Juventus director Cristiano Giuntoli explains why the team was placed in a training retreat ahead of the Genoa match, with hints on Daniele Rugani and Matias Soule’s future.
It kicks off at the Allianz Juventus Stadium in Turin at 11.30 GMT.
The Bianconeri were put into a training retreat for a few days following just one point from two Serie A rounds, which saw them slip down to third place behind Milan.
“This was an idea we agreed with the coach and the lads were happy to be together. It was only one evening more than usual, really, but a victory would allow us to consolidate our position and hope to take second place. We are convinced it helped and we will see,” Giuntoli told Sky Sport Italia.
With Napoli’s elimination from the Champions League, that means Juventus are now mathematically qualified for the 2025 edition of the Club World Cup along with Inter.
That adds more financial revenue along with the return to the Champions League next season, so how is Giuntoli planning to spend that on the transfer market?
“It is never good to make proclamations. Juve will always be competitive, we must also respect the balance sheets. It will be complicated, but we will do our best to be competitive on all fronts.
“We are happy to be in the Club World Cup, that shows the good work that has been done, the history of this extraordinary club, and I am proud to be part of it.”
Rugani will be out of contract on June 30, but his agent held talks with Giuntoli this week to discuss a renewal.
“We have a great rapport with the lads and their entourage, so we talk often. Rugani is an exceptional guy, he has been at Juve for many years, so we consider him an added value.”
Soule has impressed on loan at Frosinone and rejected a huge proposal from the Saudi Pro League in January, but are Juventus planning to sell him over the summer or do they see him as a key figure in their own squad?
“We are happy with how players like Soule, Barrenechea, Kaio Jorge and Arthur are doing. We’ll see in the end what the needs are of the lad, his entourage and ultimately our own needs too.”