Juventus players face heavy international workload ahead of Serie A run-in
Juventus players logged more minutes for their national teams than any other Serie A squad during the recent international break, a factor that could impact the club's push for Champions League qualification. According to data reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport, the 15 Bianconeri players called up by their countries played a combined 1,630 minutes, significantly more than direct rivals for fourth place.
This total far exceeds the 1,028 minutes accumulated by Roma's internationals and the 428 minutes from Como's players. The heavy workload presents an additional challenge for manager Massimiliano Allegri as he prepares his squad for the final stretch of the season, with Juventus currently embroiled in a tight battle for a top-four finish.
For several key Juventus figures, the international period was emotionally and physically taxing. Midfielder Manuel Locatelli played 168 minutes for Italy across two matches, but returned to Turin despondent after the Azzurri failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup. Defender Federico Gatti also featured for 115 minutes in that unsuccessful campaign, while Weston McKennie played 122 minutes for a United States team that suffered heavy defeats to Belgium and Portugal.
In contrast, teenage forward Kenan Yildiz enjoyed a triumphant break, playing 184 minutes for Turkey as they secured a historic qualification for Euro 2024, their first major tournament in 24 years. Yildiz was the most utilized Juventus player during the international window.
The break yielded mixed results for others. Defender Bremer strengthened his case for Brazil's Copa America squad with a 90-minute performance and a goal against France, while midfielder Timothy Weah played 92 minutes for the United States. Midfielder Teun Koopmeiners featured for 112 minutes with the Netherlands, contributing an assist, but striker Lois Openda failed to score in 100 minutes for Belgium.
The cumulative fatigue could influence Allegri's team selection for Juventus's crucial upcoming league matches. The club's depth will be tested as they attempt to secure a return to the Champions League, with the physical toll from international duty adding an unpredictable element to the season's finale. How Allegri manages his squad's recovery in the coming days may prove pivotal in determining their final league position.
