Juventus executive Giovanni Carnevali says that the Bianconeri need to learn from their defeat against Sassuolo and emphasises his trust in Luciano Spalletti: 'Changing coaches is not in my nature.'
Serie A giants Juventus suffered their first defeat in the 2026-27 campaign on Sunday, losing 3-2 to Sassuolo at the Mapei Stadium.
Edon Zhegrova scored twice to level the score, but Juventus lo anee Adzic shocked the Old Lady with a late winner in the 94th minute.
REGGIO NELL'EMILIA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 13: Vasilije Adzic of US Sassuolo celebrates winning the match against Juventus with his teammates Jay Idzes and Nemanja Matic during 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)
"If we look at the result, it's surely negative. We made mistakes a team like Juventus shouldn't make, even though we created some chances," Carnevali told Radio Anch'io lo Sport, via Gazzetta.
"It is part of the team's and the club's growth path. We tried to win at all costs, but we lost balance against a team as strong as Sassuolo. On the positive side, I appreciate the fighting spirit to win at all costs. I hope this defeat is a lesson; the faults are not only in the defence but in all of us."
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)
Carnevali confirmed his trust in Spalletti, who has picked two wins, one draw and one defeat in the opening four games of the season.
"He's an amazing coach, one of the best ever. Changing coaches is not in my nature; we must try to program and build; we must give time and be patient, knowing that we will have to swallow some bitter pills," insisted Carnevali.
"In football, there are cycles; there are periods when you are at the peak and others when you go through difficult times. Our goal is to win. Talk counts for very little."
REGGIO NELL'EMILIA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 13: Luciano Spalletti Head Coach of Juventus reacts during 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)
Spalletti was appointed as the Juventus coach in October 2025, replacing Igor Tudor.
Spalletti remains under contract with the Serie A giants until June 2028.
This coming Thursday, the Bianconeri will host NEC in their Europa League debut this season.
"We must seek maximum results: we still have much to do to compete for the Scudetto and the Europa League. Although it won't be an easy competition, it could become a great opportunity for us," Carnevali concluded.
After the Europa League game against NEC, Juventus will host Atalanta in Serie A on Sunday, September 20.
