Elkann: ‘Juventus in reconstruction phase’ after friendly cut short at 2-0

JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA - MARCH 09: Laurent Mekies, Team Principal of Visa Cash App RB embraces John Elkann on the grid prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia at Jeddah Corniche Circuit on March 09, 2024 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images)

Juventus patron John Elkann said they are ‘in a reconstruction phase, but also determined to get back to the top’ after the traditional pre-season friendly was cut short by a pitch invasion.

The final match of the summer is always at their stadium, with the senior squad taking on the Next Gen youth team that plays in Serie C.

It also famously ends early with a peaceful pitch invasion, but they usually wait until the second half has at least kicked off.

This time, the fans were in a hurry, as they rushed the playing surface effectively during the half-time break, so it never resumed.

Juve seniors won 2-0 thanks to goals from Francisco Conceicao and Weston McKennie, who had started with Kenan Yildiz and Randal Kolo Muani upfront in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Elkann watched over Juventus test

Heir to the Agnelli fortune Elkann spoke to Sky Sport Italia after the game had been abandoned.

“The rapport with Luciano Spalletti is strong and I couldn’t turn down the opportunity of sitting next to him on the bench to experience the match,” said the chief of their holding company Exor.

“I really enjoyed it, also as I could hear straight from the horse’s mouth what he was thinking during the game, not to mention the remarkable view from the touchline.”

Juventus have been making big changes this summer, including the arrival of new director of sport Giovanni Carnevali from Sassuolo.

“Giovanni is a great professional who knows Italian football very well. At this time, Juventus is trying to reinforce the side starting from Italy and respecting the identity of the club, which is to chase victory.”

The Old Lady missed out on Champions League qualification, so will only be participating in the Europa League this season.

“We must start winning again, because by winning we get more important results both in Italy and Europe,” continued Elkann.

“This year it will be crucial to keep going in every tournament, keeping in mind that football is made of eras, and we are in a reconstruction phase, but also aware that everyone at Juventus is determined to get back to the top.”

Juventus: Pinsoglio; Kalulu, Bremer, Kelly, Cambiaso; Locatelli, Douglas Luiz; Conceicao, McKennie, Yildiz; Kolo Muani