Juventus opens Spalletti era, visiting Cremonese in round 10

Luciano Spalletti begins his new Juventus job with a trip to the Stadio Giovanni Zini, where Cremonese are unbeaten in four consecutive Serie A home games. Pressure and expectation are mixed: the visitors have just broken an eight-game winless streak, but their away form remains alarming, with just four points from the start of the season. The gap between the two teams is just one point, making Spalletti's debut an immediate test of organisation and character.

Match information

League: Serie A

Round: 10

Venue: Stadio Giovanni Zini

Match time: 2:45 a.m. November 2, Vietnam time

Form and key statistics

• Juventus ended their eight-game winless streak by beating Udinese in midweek (under interim coach Massimo Brambilla).
• Juventus are 7th, having only won 4 away points since the start of the season.
• Cremonese have made a positive start under coach Davide Nicola, finishing just one point behind Juventus.
• Cremonese's 4-match unbeaten home run in Serie A: 1 win, 3 draws.

Recent confrontations

History is in favor of Juventus: Cremonese has only won 1 point in the last 6 meetings. In the last encounter (5/2023), Juventus won 1-0 at the opponent's field.

Force

Juventus

• Absent: Bremer, Juan Cabal (injured); Arkadiusz Milik (long-term injury).
• Open: Khephren Thuram. Weston McKennie could continue to start.

Cremonese

• Absent: Michele Collocolo.
• Fitness doubts: Alberto Grassi, Antonio Sanabria, Faris Moumbagna.
• Goalkeeper Emil Audero has recovered and returned.

Expected lineup

Tactical analysis: Spalletti's first test

The open question for the launch day: will Spalletti immediately deploy his preferred 4-3-3, or maintain the old three-man defence to reduce disruption? According to the data from the source, 4-3-3 is the most likely choice, with McKennie – Locatelli – Koopmeiners occupying the central position, and Conceicao and Yildiz as wide exponents supporting Vlahovic.

In a 4-3-3 structure, Juventus needed to control the midfield early to neutralize Cremonese’s compact defensive style. Locatelli’s role was key in developing the ball from the second line, while McKennie assisted in progressing the ball and winning the ball. The tactical consequence was that the spaces in the half-spaces were available for Vlahovic to run into for crosses or low balls across goal.

For Cremonese, the 5-3-2 provides a thick defensive layer in front of the central defenders, while also focusing on quick counter-attacks. The hot spot will appear in the midfield as Bondo – Payero – Vandeputte try to stifle Juventus’s passing. Up front, the Bonazzoli – Vardy duo exploit gaps behind the visitors’ defense, especially when Juventus are without Bremer and Juan Cabal.

Notable players

Federico Bonazzoli (Cremonese)

The home team's top scorer with 4 goals in Serie A. His double in the previous round against Genoa showed his ability to seize opportunities, turning any transitional situation into a dangerous finish.

Dusan Vlahovic (Juventus)

Scoring from the penalty spot against Udinese gave Vlahovic a chance to regain his touch and confidence. In a 4-3-3 system, he is the preferred end point for balls from the wings and attacks into the middle.

Comments

Cremonese have home advantage and are in good form, but Juventus have the “new coach effect” and the drive to prove themselves with Luciano Spalletti. The problem is the ability to dominate midfield and limit the home team’s counter-attacks. The most likely scenario: a tight game, with the away team winning by a narrow margin.

Prediction: Cremonese 1-2 Juventus

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