Juventus, if Inzaghi were to arrive: who would be the perfect fit and who could lose their place in the team
Inzaghi’s future could be in Italy, with Juventus among the possible destinations. Their current squad would suit the manager’s tactical philosophy only in part.
Simone Inzaghi could return to Italy, with Juventus among his possible destinations. But their current squad would only partly suit the former Inter and Lazio manager's tactical approach.
With his Al-Hilal contract due to expire in June 2027, Inzaghi has not ruled out a return to Serie A. His agent, Federico Pastorello, said of the Piacenza-born manager last May: "He absolutely wants to spend a second year at Al Hilal now. Sooner or later, though, he will return to Italy too." Yesterday, Pastorello played down growing rumours that Inzaghi had already decided to return to Italy for the 2027-28 season: "No decision has been made regarding Inzaghi's future."
Juventus consider Inzaghi
Among the top Italian clubs considering Inzaghi for the future are Napoli and Juventus. Juventus chief executive Giovanni Carnevali wants to stick with Luciano Spalletti until the end of the season, avoiding any upheaval before planning for the following season, preferably with Champions League qualification secured. Inzaghi tops Carnevali's list of potential future managers, ahead of Antonio Conte.
Would the current Juventus squad suit Inzaghi's 3-5-2?
Any move remains ten months away, and the January transfer window could still change Juventus's squad. For now, Inzaghi's preferred 3-5-2 offers a way to assess the players at his disposal. He has used it for almost all of his career, switching to a 3-4-2-1 during matches.
The defence
At the back, Juventus have no problems. Inzaghi has built his career and his victories on a back three, and all their defenders (Kalulu, Gatti, Lucumì, Bremer, Kelly, Cabal and Rugani) can play in one. For some, particularly Bremer and Gatti, it is more natural than a back four.
The midfield
Across central midfield, Locatelli, Koopmeiners, Douglas Luiz, Thuram, Sarr and McKennie could all play in the three in front of the defence, or in the two if Inzaghi switched to a 3-4-2-1. Juventus would still be slightly short of quality, whatever the formation or manager. A possible move for Hakan Calhanoglu is worth watching: he was a key figure in Inzaghi's Inter side, and his contract with Inter expires in June 2027.
The wide players
Out wide, the fit is less comfortable, both in defence and attack. A 3-5-2 or 3-4-2-1 needs physically strong wing-backs who can cover ground. Celik and Cambiaso are hard to picture in that role, as are Kalulu and Cabal when playing as full-backs. Juventus also have plenty of wide attackers. Yildiz, Alajbegovic, Conceicao, Boga, Nico Gonzalez and Zhegrova would have to play as a second striker in a 3-5-2 or behind the striker in a 3-4-2-1. Otherwise, Inzaghi would have to change his usual approach to suit the players available.
The attack
Up front, the formation presents no tactical problems for Kolo Muani, Woltemade (who is, in any case, on a straight loan until June), Ekhator or Milik. They all suit Inzaghi's system. Whether they can make an impact and, above all, score goals would remain the question for Inzaghi, just as it is for Spalletti, regardless of the formation.
