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Juventus’ decision to adopt a 3-5-2 formation has helped Luciano Spalletti bring greater balance to the team, but the tactical change could create problems for the club’s wide players. Football analyst Michele Tossani has identified this issue, suggesting that the current system makes it difficult to accommodate all the wingers available to the Bianconeri.
Spalletti changed his approach following Juventus’ disappointing defeat to Lazio, opting for an additional centre-back and a second striker. The adjustment has given the team a different structure, with three central defenders providing defensive cover while two forwards lead the attack.
Spalletti’s formation creates a selection dilemma
The early signs have been encouraging, with Juventus appearing more balanced since moving to the new system. However, there is still plenty of time for the formation to be tested against stronger opposition, and the coming weeks should provide a clearer indication of its effectiveness.
Juventus must continue collecting victories, particularly against teams they are expected to beat as they pursue their top four ambitions. Supporters demand consistent results, meaning Spalletti will need to ensure the tactical changes deliver more than a short-term improvement.
If the players become fully comfortable with the system, Juventus could develop into a more difficult team to contain. Nevertheless, the manager must also consider how his formation affects players whose strengths are better suited to operating in wider attacking positions.
(Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Tossani questions how Juventus can use their wingers
Tossani believes Juventus have a squad that would suit a different tactical approach, but their current formation makes it challenging to find roles for all their wide players. Speaking via Tuttojuve, he explained:
“Woltemade with Alajbegovic? I’d play Nico Gonzalez, because after Dybala, he’s the best shot on goal in terms of technical quality. I’d play him closer to the goal. Alajbegovic’s problem is that Juve have the right team to play Spalletti’s 4-3-3 but they don’t have the right players to play that style of football. Now, with a 3-5-2, you’re struggling to accommodate all these wingers. And maybe you should bring back the old-school 3-4-3.”
His comments raise an important question about Juventus’ tactical direction. While the 3-5-2 has offered greater stability, it could limit the contribution of several attacking players.
A return to a 3-4-3 could provide another option, allowing Juventus to use more wingers without abandoning a three-man defence. Spalletti must decide whether maintaining the current balance outweighs the benefits of finding more space for his wide attackers.