Once again setting their sights on reclaiming the Serie A crown, Juventus—Italy’s most decorated football club—will begin another chapter in their storied history on Sunday evening, welcoming Parma to the Allianz Stadium in Turin. The Bianconeri, once synonymous with domestic dominance, enter the 2025–26 campaign burdened by the weight of recent underachievement and the expectations of a fanbase that demands excellence. Their opponents, Parma, arrive with far more modest ambitions but no shortage of determination, having narrowly avoided relegation last season and now seeking to establish themselves as a stable top-flight side. The clash between these two clubs, each with its own narrative of redemption and resilience, promises to be a compelling curtain-raiser.
Juventus’s fall from grace has been gradual yet painful. After winning nine consecutive Serie A titles between 2012 and 2020, the club has failed to lift the Scudetto in the past five seasons, a drought that has exposed deep-rooted issues both on and off the pitch. Last season was emblematic of their struggles: a campaign riddled with inconsistency, tactical confusion, and boardroom chaos. Despite boasting one of the most expensive squads in the league, Juve only managed to scrape into fourth place, salvaging a Champions League berth but falling far short of their lofty standards. Their early exit from Europe’s premier competition—bowing out in the group stage—was a bitter pill to swallow, and their inability to convert draws into wins became a recurring theme. In fact, the team equaled a club record by drawing 20 matches across all competitions, a statistic that speaks volumes about their lack of cutting edge and mental fortitude.
The managerial merry-go-round added to the turmoil. Thiago Motta, appointed with great fanfare, was dismissed before completing his first season, his tenure undone by tactical rigidity and poor results. In March, the club turned to a familiar face: Igor Tudor, a former Juventus defender and assistant coach, who was handed the reins on an interim basis. To his credit, Tudor steadied the ship, instilling discipline and guiding the team to a respectable finish. His impact was significant enough that, after failed attempts to lure high-profile managers like Antonio Conte and Gian Piero Gasperini, the board opted to retain Tudor and entrust him with leading the team into the revamped Club World Cup. It was a pragmatic decision, reflecting both financial constraints and a desire for continuity.
Pre-season offered a glimpse of what Tudor’s Juventus might look like. The team traveled to the United States for a series of friendlies, where they showed flashes of promise before being eliminated by Real Madrid in the round of 16. The shortened schedule concluded with a 2–1 victory over Atalanta BC, a result that boosted morale and provided valuable minutes for new signings. However, movement in the transfer market has been limited, a consequence of past financial missteps and ongoing budgetary restrictions. The marquee arrival is Jonathan David, the Canadian striker signed from Lille, whose prolific record in Ligue 1—scoring at least 15 goals in each of the past four seasons—offers hope for a more potent attack.
David’s signing is particularly timely given the decline of Dusan Vlahovic. Once heralded as the future of Juventus’s frontline, Vlahovic has seen his stock plummet amid contract disputes and erratic finishing. His demotion from the starting XI is symbolic of the club’s broader transition, as Tudor seeks to build a team based on merit and performance rather than reputation. Alongside David, Joao Mario is another intriguing addition. The Portuguese winger, who arrived from Porto, is expected to start on the right flank, bringing pace and creativity to a side that often struggled to break down deep-lying defenses. Injuries remain a concern, with Nicolo Savona, Juan Cabal, and Fabio Miretti all sidelined, but the return of Brazilian center-back Bremer is a major boost. His leadership and aerial prowess will be vital in anchoring the defense.
Parma, meanwhile, begin the season with cautious optimism. Last year’s survival was hard-earned, culminating in a dramatic 3–2 victory over Atalanta on the final day that secured their place in Serie A for a second consecutive season—their first such feat since 2021. The Gialloblu’s campaign was defined by grit and resilience, particularly under the guidance of Cristian Chivu, who took over mid-season and transformed the team’s fortunes. Under Chivu, Parma lost just one of eight matches against top-half opposition, a remarkable turnaround that showcased their tactical discipline and fighting spirit. However, Chivu’s departure to Inter Milan left a void in the dugout, and the club’s decision to appoint Carlos Cuesta as his successor raised eyebrows across the league.
