Juventus are trying to give their next cycle a more recognisably Italian foundation. After a first transfer window dominated by overseas arrivals, the club’s planning at Continassa is turning towards a wider domestic core, with Guglielmo Vicario’s future and a group of younger Italian targets central to the discussion.
A return to an Italian spine
Giovanni Carnevali, Juventus’s chief executive, set out the direction during Thursday’s Festival dello Sport in Trento. Of the ten new signings made in the first window, eight arrived with foreign passports; Ekhator and Vicario were the exceptions. The intention now is to increase the number of Italian players in the squad.
Carnevali identified Frosinone goalkeeper Lorenzo Palmisani as a player of interest, stressing that his nationality is relevant as well as his potential. Juventus do not want their 2027 side to resemble a team of international outfield players with Vicario as the only Italian presence between the posts.
The club are not expecting to reproduce the figures of their most successful modern era. There are no direct replacements for Gianluigi Buffon, or for the Barzagli-Bonucci-Chiellini defensive unit, while Marchisio, Pirlo and Del Piero remain standards rather than templates. But Juventus believe trophies have traditionally come with a strong Azzurri backbone, and they are looking for players who can add to a group led by Manuel Locatelli.
Vicario has changed the goalkeeper picture
- Juventus spent the summer assessing foreign goalkeeping options including Alisson, Martinez and Suzuki.
- Vicario instead arrived from Tottenham on loan and has made a stronger impression than anticipated.
- The 29-year-old has offered reliability in goal, confidence with the ball at his feet and an important presence in the dressing room.
- After the defeat in Reggio Emilia, he addressed the situation publicly, a response that helped him win over teammates and ease doubts among part of the support.
- The Friulian goalkeeper wants to remain for the long term at the club he considers his dream team, while Juventus are increasingly inclined to keep him.
The financial terms strengthen that position. Vicario’s permanent transfer would cost Juventus €8 million, and confidence is growing that an agreement with Tottenham can be reached.
Keeping Vicario would not necessarily close the door on Palmisani. Juventus would like to move early for the Frosinone goalkeeper, who has emerged with Italy Under-21s, potentially making their approach as soon as January. The two could eventually be competing together in Turin.
Premier League defenders under observation
Juventus are also tracking Italian defenders in England. Riccardo Calafiori and Marco Palestra, both at Arsenal, are viewed as difficult propositions because of their standing and likely cost. The attention is therefore more firmly on Giovanni Leoni of Liverpool and Brentford full-back Michael Kayode.
Leoni, 19, joined Liverpool after his time at Parma but saw last season disrupted by a serious knee injury. Juventus explored the possibility of a loan in recent months, without Liverpool opening negotiations. The English club expect the Roman defender to return after the international break, but Juventus have not abandoned their interest.
Technical director Massara and sporting director Ottolini have arranged for Leoni to be watched weekly by club scouts as they assess whether he could become a future option.
Kayode is another name on the list. The 22-year-old from Borgomanero spent part of his childhood in Juventus colours and has recently marked his Italy debut under coach Mancini with a goal. Juventus expect that he may not remain at Brentford indefinitely and have positioned themselves among the clubs monitoring his situation.
Ndour fits a midfield requirement
Midfield is another area where Juventus want more power and running capacity over the coming windows. Cher Ndour of Fiorentina has been considered among the Italian possibilities.
The 22-year-old, already part of Italy’s Under-21 setup, has moved through several stages of European football and grew up admiring Paul Pogba. His profile is being assessed as Juventus prepare for January 2027 and, above all, the following summer, when the broader rebuilding work is expected to gather pace.
