During his pre-match press conference on Friday, head coach Thiago Motta, when answering a question about the squad for Juventus-Bologna, mentioned for Juventus youngsters by name: "We will also have Diego, Nico, Augusto and Filippo with us", continuing the path started last summer of opening the First Team doors to many of the young and promising youngsters coming through the Under-20 and Juventus Next Gen ranks.
Below are brief player profiles of the four players included in the squad for Saturday's Serie A clash at home to Bologna.
Let's start with the Under-20 striker Diego Pugno, who was already included in the First Team squad in the previous away fixture in Lecce, against whom he made his Serie A debut, entering the field late in the second half. A very young talent, born on 7 July 2006 (two days before the final of the World Cup won by the Azzurri), Diego arrived at Juventus in 2021, and has played both in the Under-17 and now the Primavera side, making his mark in the UEFA Youth League as well. A striker who is continuing his path of growth, he is quick and blessed with an excellent shot, and is able to play both as a forward and next to another teammate upfront. Like all young Bianconeri, he needs to be given time to mature, while taking advantage of opportunities such as these call-ups to the First Team.