At just 30 years and 26 days old, Cuesta will become the third-youngest manager to debut in Serie A, a distinction that underscores both his potential and the gamble Parma are taking. A former assistant at Arsenal and ex-Juventus youth coach, Cuesta brings a modern, analytical approach to management, emphasizing positional play and data-driven decision-making. His appointment reflects Parma’s commitment to innovation and long-term planning, even if it comes with inherent risks. Cuesta’s first competitive match in charge—a 2–0 win over Pescara in the Coppa Italia—was encouraging, with the team displaying cohesion and attacking intent. That victory set up a second-round tie against Spezia and provided a platform for Cuesta to build upon.
Parma’s squad has undergone significant changes over the summer. Teenage defender Giovanni Leoni was sold to Liverpool, a move that highlights the club’s growing reputation for developing young talent. In attack, the loss of Ange-Yoan Bonny—who followed Chivu to Inter—was a blow, compounded by the unfortunate injury to his replacement, Matija Frigan, who suffered an ACL rupture. As a result, Marco Pellegrino is expected to lead the line. The forward impressed in the Coppa Italia, scoring twice against Pescara, and will be tasked with troubling a Juventus defense that can be vulnerable under pressure. Parma’s injury woes extend to Swedish winger Jacob Ondrejka, who is sidelined with a broken leg, while Botond Balogh is suspended, further limiting Cuesta’s options.
Tactically, the match presents a fascinating contrast. Juventus, under Tudor, are likely to adopt a pragmatic approach, focusing on defensive solidity and structured build-up play. The presence of David and Joao Mario adds dynamism to the attack, but the emphasis will be on control and minimizing risk. Parma, on the other hand, may look to exploit transitions and set pieces, using their underdog status to play with freedom and aggression. Cuesta’s philosophy suggests a willingness to press high and play out from the back, but he will need to balance ambition with caution against a team of Juventus’s caliber.
The historical head-to-head favors Juventus, but recent encounters tell a different story. Parma defeated the Bianconeri 1–0 at the Stadio Tardini in April and held them to a 2–2 draw in Turin earlier in the season. These results reflect the unpredictability of Serie A and the narrowing gap between traditional giants and emerging challengers. For Juventus, the match is an opportunity to exorcise the ghosts of last season and begin anew. For Parma, it is a chance to make a statement and prove that their resurgence is no fluke.
Beyond the tactical and statistical dimensions, the match carries emotional weight. Juventus are not just fighting for points—they are fighting for identity. The club’s recent years have been marked by scandal, mismanagement, and a loss of direction. Tudor’s appointment, while not glamorous, represents a return to basics: discipline, unity, and hard work. The players, many of whom have underperformed, must now rise to the occasion and embrace the challenge. The fans, loyal but restless, will be watching closely, hoping for signs of progress and passion.
Parma, too, are on a journey. Their history is rich with triumphs and tragedies, from European glory in the 1990s to financial collapse and rebirth. Under Cuesta, they are seeking a new chapter—one defined by youth, innovation, and resilience. The Allianz Stadium will be a daunting venue, but it also offers a stage for heroes to emerge and stories to be written.
As the teams take to the pitch, the stakes will be clear. Juventus must win to set the tone for a season of redemption. Parma must compete to validate their vision and inspire belief. The managers, each with their own philosophies and pressures, will pace the touchline, issuing instructions and reacting to every twist and turn. The fans, passionate and expectant, will lend their voices to the drama, creating an atmosphere that reflects the intensity of the occasion.
In the end, football is more than tactics and transfers—it is about moments. Moments of brilliance, of courage, of connection. Sunday’s match promises all of these and more. Whether it’s a stunning goal, a tactical masterstroke, or a last-minute twist, the contest will leave its mark. And as the final whistle blows, the questions will linger. Can Juventus reclaim their throne? Can Parma defy the odds? The answers will come, but for now, all eyes turn to Turin, where the story of the 2025–26 Serie A season begins in earnest.
