Juventus' new striker Jonathan David just can't seem to get going. © APA/afp / MARCO BERTORELLO

Juventus has a real striker problem!

Juventus could only manage a 1-1 draw against relegation-threatened Lecce on Saturday evening. This once again highlighted the Old Lady's weaknesses.

03 January 2026

From: dl

Despite their overwhelming dominance, Juventus could only manage a 1-1 draw at home against Lecce. After the match at the Allianz Stadium, their own team was booed. Juventus actually played well, but their attack repeatedly failed to capitalize on their own chances and were thwarted by Lecce's goalkeeper, Wladimiro Falcone. The captain of the southern Italian side consistently rose to the occasion.

Under coach Luciano Spalletti, Juventus have a better style of play than before. However, they simply lack the necessary quality in the penalty area. Highly touted strikers Jonathan David and Lois Openda have each managed just one Serie A goal so far – far too few to meet the high expectations in Turin. Dusan Vlahovic is also currently sidelined with an injury.

Kenan Yildiz: Everything in Juventus' attack runs through him. © APA/afp / MARCO BERTORELLO

David, in particular, became the scapegoat on Saturday. The Canadian missed a penalty in the 66th minute – and in a nonchalant manner, with a cheap chip shot that Falcone saved with his foot. In stoppage time, Openda also missed an open goal after the outstanding Kenan Yildiz had hit the crossbar. Virtually everything in attack runs through the Turk, which is why, with six goals, he is by far Juve's most dangerous player.

Atalanta wins against Gasperini

In the evening match, Atalanta won 1-0 at home against AS Roma. Giorgio Scalvini's winning goal was at least questionable, as the defender had impeded Roma's goalkeeper Mile Svilar in an aerial challenge. However, in Bergamo on Saturday, everything revolved around the return of Gian Piero Gasperini. The new Roma coach received a warm welcome from the Atalanta fans after nine successful years leading the club.

Serie A: Saturday's games

Como – Udinese 1:0
1:0 Da Cunha (18th minute/penalty)

Genoa – Pisa 1:1
1:0 Colombo (15th), 1:1 Leris (38th)

Sassuolo – Parma 1-1
1:0 Thorstvedt (12th), 1:1 Pellegrino (24th)

Juventus – Lecce 1-1
0:1 Banda (45th), 1:1 McKennie (49th)

Atalanta – Roma 1:0
1:0 Scalvini (18th minute)