Carnevali wants stronger Italian identity at Juventus: ‘It takes time’

REGGIO NELL'EMILIA, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 13: Giovanni Carnevali of Juventus reacts prior to the Serie A match between US Sassuolo and Juventus at Mapei Stadium - Citta' del Tricolore on September 13, 2026 in Reggio nell'Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)

Juventus CEO Giovanni Carnevali spoke at today’s shareholders’ meeting: ‘We need a more Italian identity, rediscover enthusiasm and sense of belonging.’

The Juventus shareholders’ meeting is taking place at the Allianz Stadium in Turin this morning, Tuesday, November 3.

CEO Giovanni Carnevali delivered a speech outlining his vision for the coming years.

“We need to rediscover our enthusiasm and sense of belonging. We’ll have to put in the effort, take things seriously, and have a strong desire to do things; we need clear ideas and to know where we want to go,” he said via Corriere della Sera.

Juventus have had highs and lows this season, and sit seventh in the Serie A table, six points below the top four.

Carnevali was appointed in June this year to replace Damien Comolli.

“Over the last four months, I’ve studied Juventus. I love challenges and new things, which let me test myself in every area,” Carnevali said.

“There’s room for great improvement here. The Allianz Stadium, the J Medical, and the J-Hotel are structures that have already caught attention from the outside.

“I know really well that results over the last few years have not been positive. You must be good at overcoming difficult moments, and we can only do it together,” he added.

“Along with Massara and Ottolini, we are doing new things, like a scouting area we didn’t have before. It takes programming, consistency, competitiveness, and a global project. First team, NextGen, and youth sector.

“We need more Italian identity within our club, and we need to develop young players who can one day make it into the Juventus first team.”

Juventus beat Napoli 2-0 in their latest Serie A match on Sunday and are preparing to face AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League this coming Thursday.

“I believe Juventus must set an example on and off the pitch in terms of inclusion, respect for others, environmental sustainability, and our connection with the local community. We need to stay close to young people, so we have the Creator Lab,” Carnevali said.

“I want to say something important to all of you, our fans. You must support us through difficult times. You have followed us in such great numbers, even abroad, and I have always admired you for that. That is why I told the players, ‘You must show respect for our fans.'”

Carnevali, however, noted that Financial Fair Play rules will make it harder for the club to bounce back quickly.

“We don’t expect to achieve anything extraordinary overnight,” he concluded.

“We must comply with UEFA regulations. Rebuilding a great club takes time.”

Juventus have earned 17 points in ten Serie A games this season. Their coach Luciano Spalletti is under contract until June 2028.