Carnevali: ‘Juventus bloodbath without Champions League, extraordinary Spalletti’
REGGIO NELL'EMILIA, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 13: Giovanni Carnevali of Juventus reacts prior to the Serie A match between US Sassuolo and Juventus at Mapei Stadium - Citta' del Tricolore on September 13, 2026 in Reggio nell'Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
Juventus CEO Giovanni Carnevali admits missing Champions League qualification is ‘a bloodbath’, stands up for Luciano Spalletti and shoots down Antonio Conte rumours.
The Bianconeri finished sixth in Serie A last season, sending them into the Europa League and affecting the already tight purse-strings in the transfer market.
It has been a difficult start to this campaign too, and speaking at the Festival dello Sport event, Carnevali could not deny the importance of the Champions League.
Carnevali outlines Juventus vision
“A top four finish gives you financial guarantees, and this year we are seeing losses without the Champions League,” said the Juventus chief.
“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.”
Considering the situation, it’s likely to think they could be forced into a big sale in the summer.
“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.”
The Bianconeri were the first to set up a youth team that plays in Serie C, and the Next Gen side has provided a steady stream of reinforcements.
“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.”
They did make an impressive signing over the summer with Kerim Alajbegovic stolen from under the noses of Chelsea.
“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.”
There was already criticism of coach Spalletti this season and suggestions he could be replaced by Conte, who is fresh from leaving Napoli after two years.
“Spalletti doesn’t need to be defended by me,” assured Carnevali.
“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.
“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.
“I realise many people like Conte, but many like Spalletti too. Words count for very little.”
In terms of changes, there have been rumours that Alessandro Del Piero could be approached to take the role of President at Juventus.
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