Juventus have continued to face questions over their performances this season, with former goalkeeper Michelangelo Rampulla identifying the midfield as one of the team’s biggest weaknesses. He believes the problems in that area are making it easier for opponents to create dangerous opportunities and punish the Bianconeri during matches.
The Turin giants have struggled to maintain consistency, and their midfield has become a particular concern as injuries continue to affect the squad. Although the club invested heavily in strengthening that department, the expected improvements have not materialised across the entire group.
Juventus need greater control in the middle of the pitch if they are to protect their defence and reduce the number of chances they concede. Rampulla believes the current situation has left the team vulnerable, particularly when opponents launch quick attacks and exploit spaces between the midfield and defensive lines.
Juventus midfield signings have struggled
The Bianconeri revamped their midfield in the summer of 2024, bringing in Teun Koopmeiners, Douglas Luiz and Khephren Thuram in an effort to improve the team’s quality and balance. However, while Thuram has impressed, Koopmeiners and Luiz have struggled to deliver the performances expected of them since joining the club.
Thuram’s absence has created another problem, with the Frenchman yet to feature for Juventus in a match this season because of injury. His unavailability has deprived the team of a midfielder who had shown encouraging signs, leaving the manager with fewer reliable options in that department.
The situation has become more complicated following Manuel Locatelli’s long-term injury. Juventus have found it difficult to maintain the same level of organisation in midfield, and their opponents have repeatedly managed to expose weaknesses during games.
(Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Rampulla highlights Juventus’ defensive vulnerability
Despite their efforts to secure positive results, Juventus have sometimes made it too easy for opposing teams to score. Rampulla believes the lack of protection from midfield is a significant reason behind the problem, arguing that the team no longer provides the same defensive cover it managed earlier in the campaign.
Speaking via Calciomercato, he explained how the midfield’s changing circumstances have affected the defensive structure and left Juventus open to dangerous counterattacks.
“This Juve lacks calm and a midfield that acts as a filter. At the start of the season, the midfield acted as a filter, and the defense benefited. Now, with injuries and other things, the team is exposed to counterattacks from the opposition.”
His assessment highlights the importance of restoring balance in the centre of the pitch. Juventus will need greater composure, improved defensive protection and more consistency from their available midfielders if they are to limit opponents’ opportunities and strengthen their performances in the coming matches.