Juventus are set to shift their transfer strategy towards prioritizing Italian players, a move spearheaded by recently appointed director Giovanni Carnevali, according to reports in Italy. The club intends to build a stronger domestic core, mirroring a successful approach historically employed by the Turin side and recently utilized by Carnevali at Sassuolo.
For several years, Juventus has increasingly relied on foreign players, often fielding starting lineups with only two or three Italian representatives. Carnevali aims to reverse this trend, seeking to establish a foundation of domestic talent upon which to build a competitive squad. This strategy echoes the approach favored during Beppe Marotta’s tenure as sporting director.
Several players are reportedly on Juventus’ radar. Costantino Favasuli, a right-back currently playing for Catanzaro, is a key target, with Carnevali already expressing interest. The club is also monitoring Mattia Liberali, a midfielder for Serie B side, considered a promising young talent with a reported release clause of €6 million, 50% of which would go to Milan. Scouts have also been tracking Michael Kayode of Brentford and Matteo Ruggeri of Atletico Madrid.
A primary target for the summer transfer window is Davide Frattesi, currently at Inter Milan. Luciano Spalletti previously attempted to sign Frattesi in January, but a deal could not be finalized. Frattesi has seen limited playing time under Cristian Chivu and is reportedly open to a move after three years in Milan, though Inter are seeking a fee of €25 million. Juventus may look to capitalize on this situation, particularly as Vasilje Adzic and Teun Koopmeiners are expected to depart the club.
Carnevali previously acquired Frattesi for Roma for a fee of €5 million and a reunion could be on the cards. The strong relationship between Carnevali and Juventus’s current sporting director, Beppe Marotta, could facilitate negotiations, potentially involving a swap deal or a loan with an obligation to buy. Domenico Berardi, a long-term target for Juventus and a player Carnevali has consistently admired, is also a potential option, with his price tag potentially reduced in recent years.
The shift towards prioritizing Italian players could signal a long-term commitment to developing domestic talent and strengthening the national team pipeline. It also represents a return to a historically successful model for the club.
