message to the club’s management ahead of the upcoming transfer window.
IlBianconero report that once again, every one of Juventus’ summer signings began the game on the bench and, for most, that’s where they stayed. Loïs Openda and Jonathan David were introduced only in the final minutes, while Edon Zhegrova and João Mário didn’t play at all. Even Francisco Conceição, if we count him among the “new faces”, appeared only for the last quarter of an hour. The question now is whether Spalletti has already drawn up his plan for the rest of the season.
David and Openda: A Tough Reality
Up front, the situation is increasingly clear. Spalletti has placed his trust firmly in Dušan Vlahović. The coach praised the Serbian striker in the build-up to the match and confirmed his words by starting him against Fiorentina — a visible show of faith, even though Vlahović is still recovering from recent physical issues. He played 88 minutes, fading towards the end but proving that, in Spalletti’s eyes, he remains the undisputed first choice.
For David and Openda, however, opportunities have been scarce. The two forwards entered only in the closing stages, when Juventus made their final, hesitant push. The Canadian hasn’t started a match since facing Lazio, while the Belgian has barely featured at all. It’s a clear message: the manager favours established foundations, with the newer arrivals still struggling to break through. The upcoming run of fixtures could either confirm this hierarchy or flip it entirely — depending on how Spalletti decides to handle his resources.
Zhegrova: A Question Still Unanswered
Perhaps the biggest unknown in Florence was Edon Zhegrova. The Kosovan winger was seen warming up for several minutes in the second half, yet his chance never came. Spalletti opted to use David and Openda as attacking substitutes, as well as Cabal, Miretti, and Conceição. The Portuguese winger brought some energy, even if inconsistently, but Zhegrova again remained unused.
Physical issues have limited his progress, but doubts persist about his true place in this project. When will Juventus finally be able to make the most of his creativity and unpredictability? For the moment, he seems to sit low in Spalletti’s order of preference.
João Mário: The Enigma of the Transfer Market
Another unresolved case is that of João Mário. Signed swiftly from Porto in the summer, the Portuguese full-back has yet to establish himself in Turin. He rarely featured under Igor Tudor, and under Spalletti, his minutes have been even fewer — just 11 against Cremonese, followed by a series of bench appearances.
The pattern raises broader questions about Juventus’ recent recruitment. Several of the club’s new additions have failed to win Spalletti’s full confidence, while the coach seems more inclined to rely on proven performers. The Fiorentina match might not only reflect the current form of the team but also serve as a quiet signal to the board: the squad needs refinement, and the next move in the transfer market must truly raise the level.
