Juventus travel to Cremonese on Saturday night seeking back-to-back Serie A wins and a fresh start under new head coach Luciano Spalletti, while the hosts aim to extend their unbeaten home run and continue their impressive return to the top flight.
Amid more chaos at Italy’s most decorated football institution, Juventus finally brought an end to their prolonged winless streak in midweek, and now they turn their attention to Saturday night’s clash with Cremonese—a fixture that carries both historical weight and contemporary intrigue. The Bianconeri, long accustomed to dominance, find themselves in unfamiliar territory: seventh in the Serie A standings, struggling for consistency, and once again undergoing a managerial transition. Their opponents, meanwhile, are riding a wave of optimism, having returned to the top flight with purpose and poise under Davide Nicola. Just one point separates the two sides, a fact that underscores the shifting dynamics in Italian football and sets the stage for a compelling contest at Stadio Giovanni Zini.
Juventus’ decision to part ways with Igor Tudor earlier this week was both expected and unprecedented. After eight games without a win and a series of disjointed performances, the club’s hierarchy acted decisively, ushering in a new era under Luciano Spalletti. It marks the third consecutive season in which Juve have changed managers mid-campaign—a statistic that speaks volumes about the instability that has plagued the club since the departure of Massimiliano Allegri. Spalletti, fresh from a turbulent stint with the national team, now inherits a squad brimming with talent but lacking cohesion. His task is formidable: restore belief, instill structure, and guide Juventus back to the upper echelons of both domestic and European competition.
Interim coach Massimo Brambilla provided a much-needed boost on Wednesday, overseeing a 3-1 victory over Udinese that ended Juve’s goal drought and injected some much-needed confidence into the dressing room. Dusan Vlahovic opened the scoring from the penalty spot, ending a barren run and notching his 90th Serie A goal—a milestone that reflects his enduring quality despite recent struggles. Federico Gatti’s header and Kenan Yildiz’s late strike sealed the win, marking Juventus’ first three-point haul since their dramatic Derby d’Italia triumph in mid-September. The performance was far from flawless, but it offered glimpses of the attacking intent and defensive resilience that Spalletti will seek to cultivate.
The new manager’s immediate challenge lies in addressing Juventus’ poor away form. With just four points collected on the road so far, the Bianconeri have looked vulnerable outside the Allianz Stadium, often lacking the intensity and tactical discipline required to grind out results. Their last visit to Cremona ended in a narrow 1-0 win, courtesy of a goal from Arkadiusz Milik—who remains sidelined with a long-term injury. This time, the stakes are higher, the margins finer, and the pressure more acute. Spalletti must decide whether to retain Tudor’s preferred three-man defense, which Brambilla also employed, or revert to his favored 4-3-3 formation—a system that could better utilize Juve’s attacking assets and provide greater midfield control.
Cremonese, meanwhile, are enjoying a renaissance of their own. Back in Serie A after a two-year absence, the Grigiorossi have made an impressive start to life under Davide Nicola, collecting 14 points from nine matches and sitting comfortably above the relegation zone. Their midweek victory over Genoa was both timely and significant, ending a five-game winless run and reaffirming their credentials as a competitive force. Federico Bonazzoli was the star of the show, scoring twice to secure the win and take his season tally to four goals. His partnership with Jamie Vardy—who recently netted his first Serie A goal—has added a new dimension to Cremonese’s attack, blending experience, movement, and finishing prowess.
The hosts have been particularly strong at home, going unbeaten in four league games at the Zini with one win and three draws. Their defensive organization and tactical discipline have made them difficult to break down, and they will look to frustrate Juventus with a compact shape and quick transitions. Nicola’s side have shown they can rise to the occasion, having stunned AC Milan at San Siro on the opening day, and they will be eager to replicate that performance against another of Italy’s giants. The historical record may not favor them—Cremonese have taken just one point from their last six meetings with Juventus, most of which occurred decades ago—but the current context offers a rare opportunity to rewrite the narrative.
Team news adds further intrigue to the encounter. Juventus remain without South American defensive duo Bremer and Juan Cabal, both sidelined by injury, while Milik continues his recovery. Khephren Thuram is a doubt after being withdrawn from the squad against Udinese, potentially paving the way for Weston McKennie to retain his place in midfield. Vlahovic is expected to lead the line once again, supported by Yildiz and possibly Federico Chiesa, whose pace and creativity could be vital in breaking down Cremonese’s defense. Spalletti may also consider giving minutes to Moise Kean or Matias Soulé, depending on the tactical setup and game state.
Cremonese will be buoyed by the return of first-choice goalkeeper Emil Audero, a product of Juventus’ youth system, who recovered from injury to feature in midweek. His presence adds stability to the backline, which may be tested by Juve’s renewed attacking intent. Alberto Grassi, Antonio Sanabria, and Faris Moumbagna face late fitness tests, while Michele Collocolo remains unavailable. Franco Vazquez is pushing for a recall and could feature in a deeper role, linking midfield and attack. The tactical flexibility offered by Nicola’s squad allows for multiple formations, but a 3-5-2 or 4-4-2 setup seems most likely, with Bonazzoli and Vardy spearheading the offense.
Tactically, the match promises to be a battle of contrasts. Juventus, under Spalletti, may seek to dominate possession, control the tempo, and create overloads in wide areas. Cremonese, by contrast, will likely adopt a more reactive approach, sitting deep and looking to exploit spaces on the counter. The midfield duel will be crucial, with Adrien Rabiot and Manuel Locatelli tasked with dictating play and breaking up opposition attacks. Set-pieces could also play a decisive role—Juventus have been vulnerable from corners and free-kicks, while Cremonese have shown proficiency in such situations.
Psychologically, the fixture carries immense weight for both sides. For Juventus, it is a chance to turn the page, to begin a new chapter under Spalletti and restore their aura of invincibility. The players will be eager to impress the new boss, and a win could serve as a catalyst for a sustained resurgence. For Cremonese, it is an opportunity to test themselves against elite opposition, to measure their progress and perhaps claim a landmark victory. The atmosphere at the Zini will be electric, and the home crowd could play a pivotal role in driving their team forward.
In the broader context of the Serie A season, Saturday’s clash is more than just a meeting of two teams—it is a reflection of the league’s evolving landscape. Juventus, once untouchable, are now vulnerable, while clubs like Cremonese are rising with ambition and belief. The result could have significant implications for both sides: a win for Juve would stabilize their campaign and build momentum, while a positive result for Cremonese would reinforce their status as one of the season’s surprise packages. The margins are fine, the stakes high, and the narrative compelling. At Stadio Zini, history and hope collide, and by the final whistle, one team will have taken a crucial step forward.
