Having opened their Serie A campaign with an impressive victory, Juventus now take to the road for the first time in 2025-26, heading to the Stadio Luigi Ferraris on Sunday to face a Genoa side still searching for their first league win of the season.
While the Bianconeri collected all three points on opening weekend, the Grifone had to settle for a goalless stalemate in their league curtain-raiser.
Match Preview
Juventus under Igor Tudor began the season on a positive note, continuing their steady upward trajectory since the Croatian coach assumed control. Though Parma held firm for much of the match in Turin, a breakthrough finally came courtesy of summer signing Jonathan David, who showcased his composure in front of goal.
Any nerves were soon calmed further, as second-half substitute Dusan Vlahovic added a decisive finish to secure victory, despite Andrea Cambiaso’s red card leaving Juve down a man late on.
This winning start provides a welcome contrast to the turbulence of recent years at the club. Juventus only clinched fourth place last season, but Tudor — appointed initially as interim before earning an extended deal — has instilled a resilience that seems to be paying off. His side also gained valuable international experience at the Club World Cup earlier this summer before turning focus back to domestic duties.
Tudor has now overseen just one defeat in ten Serie A games in charge, recording the 150th win of his managerial career in the process. With Juventus also boasting a strong record against Genoa — nine wins from their last ten league encounters — momentum and history appear to be on their side heading into Sunday’s clash.
For the home side, Stadio Luigi Ferraris has not been the happiest hunting ground against Juventus in recent years. Only four times in their last 12 home meetings have they triumphed over the visitors, most recently suffering a 3-0 defeat last season in which Vlahovic struck twice.
However, under the guidance of Patrick Vieira, Genoa are a more organized and resilient outfit. The former Juve midfielder led the club to a top-half finish last season and his side remain unbeaten so far this term. After sweeping aside Vicenza in the Coppa Italia earlier this month, Genoa impressed again against Lecce, though their dominance did not translate into goals and they had to settle for a draw.
New additions such as Valentin Carboni, Arthur Gronbaek, and Nicolae Stanciu have already injected flair and creativity into Vieira’s team, while full-back Aaron Martin continues to be a dangerous outlet from deep. They will hope to convert that promise into points before the international break halts domestic action.
Team News
Juventus will make the trip without Andrea Cambiaso, who starts the first of a two-game suspension following his dismissal last weekend. Injuries also sideline Fabio Miretti and Juan Cabal, leaving Tudor short of defensive depth. With Cambiaso absent and Nicolo Savona set to depart for England, Weston McKennie may be repurposed as a wide option.
Jonathan David looks set to continue as the focal point in attack, particularly with Vlahovic’s uncertain contract situation continuing in the background. David could again be paired with Kenan Yildiz, whose outstanding run of form since March — including a league-high number of direct goal involvements — has made him a central figure in Juve’s attacking play.
As for Genoa, Vieira must cope with the departure of Andrea Pinamonti, their top scorer last term. Lorenzo Colombo takes on the responsibility of leading the line, supported by the creative trio of Carboni, Stanciu, and Gronbaek.
Caleb Ekuban and Sebastian Otoa remain unavailable due to injury, though defender Leo Østigård should be fit to return and strengthen the back line.
Probable Starting XI’s
Genoa (4-2-3-1): Leali; Norton-Cuffy, Ostigard, Vasquez, Martin; Frendrup, Masini; Carboni, Stanciu, Gronbaek; Colombo
Juventus (3-4-2-1): Di Gregorio; Gatti, Bremer, Kelly; Kalulu, Thuram, Locatelli, McKennie; Conceicao, Yildiz; David
Prediction
Genoa may have sharpened under Vieira and look capable of achieving another season of safety, but they still lack the cutting edge to punish top opposition. Juventus, though still a side in transition, possess greater quality in attack and a strong recent record in this fixture.
Prediction: Genoa 0-1 Juventus
