Will Juventus Next Gen benefit from Spalletti?

Originally posted on Juvefc.com | By Martin U | Last updated Jan 13, 2026 4:00 AM ET

Luciano Spalletti has made a strong impression at Juventus, transforming the Bianconeri into one of the most competitive teams in the league since taking charge. The club has struggled under previous managers, but Spalletti has improved their organisation, tactical approach, and consistency, giving fans reason to dream of a return to the top. Juventus last won the league title in 2020, and the club is eager to end that gap, with Spalletti emerging as a coach capable of guiding them back to domestic dominance. His early work suggests he can be trusted to lead the team to the top of the standings and compete for multiple trophies in the near future.

Despite these positive signs, the rise of the first team under Spalletti may be coming at a hidden cost, particularly in relation to promoting players from the Next Gen side. Juventus invests heavily in youth development, providing a clear pathway from the academy to professional football. Talents such as Kenan Yildiz and Fabio Miretti have previously been promoted from the Next Gen team, showing that the club values internal development and long-term planning.

Kenan Yildiz (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)

Challenges with Next Gen promotion

So far, Spalletti has not appeared to find a player ready for promotion, or he may not yet see a solution within the junior squads. His priority is understandably focused on the first team, as immediate results are a pressing concern for a club aiming to reclaim domestic supremacy. This cautious approach may delay opportunities for young players to make the step up, limiting the pathway from the academy to senior football.

Investment in external talent

As a result, Juventus appears likely to continue spending significant sums on players developed at other clubs rather than relying solely on the Next Gen system. While this strategy may provide immediate quality for Spalletti’s first team, it highlights a potential trade-off between instant success and long-term youth development. The balance between nurturing internal talent and securing proven players externally will remain a key challenge for the club as they seek to maintain domestic and European ambitions under Spalletti’s management.

This article first appeared on Juvefc.com and was syndicated with permission.

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