Key Takeaways:
- Last season, Juventus finished sixth in Serie A and missed out on Champions League qualification, leading to significant financial losses
- Speaking at the Festival dello Sport, Giovanni Carnevali reaffirmed support for Luciano Spalletti and rejected rumours linking Antonio Conte with the club
- Juventus completed the summer signing of Kerim Alajbegovic from Chelsea and facilitated Nick Woltemade’s loan arrival from Newcastle United
Juventus Grapples with the Financial Blow of Missing Champions League
Juventus Chief Executive Officer Giovanni Carnevali has acknowledged the severe impact of missing Champions League qualification, describing the resulting financial situation as “a bloodbath.” Speaking at the Festival dello Sport, Carnevali did not shy away from the economic reality faced by the club after finishing sixth in Serie A last season. As a result, Juventus will participate in the Europa League, a development that has added further strain to restrictions on transfer spending.
According to Carnevali, “A top four finish gives you financial guarantees, and this year we are seeing losses without the Champions League. It has become more business than football, it’s one thing if you qualify for the Champions League, otherwise it’s a bloodbath. Having said that, we won’t be happy with the top four, the objective for us all is to win.”
Giovanni Carnevali 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/YZg6dyeEGR
— ilBiancoNero (@ilbianconerocom) October 1, 2026
The club must abide by UEFA’s financial parameters, leaving the possibility open that Juventus could be compelled to sanction a major sale during the upcoming transfer window. Carnevali stated, “We are focused on being competitive, then of course we have to respect the UEFA parameters. We’ll see how the market evolves and what opportunities there are.”
Youth Development and Notable Transfers
Juventus have led the way in youth development, being the first Italian side to establish a youth team competing in Serie C. This Next Gen squad has supplied a consistent stream of new talent for the first team or potential loan moves.
Carnevali shared, “My idea is to bring more Italian players in, but it’s not easy. We have the Next Gen with some interesting lads who could work with us or go on loan elsewhere.”
Over the summer, Juventus strengthened their ranks by signing Kerim Alajbegovic, fending off competition from Chelsea. The club also secured Nick Woltemade on loan from Newcastle United, with the deal concluded alongside Carnevali.
On the inflated nature of the current transfer market, Carnevali observed, “The transfer market is vastly inflated at the moment, players move around for huge sums, and that makes some of these players out of reach for Italian clubs. With Alajbegovic we thought he was a young and promising player, we need someone who in future could be sold for €70-80m.”
Managerial Stability: Spalletti Backed, Conte Dismissed
Despite early criticism of manager Luciano Spalletti amid challenging results, Carnevali was unequivocal in his support. Carnevali said, “Spalletti doesn’t need to be defended by me. I think in difficult moments like the defeat to Sassuolo, he was targeted, but Spalletti is an extraordinary coach. If you went to his training sessions, you’d have your mouth agape. If only we had more coaches like Spalletti in Serie A.”
Rumours circulating about Antonio Conte potentially returning to the club were also denied, with Carnevali asserting, “Conte is a friend, I know he’s a top coach, but he is not in our thoughts and never was. There have been too many changes at Juventus in recent years, you can’t build something without solid foundations.”
He added, “I realise many people like Conte, but many like Spalletti too. Words count for very little.”
Speculation Over Del Piero Refuted
Carnevali addressed suggestions that Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero might be considered for the role of club President. On this point, he stated, “Nobody told me anything, there is no truth in it.”
