Luciano Spalletti and Juventus are discussing a new two-year contract and future technical plans to avoid repeating the past mistakes.
The honeymoon period for Luciano Spalletti at Juventus appears to be transitioning into a cold, calculated rebuilding phase.
While the former Italy coach is expected to sign a new two-year contract during the upcoming international break, his commitment comes with a caveat: he wants total control over summer recruitment and a significant thinning of the current roster.
Michele Di Gregorio and the Search for a World-Class No. 1
Perhaps the most shocking name on the “expendable” list is Michele Di Gregorio.
Despite being a major investment from Monza just a year ago, a recent downturn in form – highlighted by 13 goals conceded in a four-match stretch – has left Spalletti unconvinced.
Reports suggest Juventus are already eyeing a blockbuster replacement, with Liverpool’s Alisson Becker and Atalanta’s Marco Carnesecchi topping the wishlist.
For Di Gregorio, a summer exit now seems more likely than a fight for his spot, as the Old Lady demands immediate reliability between the sticks.
The Summer Signings Who Failed to Launch: Openda and Zhegrova
Juventus spent heavily in 2025 to bring in Lois Openda (€45m) and Edon Zhegrova (€15m), but neither has adapted to the tactical rigours of Serie A.
Openda, in particular, has seen his status plummet; even in the absence of Dusan Vlahovic and Jonathan David, Spalletti has infamously preferred playing Weston McKennie as a makeshift striker over the Belgian.
Vlahovic, meanwhile, has been linked with a move to West Ham with Paolo Di Canio chiming in on the potential transfer.
Recouping the €60 million spent on this duo will be a “tall order” for Cristiano Giuntoli, but the club is reportedly open for business to free up the budget for a creative midfielder and a new star center-back.
Defensive Casualties: Juan Cabal and the Gatti Dilemma
In defence, the project is also stalling for several incumbents.
Juan Cabal has struggled significantly since returning from an ACL tear, with his ability to play out from the back failing to meet Spalletti’s standards.
Meanwhile, Federico Gatti finds himself in an awkward position.
While a fan favourite for his grit, he is increasingly viewed as a backup option rather than a foundational piece for a Scudetto-winning side.
If a high-level centre-back arrives this summer, Gatti may be forced to look elsewhere for regular minutes.
Teun Koopmeiners: A Star at the Crossroads?
The most complex case remains Teun Koopmeiners.
While the Dutchman has performed better under Spalletti than his predecessor, he has yet to replicate the dominant levels he displayed at Atalanta that justified his €54m price tag.
Juventus isn’t actively pushing him out, but the word in Turin is that they are open for business should a massive offer arrive from a Premier League club.
Teun Koopmeiners hadn’t scored for Juve since the Club World Cup in June.
He’s got two goals in 32 minutes vs. Galatasaray ⚽️⚽️ pic.twitter.com/ZJOUkBNcUL
— B/R Football (@brfootball) February 17, 2026
Spalletti’s Vision for 2026/27
Spalletti’s goal is clear: he wants a leaner squad that is more tactically disciplined and cohesive.
The list of players to cut is not just about performance, but about building a war chest to sign the specific profiles he believes are missing – namely a creative “maestro” in midfield and a more clinical strike force.
As we approach the final months of the season, every match is now an audition.
For those on the list, the time to change Spalletti’s mind is running out.
