Juventus travel to Emilia-Romagna on Tuesday night looking to start 2026 on the right foot, eager to make amends for dropped points against Lecce. Luciano Spalletti’s side were frustrated in Turin over the weekend, allowing two points to slip away in a 1-1 draw that halted their momentum in the Serie A title race. Sassuolo, meanwhile, find themselves in a similar situation—also having settled for a draw in their weekend fixture, missing a chance to edge closer to the European spots.
Match Preview
Juventus: Looking to Rekindle Momentum
After a strong run to close out 2025, Juventus entered the new year with high expectations. Spalletti’s men had strung together four consecutive victories across competitions and looked well-positioned to climb closer to Inter at the top of the table. But their draw with Lecce reminded everyone that consistency remains their biggest obstacle.
Juve looked the better side for long stretches in that match, with Jonathan David denied twice—hitting the bar early and then failing to convert from the penalty spot. Weston McKennie’s equaliser early in the second half salvaged a point, yet Spalletti was left ruing his team’s wastefulness. Young talents like Kenan Yildiz continue to impress, but injuries to key players and occasional lapses in concentration have kept the Bianconeri from truly finding top gear.
Spalletti’s initial tenure has nonetheless been encouraging. Seven wins from eight games closed out last year, proving his tactical imprint is taking effect. However, talk of a Scudetto charge may still be premature, with several teams firmly in contention for Champions League qualification. Tuesday night’s fixture, then, presents an opportunity to reset their focus and rebuild winning rhythm away from home.
Sassuolo: Aiming to Reignite Their Spark
Sassuolo’s return to Serie A has been largely positive under Fabio Grosso. Promoted as Serie B champions, the Neroverdi quickly found their place in mid-table and even flirted with the top half earlier in the campaign. Yet recent weeks have brought frustration. Their last two matches both ended 1-1—first at Bologna and then against Parma—despite Sassuolo enjoying the better chances in both outings.
Kristian Thorstvedt’s header opened the scoring last time out, but defensive lapses once again proved costly as Parma hit back. Josh Doig came closest to restoring the lead, striking the post, while goalkeeper Arijanet Muric was called upon several times to preserve a single point. Sassuolo may sit 10th in the table, but their only victory since November came against struggling Fiorentina. Grosso will know his side need to rediscover the cutting edge that characterised their early-season form.
Historically, Sassuolo have been something of a bogey team for Juventus in Reggio Emilia. They’ve beaten the Bianconeri in both of their last two home meetings—1-0 and 4-2—thanks largely to the influence of long-serving talisman Domenico Berardi and forwards Andrea Pinamonti and Armand Laurienté. Those memories should give the Neroverdi confidence despite their recent dip.
Team News
Spalletti has kept fans guessing with his tactical flexibility, frequently shuffling formations and personnel. Jonathan David’s missed penalty against Lecce could see him benched in favour of Lois Openda, while Dusan Vlahovic continues his spell on the sidelines. In defence, injuries to Daniele Rugani, Lloyd Kelly and Federico Gatti remain a concern, though Teun Koopmeiners may again step in as an auxiliary centre-back.
Sassuolo, meanwhile, face several absences. Domenico Berardi is still sidelined along with Cristian Volpato, Yeferson Paz, Daniel Boloca, and Filippo Romagna. Full-back Woyo Coulibaly is away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations and suspended following a red card for Mali. Despite the setbacks, Grosso can still rely on the defensive leadership of young Juve academy product Tarik Muharemovic and the midfield creativity of Thorstvedt. Pinamonti continues to lead the line, though all four of his league goals this season have come on the road.
Probable Starting XI’s
Sassuolo (4-3-3): Muric; Walukiewicz, Idzes, Muharemovic, Cande; Thorstvedt, Matic, Kone; Fadera, Pinamonti, Laurienté
Juventus (3-4-2-1): Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Bremer, Koopmeiners; McKennie, Locatelli, Thuram, Cambiaso; Zhegrova, Yildiz; Openda
Prediction
Sassuolo have shown they can trouble Italy’s elite, having already taken points from Lazio, Atalanta and AC Milan this season. Juventus, for their part, have become far more resilient but still lack a killer instinct in front of goal. Given both sides’ habit of drawing tight contests, a share of the spoils seems the most likely outcome.
Prediction: Sassuolo 1–1 Juventus
