Juventus Next Gen faced a disappointing start to their Serie C campaign, suffering a 4-3 defeat against Cerignola. Despite high hopes for the season under coach Montero, this loss raised questions about the team’s potential, especially given their higher average age of 23.7 years and the experience many players have in the league.
The defeat has sparked discussions about the effectiveness of the project, as several players are now appearing to be past the point where an immediate promotion to the top tier seems likely. As the transfer window draws to a close, the club will surely reassess the situation, especially since many players underperformed in the opening match, leaving doubts about their future contributions.
Among the older players, only Martin Palumbo stood out. The 2002-born midfielder impressed by scoring a goal and providing an assist during injury time, showcasing his abilities and readiness for a higher level. Cosenza is reportedly interested in acquiring him before the transfer window shuts, but it remains uncertain whether he will leave. Last season, Allegri had considered him a valuable prospect, and his work ethic suggests that he continues to develop positively.
However, the initial match displayed concerns primarily in defense, where the absence of Scaglia, a player brought in from Serie B for his experience, was felt. His leadership was missing, as younger defenders struggled to adapt. Furthermore, Peeters, who had performed decently last season at Sudtirol, did not make a significant impact. Another player, Da Graca, also failed to meet expectations and needs to improve his game to advance his career.
Despite this rocky beginning, there is no need for alarm. Juventus Next Gen typically starts their seasons with challenges but eventually finds their footing and grows throughout the campaign. This pattern has been observed consistently over their first six seasons in Serie C. Looking ahead, the club is set to hold a meeting at their Vinovo training facility on Monday to strategize for the remainder of the transfer window.