Juventus Next Gen's season ended in disappointment with a playoff elimination, but the campaign revealed several promising talents. Under coach Brambilla, the team finished fifth in Serie C Group B before falling in the second round of the playoffs. Despite the early exit, head of Next Gen Area Claudio Chiellini expressed satisfaction with the squad's growth, highlighted by standout individual performances.
In goal, Stefano Mangiapoco impressed with 25 appearances across all competitions, keeping eight clean sheets and conceding 28 goals. He was often decisive, earning a call-up to the senior squad under Luciano Spalletti. Simone Scaglia also contributed with 14 appearances and four clean sheets, proving to be a reliable backup.
The defense was anchored by a Spanish center-back of the 2006 class, who despite missing over 15 games due to injury, reclaimed his starting spot upon return. He contributed one goal and one assist in 26 games. The veteran presence of a 34-year-old defender added stability. Puczka stood out as an attacking left-back: the Austrian scored 10 goals and provided 4 assists in 31 Serie C matches, earning a rating of 9. He became the team's top scorer and a candidate for the first team. Other defenders like the versatile class of 2005 player, who acted as both right center-back and wing midfielder, scored 2 goals in 19 appearances.
Faticanti ruled the midfield with 38 appearances across all competitions, scoring 3 goals and assisting 2. His all-around display against Vis Pesaro encapsulated his qualities: ball recovery, passing, and long-range shooting. Owusu served as a useful alternative with his physicality, while a 2005 midfielder showed professionalism in limited starts. Polish youngster van Aarle, born 2007, showed promise with an assist in Serie C despite splitting time with the Primavera.
In attack, Licina made an immediate impact from the start, quickly becoming a key player. Guerra captained the side both on and off the pitch, while Anghelè showed promise for the future. Cudrig provided versatility across the front line, collecting 23 appearances and 2 assists. A 2005 winger suffered from muscle problems, missing 20 games but managing 1 goal in 11 appearances.
During the January transfer window, Juventus made several moves. Turicchia was sold to Serie B side Virtus Entella after 20 appearances, 1 goal, and 1 assist for Next Gen. Vacca transferred to Dolomiti Bellunesi in Serie C after contributing 1 goal and 1 assist in limited minutes. Brazilian defender Pedro Felipe was loaned to Sassuolo with an option to buy and counter-option for Juventus, having recorded 2 goals in 15 games.
The season provided valuable experience for the young squad, with several players poised for potential first-team opportunities. The player ratings reflect the highs and lows: Puczka (9), Faticanti (7.5), Mangiapoco (7), and others. Overall, the Next Gen project continues to bear fruit.
Based on reporting from Tuttosport.com - Calcio.