Juventus are shaping a longer-term plan to restore a stronger Italian core to the squad, with chief executive Giovanni Carnevali placing young domestic talent at the centre of the club’s thinking.
Speaking at the Festival dello Sport in Trento, Carnevali acknowledged that the task will not be straightforward. Juventus need players capable of meeting the club’s level, he said, but the intention is to bring in more Italian footballers as well as prospects with room to grow.
“I would like to give the side a little more Italian identity and recruit more Italian players,” Carnevali said. “Finding strong Italian players is not easy because Juventus require strong players, but that is the objective. We also want young players with real potential.”
A domestic base alongside the academy
The club already have Italian prospects in their Vinovo youth system, including Ghiotto, Corigliano, Elimoghale and Pipitò. The wider recruitment plan, however, points towards a number of players who have already established themselves elsewhere in Italy and abroad.
Goalkeeper is one area under consideration. Guglielmo Vicario is currently on loan at Torino and could be signed from Tottenham at the end of the season for €8 million. Juventus are also considering Lorenzo Palmisani, the Frosinone goalkeeper who has been one of the early revelations of the campaign.
Palmisani had been assessed in previous months without a deal progressing. Juventus, with Carnevali and Frederic Massara benefiting from good relations with Frosinone, are now considering an early move that would bring him to Continassa after the season.
Midfield remains a key focus
Juventus have kept watch on Michael Kayode’s development over several seasons. The Borgomanero-born wide player came through the Juventus youth ranks before making his name after moving from Fiorentina to Brentford in January 2025. His increasing value and Brentford’s Premier League position would make any negotiation difficult.
The Italian options being followed are particularly numerous in midfield. Cher Ndour of Fiorentina remains a player admired by Juventus, having become an important figure for Italy Under-21s and made significant progress over the past year.
Luciano Spalletti is also known to hold Davide Frattesi in high regard. Frattesi has revived his momentum since joining Lazio, who could make the move permanent at season’s end for €15 million.
Alessandro Romano is another name on Juventus’ list, although the Cagliari midfielder is attracting attention from Inter and other leading Italian clubs. The 20-year-old has recently made his senior Italy debut. Massara knows Romano from their time at Roma and helped arrange the player’s developmental loan to Spezia last January.
Frosinone connection could extend to attack
Frosinone could also become relevant to Juventus’ plans in the forward areas. Antonio Raimondo made a striking impact across the opening five Serie A matches before being sidelined through injury, and he may form part of discussions alongside Palmisani.
Samuele Inacio is another attacking prospect being monitored by Carnevali and Massara. The 18-year-old is currently at Coverciano with Mancini’s group and has already made his Borussia Dortmund debut, scoring on his first-team introduction.
Carnevali has made no secret of the obstacles involved in rebuilding Juventus around a more substantial Italian presence. Yet the direction is clear: recruit proven quality where possible, identify younger players before the market becomes more difficult, and gradually restore a domestic backbone to the side.
