Concern is rising within Juventus as the season opener approaches, not just due to a lack of positive news from the transfer market but also concerning the state of the squad. With just nine days to go before their first match against newly promoted Como on September 19, head coach Thiago Motta is facing a squad that is alarmingly thin.
Currently, there are ten players on the transfer list, essentially a full starting XI. The notables include goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, defenders Mattia De Sciglio, Daniele Rugani, and Nicolò Rovella, as well as midfielders Weston McKennie, Arthur, and Nicolussi Caviglia. Forwards Filip Kostić and Federico Chiesa are also included in this group. Adding to the challenge, the young talents Savona and Rouhi are likely to split their time between the first team and Next Gen.
This leaves Motta with merely 16 players available, including three goalkeepers. While it is still early in the season, planning for a starting lineup against Como based on pre-season friendlies against Nuremberg and Brest reveals significant challenges. The Ital-Brazilian manager has opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, which can shift to a 4-1-4-1, a style he effectively employed while at Bologna.
However, even with the chosen formation, the squad’s depth is a serious concern. Out of the 16 players, only 13 are field players. This means the starting goalkeeper will be Di Gregorio, with Perin and Pinsoglio on the bench for any goalkeeping emergencies. The defensive line is currently shored up by Cambiaso (who will be playing out of position on the right), central defenders Danilo and Bremer, and Cabal on the left. The only back-up defender Motta has is Federico Gatti, highlighting the lack of options.
In midfield, new signings Douglas Luiz and Thuram will take center stage, with Manuel Locatelli as the sole alternative since Miretti is sidelined due to injury. The forward line features a rejuvenated Timothy Weah and an adapted Nicolò Fagioli playing as an attacking midfielder behind leading striker Dusan Vlahovic. On the bench, there’s only Arkadiusz Milik, who has just escaped the list of players deemed surplus to requirements. With young talent Adzic out injured, Milik is the only available offensive alternative.
This leaves Motta with only three movement options for substitutions—Gatti, Locatelli, and Milik—which severely limits tactical flexibility. Although it may seem early in the season, with a squad this thin right before the campaign begins, there appears to be an urgent need for action in the transfer market.