Juventus returned from Bologna with three crucial points and renewed confidence, following a strong defensive display and a goal from Juan Cabal that confirmed the side’s growing cohesion under Luciano Spalletti. IlBianconero report how the performance at the Dall’Ara showed progress, particularly in the team’s compact shape and aggression off the ball.
However, Spalletti will have to manage his defensive line carefully ahead of the upcoming clash with Roma, as Teun Koopmeiners will be suspended. The Dutch midfielder picked up a yellow card that rules him out of the next match, bringing an additional challenge for the Juventus manager, who must reconsider his balance between midfield and defence.
Bremer back, Rugani fit again
A positive development for Spalletti is the return of Gleison Bremer. The Brazilian centre-back featured against Bologna, marking an important step in his recovery. Daniele Rugani has also returned to full fitness, though he remained on the bench in the last outing. Despite Bremer not yet being at 100 per cent, both players are expected to be available for selection against Roma.
Spalletti confirmed before the Bologna fixture that Rugani was ready to contribute if needed. The coach will monitor Bremer’s condition closely over the coming days before deciding whether to start him or manage his minutes.
Defensive shape under review
The main question heading into the Roma match concerns Spalletti’s tactical setup. The Juventus coach has hinted at a possible shift towards a four-man defence, experimenting with a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation. In recent weeks, the team has consistently started with a back three, only switching to four at various points during games, such as the recent encounter with Pafos.
If Spalletti sticks with a back three, the likely rotation will see Bremer and Rugani competing for a place alongside Kelly and Cabal. Should he opt for a back four, several positional adjustments could follow: Cabal may drop to left-back after his impressive performance, with Pierre Kalulu moving across to the right. In that scenario, the central pairing could consist of Kelly with either Bremer or Rugani, depending on the Brazilian’s physical readiness.
At this stage, all options remain open, and the final decision will depend on the next few training sessions at Continassa. What is certain is that Spalletti’s tactical flexibility continues to shape Juventus’ evolution — and the defensive decisions ahead of Roma could offer further insight into the team’s long-term direction under the new coach.
