The first open training session of the season for Juventus took place at Continassa, creating a buzz among fans who greeted coach Thiago Motta with enthusiastic cheers. This excitement is partly due to the team’s impressive 3-0 victory in their opening match against Como, as well as the timeless allure of a fresh start. Motta smiled and acknowledged the supporters before shifting his focus entirely to training.
Among those on the pitch for the hour-and-a-half session was new signing Pierre Kalulu, but there was one notable absence: Arkadiusz Milik, who is still working towards fitness and faces the possibility of missing his second consecutive game against Verona.
During the physical conditioning portion of the training, Simon Colinet, the fitness coach, could be heard speaking in French, while on the main pitch, the only sounds were those of the players and Motta, who frequently stopped the drills for specific instructions. A significant emphasis was placed on ball control, with two goalkeepers participating in the group exercises. The first part of the training focused on maintaining possession under tight space and time constraints, encouraging teammates to find quick passing options. The intensity was high, marked by real challenges and minimal downtime.
Players like Manuel Locatelli and Nicolò Fagioli showcased their versatility during training, highlighting Motta’s specific attention on these two for their role in the team’s build-up play. The session ended with parallel drills for both attack and defense, in addition to repeats to build stamina ahead of the upcoming match against Verona.
A highlight of the Thursday session was the presence of around 450 fans, who took turns cheering for various players in exchange for waves and smiles. For Motta, building a cohesive team is vital, and this level of support from the fans can only bode well for his vision. Dusan Vlahovic and Kenan Yildiz were particularly popular among the supporters, and interestingly, Motta’s name rang out repeatedly, symbolizing a growing belief in this revamped Juventus side.