Juventus return from the international break with little room for a gentle restart. Sunday’s visit to Cagliari opens a demanding sequence that will test Luciano Spalletti’s ability to keep his side moving upwards in Serie A while managing a European schedule that stretches into the first days of November.
The Sardinians have made an unexpectedly strong opening under Fabio Pisacane and sit fourth on 12 points, two clear of Juventus. That standing alone makes the trip awkward, but the memory of last season adds another layer: Juventus controlled the match against Cagliari yet left with a 1-0 defeat. Spalletti does not want another points slip in Sardinia, particularly with the need to recover ground in the table and avoid a difficult month being accompanied by criticism and renewed nostalgia among supporters for former coach Antonio Conte.
His approach is expected to be straightforward. Juventus will largely use their established starters against Cagliari before considering more substantial changes for Thursday’s Europa League journey to face Celta Vigo. The club have seven fixtures in roughly 20 days, across Serie A and Europe: away to Cagliari and Celta Vigo, then Lazio, Rennes, Lecce away, Genoa away and Napoli on 1 November. Four or five alterations are anticipated in Spain, although the final plan will depend on the condition of 12 international players due back in Turin between Tuesday and the middle of the week.
Spalletti looks for an immediate response
October has traditionally been one of Spalletti’s more productive months, bringing an average of 1.92 points per match during his career; only May, at 1.94, has been marginally better. This time, however, he must navigate the period without several injured players: Kenan Yildiz, Manuel Locatelli, Khephren Thuram, Kamil Grabara, Juan Cabal, Jeremie Boga and Ekhator are unavailable. The coach has options elsewhere and expects the Europa League campaign to offer opportunities across the squad, but Cagliari is not the occasion for excessive calculation.
Bremer is set to return at the heart of a three-man defence. Pierre Kalulu, who started only twice in France’s four recent games under Zinedine Zidane, is expected to play alongside him. John Lucumi is due back in Turin later than the other internationals, leaving Spalletti with a late decision to make. If he is judged ready, Lucumi should start; if caution wins out, Lloyd Kelly will come in, with Kelly and Federico Gatti likely to be used in Europe.
Weston McKennie used the break to work on his fitness and remains difficult to leave out. There is more consideration around Zeki Celik, who has been used heavily by both Spalletti and Turkey coach Vincenzo Montella since the season began. Andrea Cambiaso is now available again, and the expectation is that one of the two will begin in Cagliari while the other starts in Vigo.
Douglas, refreshed by his return to the Brazil national set-up, is expected to lead Juventus with Sarr. Further forward, Spalletti is prepared to continue with Randal Kolo Muani despite the Frenchman’s difficult recent outing against Cremonese, when he did not register a shot on target. Kolo Muani is still looking for his first Serie A goal of 2026, having scored only in Europe so far.
The coach will also hope that European football can again help Woltemade, who found the net against NEC but endured an unproductive spell with Germany under Jurgen Klopp: two appearances, no goals and a major missed chance. Francisco Conceicao has shown with Portugal against Norway that his thigh knock is behind him and is likely to start against Cagliari. His greater balance makes him the preferred opening option, while Edon Zhegrova, who returned from Kosovo duty with a goal and an assist, could be introduced later. Zhegrova cannot play in Europe, increasing the importance of his possible role on Sunday. Nico Gonzalez is also in line to retain his place.
For Juventus, the challenge is not merely to survive a crowded calendar. Cagliari is the first measure of whether Spalletti’s side can turn the break into a reset, protect themselves from an early stumble and begin October with the authority required for a month that will end with Napoli.
