Juventus News

Juventus vs Palermo Probable Lineups: David to Lead Bianconeri Attack

August 11, 2026Carlos Mendoza3 мин

The final Australian friendly for Juventus sees them face Palermo at Perth's Optus Stadium. Manager Luciano Spalletti is expected to adjust the lineup from the Inter match, maintaining a 4-2-3-1 formation. New signings Randal Kolo Muani and Kerim Alajbegovic are unlikely to start as they continue to build match fitness, with a potential appearance in the second half.

Jonathan David is set to spearhead the attack, supported by Francisco Conceição, Weston McKennie, and Kenan Yildiz. In goal, Mattia Perin has been confirmed as the starter by Spalletti.

Perin Starts, Bremer on the Bench

The starting goalkeeper role is secured for Perin, who will have the opportunity to impress as the club evaluates its options for the position. The defense is expected to feature a back four. Zeki Çelik is favored at right-back, with Andrea Cambiaso on the left. Pierre Kalulu and Lloyd Kelly are anticipated to form the central defensive pairing. Gleison Bremer, who played against Inter, is likely to be rested to manage his gradual return to full fitness.

Çelik will get another chance to integrate into the team, bringing experience, balance, and defensive solidity.

Douglas Luiz Confirmed in Midfield

Douglas Luiz is expected to retain his place in midfield, partnering Manuel Locatelli. This duo will be tasked with initiating build-up play and shielding the defense. Juventus aims to improve the speed of ball circulation and the quality of their build-up from deep. Douglas Luiz needs to demonstrate personality and precision to earn Spalletti's trust.

Locatelli will act as the defensive anchor, though both midfielders will have the freedom to interchange in build-up. The objective is to avoid slow and predictable play, a weakness exposed in the loss to Inter.

Arthur is expected to start on the bench, despite consistent training. He may feature in the second half as Spalletti implements rotations.

David at the Forefront of the Attack

Jonathan David will have another opportunity to impress the coach and management. His future at the club remains a subject of transfer speculation, but he is expected to lead the line once again. He will be supported by a creative attacking trio: Conceição on the right, Yildiz on the left, and McKennie operating centrally. McKennie's versatility will allow Juventus to alter their system during the match, increasing their presence in the box. David needs to exploit space in behind the defense and provide a focal point for the attacking midfielders. His goal-scoring form will be under particular scrutiny, as he has yet to consistently find the net during pre-season.

Kolo Muani and Alajbegovic Ready for Second Half

Randal Kolo Muani and Kerim Alajbegovic are anticipated to begin the match on the bench. Both are recent arrivals and are still working towards optimal physical condition.

Spalletti is cautious about overexerting them, especially given the travel, varied temperatures, and close proximity of matches during this preparation phase. Both new signings are expected to play a significant portion of the second half.

Kolo Muani could potentially replace David or play alongside him in a more attacking setup. Alajbegovic offers versatility, capable of playing on either wing or behind the striker. The match against Palermo will be crucial for accelerating their integration into the team's tactics.

Probable Lineups Juventus-Palermo

Juventus (4-2-3-1): Perin; Çelik, Kalulu, Kelly, Cambiaso; Locatelli, Douglas Luiz; Conceição, McKennie, Yildiz; David. Coach: Luciano Spalletti.

Palermo (4-2-3-1): Joronen; Cassandro, Bani, Barba, Augello; Estevez, Ranocchia; Johnsen, Hernani, Le Douaron; Pohjanpalo. Coach: Filippo Inzaghi.