Juventus go to Sassuolo for Sassuolo vs Juventus with nine first-team players missing and only Douglas Luiz and Teun Koopmeiners available as natural central midfield options. Luciano Spalletti is being forced into a makeshift approach before Saturday's trip, and Juventus's Europa League opener against NEC Nijmegen arrives next week.

The midfield shortage

The simplest problem is the one in the middle of the pitch. With just two recognised central midfielders available, Juventus have very little room to manage the game in the usual way, and that makes selection just as important as shape.

Spalletti's challenge is not limited to one missing name or one changed role. The absence list is large enough to alter the balance of the side, especially with a European match against NEC Nijmegen around the corner. That leaves Juventus trying to get through Sassuolo without overloading the same players twice in a week.

The wider concern is that this is landing despite a decent start in Serie A. Juventus have taken seven points from their opening three league matches, but they have also scored only four goals from 55 attempts. That is a decent platform on the table, yet it leaves them vulnerable when the squad thins out.

Why Sassuolo can make it awkward

Sassuolo are not just a backdrop here. They have won two of their last three home meetings with Juventus, and they held them to a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture a few weeks later. Under Alberto Aquilani, they have also made a positive start, which gives the home side enough reason to think this can be uncomfortable for the visitors.

That does not mean Juventus walk into Reggio Emilia as underdogs, but it does mean the usual depth advantage is reduced. Federico Gatti and Kenan Yıldız are part of the projected discussion around the XI, while the central midfield choices remain the key issue around Spalletti's planning.

The job now is to get through Sassuolo without further damage and still have something left for Europe. Juventus already know the next test comes quickly, with NEC Nijmegen due in Turin next week.

Written by Daniel Hartley with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 2 outlets. How we work →