Spalletti kicks off his Juve era in Cremona

The Spalletti era at Juventus begins at Stadio Zini in Cremona. Cremonese, boosted by their midweek win in Genoa, are one of the season’s surprises and hope to pull off a win against the Bianconeri, who returned to winning ways against Udinese after collecting just three points in their previous five matches.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

There have been eight official meetings between the sides in Cremona, all in Serie A: the hosts have never won. The record shows four draws (most recent 3–3 in 1995/96) and four Juventus victories (most recent 1–0 in 2022/23).

DID YOU KNOW?'

Today marks Juventus’s 128th birthday, founded on 1 November 1897. Cremonese have 14 points after nine matchdays: for the Grigiorossi, it’s their best start in the three-points-for-a-win era. It’s also the best performance by a promoted side since 2014/15.

COACHES and PLAYERS

Luciano Spalletti is making his fifth mid-season appointment in Italy, after Sampdoria 1998/99, Udinese 2000/01, Ancona 2001/02 and Roma 2015/16. Luciano Spalletti has always drawn his debut match after taking over: Sampdoria–Cagliari 0–0, Reggina–Udinese 1–1, Ancona–Palermo 3–3, and Roma–Verona 1–1. Despite his impact, Sampdoria were relegated to Serie B at the end of the season; Udinese finished 12th; Ancona stayed up in Serie B; and Roma ended third, qualifying for the Champions League with that Serie A’s best attack (83 goals).

DISCIPLINE

Suspended: none Cautioned: Koopmeiners (Juventus)

REFEREE

CHIFFI (CECCONI – MORO) IV: PEZZUTO, VAR: MAGGIONI, AVAR: SOZZA

UPCOMING MATCHES IN SERIE A

Pisa-Cremonese (Friday 7 November, 20.45 CET) Juventus-Torino (Saturday 8 November, 18.00 CET) (Photo Getty Images)