A New Chapter for Juventus

Since the first weekend of the 2025-26 season, a lot has changed for Juventus. The initial match against Parma on August 24 seemed to promise a promising start, but the team soon faced challenges that led to Igor Tudor’s departure and Luciano Spalletti taking over. Despite the early struggles, the Bianconeri have made significant progress, currently sitting just one point off the top four in Serie A.

Juventus recently rebounded from a tough start in the Champions League, finishing in a respectable 13th place in the league phase table. The next step for the team is a play-off round against Galatasaray, with the winner set to face either Liverpool or Tottenham in the UCL Round of 16. This upcoming schedule also includes the second Derby d’Italia of the season against Inter Milan at the San Siro.

The immediate focus is on the return fixture against Parma, which will be crucial for maintaining pressure on Roma and Napoli. This match marks the only time in the next six weeks that Juve will face a team in the bottom half of the table, as they prepare for a series of challenging fixtures.

Parma’s Struggles and Challenges

Parma, currently 15th in the Serie A table, has had a difficult run, with only one win in their last six matches. They suffered a 4-0 defeat against Atalanta, which has left them just six points above the relegation zone. With Fiorentina sitting in 18th place on 17 points, Parma’s position is precarious, and any further struggles could lead to a relegation battle.

Juve must be cautious, as the last trip to Parma did not go well. While the team has some time to recover, the upcoming fixtures are critical. After facing Parma, Juventus will face a demanding schedule, including matches against Atalanta, Lazio, Inter, Galatasaray, Como, and Roma.

Spalletti’s Strategy and Player Management

Spalletti acknowledged the challenges ahead, stating that the number of matches is increasing, and finding a balance between playing, resting, and training is essential. He expressed confidence in his players, who he described as top-class professionals.

The squad is feeling the effects of a busy January, with seven fixtures already played. Spalletti emphasized the need for rest and alternative solutions to manage the workload. However, he also stressed the importance of not overworking key players like Kenan Yildiz or Gleison Bremer, who have already accumulated many minutes.

Pierre Kalulu stands out as a player who consistently performs without showing signs of fatigue. His reliability is a valuable asset for the team.

Team News and Injuries

Spalletti confirmed no new injuries from the recent draw against Monaco. The injured players for the trip to Parma are Dusan Vlahovic, Daniele Rugani, and Arek Milik. Additionally, Jonas Rouhi joined Carrarese on loan for the remainder of the 2025-26 season.

Manuel Locatelli is one yellow card away from suspension, making his performance in the upcoming games crucial. The team’s focus is on managing the workload and ensuring key players are ready for the challenges ahead.

Player to Watch: Federico Gatti

In the probable starting lineup, there is a competition between Gleison Bremer and Federico Gatti. Bremer has been heavily involved, while Gatti has returned from injury. Spalletti may consider giving Gatti a start to ease him back into action, especially given Parma’s low goal-scoring rate.

Gatti’s first start since December could be a strategic move, allowing him to gain experience while facing a less threatening opponent. This decision aligns with the need to manage the squad’s workload effectively.

Match Details and Viewing Options

When: Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026.

Where: Stadio Ennio Tardini, Parma, Italy.

Official kickoff time: 8:45 p.m. local time in Italy and across Europe, 7:45 p.m. in the United Kingdom, 2:45 p.m. Eastern time, 1:45 p.m. Central time, 11:45 a.m. Pacific time.

HOW TO WATCH

Television: TNT Sports 1 (United Kingdom).

Online/Streaming: Paramount+, Amazon Prime USA, DAZN USA (United States); DAZN Canada; fuboTV Canada (Canada); DAZN UK (United Kingdom); DAZN Italia (Italy).

Other live viewing options can be found here, and as always, you can follow along with us live and all the stupid things we say on Bluesky. If you haven’t already, join the community on Black & White & Read All Over, and join in the discussion below.