Attacking impotence and defensive chaos: Juventus under pressure heading into Napoli showdown

Juventus face Napoli on Sunday under pressure after back-to-back defeats; Spalletti's job security questioned as Italian media flags alarming attacking stats and defensive chaos.

Juventus suffered a second defeat in three matches on Wednesday, losing 2-0 away at Genoa after conceding two goals in the first half. This followed a 3-0 home loss to Lazio a week earlier, leaving the club in crisis ahead of Sunday's crucial clash with Napoli.

Italian media have sounded the alarm over multiple failings. Defensive organisation has collapsed, while the attacking output is particularly concerning: Juventus have scored just 11 goals in nine Serie A matches, averaging only 0.93 expected goals per game — the 16th-best figure in the league. Against Genoa, only substitute Teun Koopmeiners came close to scoring, hitting the crossbar with a free kick in extra time.

Manager Luciano Spalletti's position is now under scrutiny. Appointed last season to restore Juventus to title contention, he apologised to fans after the Genoa defeat and acknowledged the team must improve in every aspect. Italian outlets are already linking Stefano Pioli and Paulo Sousa as potential replacements, with much depending on the result against Napoli. Midfielder Weston McKennie defended the coach, insisting the players must show greater intensity and commitment on the pitch.