Juventus commenced their pre-season activities with a 2-2 draw against Serie B side Reggiana in their first summer friendly at Continassa, Turin. This match, held after merely a week of training and just hours before the team`s departure for further preparations in Germany, offered initial insights into the squad and potential strategic directions under new coach Igor Tudor. Here are the main observations from today’s game:
Bremer`s Promising Return
Brazilian central defender Gleison Bremer made his first appearance under Igor Tudor since recovering from a significant cruciate ligament injury that sidelined him for most of the 2024-25 season. Bremer started the friendly and played for 45 minutes, after which Tudor introduced a completely new Juventus XI, at times experimenting with a 4-2-3-1 formation in the second half. Bremer appeared to be in good condition, demonstrating his aerial dominance by winning several duels and actively pressing high up the pitch to recover possession in the opponent`s half on a couple of occasions. Juventus` subsequent vulnerability to long balls and crosses in the second half underscored Bremer`s critical importance to the team this season. His performance also suggested that the Serie A giants might need additional defensive reinforcements to effectively manage three competitions in the 2025-26 season.
Jonathan David`s Notable Impact
Similar to Bremer, Canadian forward Jonathan David featured in the first half and showcased considerable sharpness both with and without the ball. Despite being twice denied by Reggiana`s impressive goalkeeper, Edoardo Motta, the former Lille striker made a significant contribution by providing the assist for Francisco Conceiçao’s equalizer in the first half. While Dusan Vlahovic, who was introduced at halftime, scored in the second half, David appeared slightly more composed on the ball, especially in congested areas, compared to the Serbian international during the initial half of the match.
Signals from the Transfer Market
Igor Tudor`s squad selection for the friendly provided clear hints about players who are likely available for transfer this summer. Douglas Luiz, Arthur, and Timothy Weah were notably absent from the matchday squad, not even making the bench against Reggiana, which strongly indicates their potential departure from the club. In contrast, other players who have been linked with moves away, including Dusan Vlahovic and Nico Gonzalez, each played 45 minutes. Nico started as a right wing-back and occasionally transitioned into an attacking midfield role, allowing Teun Koopmeiners to operate deeper. Vlahovic displayed a positive attitude and posed a threat from set pieces, converting one goal and hitting the crossbar from a corner kick routine. Furthermore, several players returning from loan spells were given opportunities to play: Fabio Miretti and Filip Kostic in the first half, and Daniele Rugani and Tiago Djaló after the break. However, none of these returning players, particularly the two defenders, made a particularly compelling impression.