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Napoli 2-1 Juventus: Hojlund Brace Hands Spalletti First Loss

The defeat exposed Juventus’ misfiring attack, intensifying questions over Luciano Spalletti’s Yildiz-as-false-nine plan.

Overview

  • Rasmus Hojlund scored twice at the Maradona, with the winner coming after Weston McKennie’s misdirected headed clearance back across goal.
  • Spalletti started Kenan Yildiz up front and later replaced him for Loïs Openda at 1-1, a choice criticized by Claudio Marchisio as Juventus failed to build momentum.
  • Juventus posted season-worst attacking metrics with 0.24 expected goals, eight touches in the box and five shots, underscoring broader creative struggles.
  • The loss was Spalletti’s first since replacing Igor Tudor and leaves Juventus seventh in Serie A, eight points off the leaders.
  • With Dusan Vlahovic out for months following muscle surgery, Spalletti defended his selections while Yildiz urged supporters to stay with the team in an Instagram message.