Destiny, as Tuttosport’s Paolo Pirisi writes, can occasionally be tender. But only with those who never stop believing. That is precisely what has happened to Douglas Luiz in this opening stretch of the season. After the first-year failure in Italy and the underwhelming loan spells at Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa, the Brazilian has reclaimed the keys to Juventus’s midfield — performing at a high level across all three opening Serie A fixtures following a substantive pre-season from late July onwards. His reward: a call-up from Carlo Ancelotti for Brazil’s forthcoming international fixtures. It is a statement of esteem, a signal of trust, and a recognition of the work done alongside Luciano Spalletti — who now considers him a pillar of the midfield. Not only for his undeniable merits on the pitch, but also for the contingent reality of a midfield department where the absences of Thuram and Locatelli have made his presence, quite simply, indispensable.
McKennie: Back in Group Training Tomorrow, Optimism for Sassuolo
The most encouraging news from Wednesday’s Continassa session is the McKennie timeline. The American midfielder completed individual work again on Wednesday — but from Thursday he will return to full group training. The optimism around his availability for Sunday’s trip to the Mapei Stadium is genuine. Both the player and the club share the same approach: do the maximum to be available, but without taking any unnecessary risks. The infirmary is already at its capacity limit. Nobody wants to extend the injury list further in the name of a premature return.
Cambiaso: Getting Closer — But Caution Remains the Watchword
Andrea Cambiaso’s ankle sprain, sustained against Parma, continues to prevent the Italian full-back from rejoining his teammates in full group training — but the direction of travel is positive. He is improving steadily, and the possibility of returning to the training pitch with the group exists within the next 24-48 hours. The caveat is real and explicitly stated: if any pain persists, even mild, he will not be included in the squad for Sassuolo. The season is too long. The medical department is already managing too many situations simultaneously. Caution in this case is not timidity — it is the only rational approach.
Sarr: Still Waiting — Has Yet to Complete a Single Group Session
The most frustrating update concerns Pape Matar Sarr — whose recovery from the physical problem he carried from Tottenham is proceeding with the club’s characteristic caution but has not yet allowed him to join the group. Sarr has not completed a single full training session with his Juventus teammates. His integration continues on an individual programme. His availability for Sunday at Sassuolo is uncertain — the Europa League opener against NEC on 17 September remains the more realistic target for his competitive debut. In the meantime, Douglas Luiz carries the midfield as the undisputed fulcrum — a remarkable turnaround from a player whose Juventus story seemed, for much of the summer, to be arriving at its end rather than its beginning.
