Juventus

Juventus

After being held to a 1-1 draw by Lecce and missing out on a fifth straight win, Juventus wasted no time in responding. Just three days later, they produced a commanding display in Reggio Emilia, defeating Sassuolo 3-0. Jonathan David finally broke his Serie A scoring duck with a cathartic strike, making amends for his costly penalty miss against Lecce. That goal capped a performance that underlined Juve's growing confidence under Luciano Spalletti, who has overseen eight wins in their last 10 matches

For 16 years now, we've asked smart people what they think will happen in the coming year in the world of journalism and digital media. And this year's collection of predictions, published last month, is the biggest - and, I think, the best - yet. (I may be uniquely qualified to make that judgment, as I am certainly the only human to have read all 1,881 predictions we've ever published.)

We need to improve our choices in the box. We put the ball into dangerous areas many times, both in the first and second half, but we never found the right touch to redirect it. That's where we have to grow. We played a good match, a very good match. The result always makes the difference, of course, but there were clear steps forward in our performance. David is a penalty taker, and he takes them very well. He made the right choice, going down the middle; he just didn't lift it enough.

According to Italian outlet Tuttosport, the Reds are among the clubs tracking the 20-year-old. Yldz has been one of Juventus' standout performers this season, contributing seven goals and six assists across all competitions. Comfortable operating across the front line or drifting into pockets as a second forward, the Turkey international is viewed by scouts as one of the most complete attacking prospects in Europe.

For Juventus, the appeal is clear. The Bianconeri are keen to add balance to their defensive unit and have prioritised the signing of a left-footed central defender who can operate comfortably in a high line and build play from the back. Senesi's profile fits that brief well. Strong in duels, composed in possession, and experienced at both domestic and international level, he is seen as a player who could slot into Serie A seamlessly.

Juventus, our history and our values are not for sale,

I took it as a compliment, as a different way of describing my characteristics. I think that that's the way football is going these days, occupying the spaces that we create on the pitch. There's a lot [of comparisons], if I had to name a name, I'd say Calafiori. He starts at full-back and ends up in attack. That's how it is in general with Arsenal. I watch them, I study them,

Having failed to win any of their opening four Champions League matches, the pressure was on for the hosts, who fell behind 12 minutes in as Maxi Araujo drilled a pinpoint strike past Michele Di Gregorio. Luciano Spalletti's side grew into the contest, forcing Rui Silva into a pair of superb saves as Dusan Vlahovic first tested him with a close-range header, before bending a shot toward the far corner.

- Juventus are keeping tabs on Chelsea right back Malo Gusto, according to Calciomercato. The France international is viewed by Juve as a potential alternative to Atlético Madrid's Nahuel Molina, whom the club came close to signing back in the summer. With captain Reece James returning to form and fitness in the right back position, the Blues may sanction Gusto's exit if a suitable offer arrives.

Juventus represent a case study in what not to do, but also serve as a reminder that poor decisions in the recent past impact the present and the future, narrowing the ability of replacements to make optimal choices. Their next managerial move will determine if they descend further down their spiral, or if they finally start to rid their system of the poisons built up over the years.

Tottenham Hotspur are preparing to launch a major effort to bring back their former captain next summer, according to TeamTalk. The 32-year-old England international, currently starring in the Bundesliga, is believed to be open to a Premier League return as he eyes Alan Shearer's all-time scoring record of 260 goals. Sources close to Spurs suggest the club's ownership group, ENIC, are ready to "break the bank" to make it happen, covering the player's substantial release clause and matching his significant wages.