Juventus enter the international break with a more reassuring answer at centre-forward. Randal Kolo Muani did not find his first Serie A goal against Atalanta, but his 88-minute contribution suggested that Luciano Spalletti now has a player far closer to the one he expected.
The decision
Kolo Muani underwent surgery at JMedical on a fracture to the little finger of his right hand, sustained during the first half of Sunday’s win over Atalanta. The operation is not expected to affect his availability for Juventus’ next league trip to Cagliari.
The France international has not been selected by his national team for the break, giving him time to recover fully and continue his work on physical condition. For Juventus, that is an important piece of news in a season already marked by absences.
He is the fourth Juventus player to require surgery during this difficult opening phase of the campaign, following Kenan Yildiz, Khéphren Thuram and Manuel Locatelli. Goalkeeper Grabara is also due to have an operation on his right knee shortly.
Spalletti’s squad had needed a response after the defeat to Sassuolo, and the three points against Atalanta brought one. Yet the wider significance of the afternoon lay in the signals offered by individuals, particularly Kolo Muani.
His recent Europa League goal against NEC had begun to change the mood around him. Against Atalanta, even without a league goal, he gave Juventus a complete centre-forward display: holding up possession, linking attacks, carrying the ball forward and allowing the side to move up the pitch.
The decisive contribution also came at the other end. Kolo Muani cleared a Kristensen header from the goal line to prevent Atalanta drawing level, a moment that preserved Juventus’ victory. “This is the mentality we need,” he said afterwards.
Spalletti praised both the recovery and the broader performance. The coach noted that Kolo Muani’s forward runs with the ball had helped the team relieve pressure, and said it was unfortunate that he had not scored after combining with Woltemade. “One more goal or one fewer does not change anything,” Spalletti said. “I am happy to see him happy and smiling. He will be October’s signing.”
The Allianz Stadium recognised the shift. When Kolo Muani was replaced by Kelly, the reaction was warm and sustained, a contrast to the doubts and whistles that had surrounded him earlier in the season.
Sunday’s picture
Juventus’ win over Atalanta immediately put the Sassuolo setback behind them and restored some calm before the pause. Kolo Muani came close to scoring after a one-two with Woltemade, but his afternoon carried value beyond the missed chance.
He returned to the role Juventus need from him: a forward able to give the side an outlet, bring teammates into play and contribute when the game turns towards his own penalty area. With Cagliari next, Juventus will expect him to resume that work and, eventually, add the Serie A goals still missing from his campaign.
