Juventus ' match against Sassuolo was the first game Manuel Locatelli missed after suffering an injury , and his absence was all too obvious during the fixture.
The midfielder has been a key player for Juventus over the last few seasons and is their captain for a reason. He is therefore someone who starts whenever he is fit, making his absence particularly significant for the Bianconeri.
Locatelli has perhaps been an underrated part of the team, but his importance became even clearer in his absence after Juventus conceded a late goal to lose against the Black and Greens at the weekend.
The midfielder provides security, stability and leadership whenever he plays, and the Azzurri midfielder is expected to continue performing that role when he returns.
However, Locatelli will not play for Juventus again in 2026, meaning the Bianconeri must adapt quickly in his absence. His importance to the team has been highlighted by the problems they experienced against Sassuolo.
Locatelli is particularly valuable when Juventus are defending transitions and dealing with opposition counterattacks. His ability to read situations and provide protection in front of the defence gives the team greater balance.
Without him, Juventus struggled to contain Sassuolo's counterattacking threat. The defeat therefore provided another reminder of the role Locatelli plays when he is available.
(Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Alessandro Matri believes the midfielder's absence contributed to Juventus' defensive problems against Sassuolo. He said via Calciomercato :
"The defence should be one of this team's strengths, but yesterday it seemed adrift, and in this sense I think Locatelli's absence also played a role.
"Especially on the occasion of the opposition's counterattacks, Locatelli was the one who usually tried to patch things up and bring balance in the other matches. Yesterday he was missing and Juve were completely turned upside down by Sassuolo's counterattacks."
Juventus must now find a way to cope without their captain until his return. The defeat against Sassuolo showed how much his presence can provide, particularly when the team needs defensive stability and leadership.
