This time, Luciano Spalletti isn’t exaggerating. Juventus’ clash at Bologna; coming hot on the heels of uninspiring displays against Napoli and Pafos, was a classic trap game.
Yet, Juve approached it with courage, organization, and intensity, delivering a 1-0 victory courtesy of a second-half header from Juan Cabal.
This wasn’t a case of sitting back and hoping a more attacking opponent would falter. Juventus controlled the rhythm, limited Bologna’s chances, and carved out opportunities of their own, outperforming their hosts in almost every department.
Spalletti also earns credit for his tactical tweaks. Jonathan David contributed while on the pitch, but Loïs Openda injected a burst of pace, shaking up the opposition.
Cabal’s introduction proved decisive, netting the winner.
The narrative around Juventus’ forwards misfiring persists, but their track record is solid—what they need now is consistent service. Unlike Dusan Vlahovic, both are heavily reliant on the supply lines feeding them. And then there’s Gleison Bremer’s return from the bench—having your top defender fit and ready is a game-changer for any side.
Off the pitch, Juventus made headlines for another reason.
The club’s ownership group—the Agnelli family—rejected a takeover bid from minority shareholders Tether, who hold an 11.5% stake. The move drew attention, in part because John Elkann, heir to the Agnelli empire, personally addressed the situation.
In a video filmed in a Juve hoodie in front of the club’s founding bench, Elkann proclaimed the club was not for sale and expressed pride in his family’s century-long stewardship of Juventus. It wasn’t just a statement—it felt like a rallying cry to both the squad and the fans.
The circumstances around Tether’s bid add intrigue. The El Salvador-based stablecoin company reportedly offered €1.1 billion ($1.3 billion) without prior warning. For some, it’s hard to take the move at face value, fueling speculation that the bid may have been less about acquisition and more about motivating Juventus internally.
In any case, Juventus leave Bologna with three points in the bag, renewed confidence under Spalletti, and a clear message from the top: the club remains firmly in Agnelli hands. The win may have been narrow, but its impact—on the pitch and in the boardroom—feels anything but small.
