Spalletti tests new Juventus role for Cambiaso in 1-0 loss to Cremonese
Quick summary
Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti deployed Andrea Cambiaso in a new tactical role during a 1-0 defeat to Cremonese, likely a pre-season or friendly fixture.
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Attributed to original sourceAndrea Cambiaso returned to action for Juventus in a 1-0 friendly loss to Cremonese on Friday and was deployed in central midfield.
Versatile Juventus defender Cambiaso returned to the pitch on Friday after more than a month on the sidelines.
Spalletti tries Cambiaso in new role TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 07: Andrea Cambiaso of Juventus celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Pisa SC at Juventus Stadium on March 07, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Cottini/Getty Images) The Italy international had suffered an ankle injury on August 29 during a home 2-0 win against Parma at the Allianz Stadium.
As reported by TMW and Tuttosport, Spalletti used Cambiaso in central midfield during Friday’s 1-0 loss to Serie B side Cremonese.
Juventus coach Spalletti faces a selection crisis in the middle of the park, with Khephren Thuram and Manuel Locatelli ruled out for several months.
TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 07: Andrea Cambiaso of Juventus celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Pisa SC at Juventus Stadium on March 07, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Cottini/Getty Images) Locatelli won’t be back for five or six months, while Thuram will be sidelined until next January.
According to TMW , another injured Juventus player, the attacking winger Jeff Ekhator, was seen on the field at Continassa on Friday.
The Italy international didn’t take part in the game but returned to on-field training.
Spalletti has now given his players three days off and, next week, he’ll start preparations for the next Serie A game against Cagliari.
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What happened
Juventus fell 1-0 to Cremonese in what appears to be a pre-season or friendly match, but the more notable element was head coach Luciano Spalletti's decision to test Andrea Cambiaso in an unfamiliar position. The experiment suggests Spalletti is still refining his tactical setup ahead of the competitive season, evaluating whether Cambiaso can operate in a different role than his usual left-back or wing-back position. The result is secondary to the tactical insight Spalletti gains from the outing.
Chance analysis
Spalletti's willingness to experiment with Cambiaso's position signals an evolving tactical identity at Juventus under their new manager. Cambiaso, primarily known as a left-sided defender, being trialled elsewhere points to either a squad reshuffle or an attempt to maximize his versatility. Even in a defeat, pre-season experiments like this often reveal the manager's long-term plans, and Juventus fans should watch whether this new role becomes a regular feature once competitive action begins.
Cambiaso may be deployed in a non-traditional position under Spalletti, which could affect Juventus's defensive shape and width in upcoming competitive matches.