Juventus head coach Thiago Motta has made an unusual call by requiring the entire squad and coaching staff to stay overnight at the team’s designated hotel before their Serie A fixture against Hellas Verona on Monday evening. According to Tuttosport, the players will follow their usual Sunday schedule, attending training in the morning before spending time with their families in the afternoon. Later that evening, they will report to the J-Hotel, where they will remain until departing for the Allianz Stadium on matchday.
This move deviates from Juventus’ standard approach, as overnight stays at the team hotel are typically reserved for early kickoffs, such as those at 11:30 or 14:00. Motta’s decision appears to be a response to the team’s recent Coppa Italia elimination, where they suffered a penalty shootout defeat to Empoli on Wednesday.
Injury Woes and Tactical Adjustments
Juventus will be without several key players for the upcoming fixture. The latest confirmed absentee is Francisco Conceicao, who has been sidelined due to a thigh issue. He joins a growing list of unavailable players, which includes long-term injury concerns such as Gleison Bremer, Juan Cabal, and Arkadiusz Milik. Additionally, Douglas Luiz, Nicolo Savona, and Renato Veiga will also be missing from the squad.
With these absences in mind, Motta is expected to make tactical adjustments. Reports suggest that Teun Koopmeiners may start on the bench, making way for a midfield duo of Manuel Locatelli and Khephren Thuram. The changes could be crucial as Juventus seek to bounce back from their recent disappointment and secure a vital victory.
Juventus Looking for a Response
Motta’s decision to keep the squad together overnight signals his intent to maintain focus and preparation levels ahead of the match. The Bianconeri will be eager to put their Coppa Italia exit behind them and shift their attention fully to their league campaign. With a number of key players sidelined, the match against Verona presents an opportunity for other members of the squad to step up and make an impact.
As Juventus prepare for this crucial encounter, all eyes will be on how Motta’s tactical decisions and team selections play out. A strong performance on Monday could help restore confidence and momentum as the Bianconeri aim to stay competitive in the Serie A race.
