Juventus Face Crisis as Spalletti Battles to Save Champions League Hopes
London, 25 February 2026 – Juventus Football Club has entered a critical period following a string of poor results that has left the “Old Lady” of Italian football reeling. Currently enduring a five-match winless streak across all competitions, manager Luciano Spalletti is under intense scrutiny as the club prepares for a season-defining UEFA Champions League playoff second leg against Galatasaray. The atmosphere in Turin has grown increasingly tense following a shock domestic defeat and a heavy continental loss in Istanbul.
Crisis in Turin: Five Games Without a Win
The pressure on Luciano Spalletti reached a boiling point this week following a 2-0 home defeat to Como in Serie A. The loss has compounded a miserable run for the Bianconeri, who have recorded four losses and one draw in their last five outings. This sequence includes a 3-2 defeat to Inter Milan and a 2-2 draw with Lazio. Supporters have expressed growing frustration with the team’s lack of leadership and tactical cohesion, particularly in defence.
The most significant blow came in the Champions League playoff first leg, where Juventus suffered a 5-2 “self-destruction” against Galatasaray. Spalletti’s side now faces the daunting task of overturning a three-goal deficit in the return leg on Wednesday. Despite the current slump, reports suggest the club is still prepared to offer Spalletti a contract extension, potentially handing him greater control over transfer strategy to oversee a summer squad revamp.
Transfer Rumours and Squad Updates
While the immediate focus remains on the pitch, the Juventus boardroom is active. American midfielder Weston McKennie has reportedly reached a verbal agreement to extend his stay in Turin until June 2030, with a salary package worth approximately £3.3 million (€4m) net per year.
In terms of outgoings, Manchester City are rumoured to be preparing a £54 million (€65m) bid for full-back Andrea Cambiaso. On the recruitment front, Juventus are heavily linked with Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario and Liverpool’s Alisson, as the club looks to secure a long-term successor for the goalkeeping position. For the upcoming clash against Galatasaray, second-choice keeper Mattia Perin is expected to start in place of Michele Di Gregorio.
Juventus FC: Key Facts and Honours
Founded in 1897, Juventus remains the most successful club in Italian football history. Below are the essential facts regarding the club’s stature and achievements.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Juventus Football Club |
| Nickname | La Vecchia Signora (The Old Lady) |
| Stadium | Allianz Stadium (Capacity: 41,507) |
| Serie A Titles | 36 (Record holders) |
| Coppa Italia Titles | 15 |
| European Success | First club to win all three major UEFA competitions |
| Current Manager | Luciano Spalletti |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the score in the first leg against Galatasaray?
Juventus lost 5-2 to Galatasaray in Istanbul. They must win the second leg by at least three goals to keep their Champions League hopes alive.
Who is Juventus’ current top transfer target?
Recent reports indicate a strong interest in Premier League goalkeepers, specifically Guglielmo Vicario from Tottenham and Alisson from Liverpool, as part of a planned summer squad overhaul.
Has Weston McKennie signed a new contract?
As of 25 February 2026, McKennie has verbally agreed to a new deal until 2030, though the official signing has yet to be formally announced by the club.
When did Juventus move to their current stadium?
The club moved to the Juventus Stadium (now known as the Allianz Stadium) in 2011, which was built on the site of their former ground, the Stadio delle Alpi.