Why Juventus changed goalkeepers at half-time against Genoa
Quick summary
Juventus replaced Mattia Perin with Michele Di Gregorio at half-time against Genoa after Perin felt a calf twinge. The change appears precautionary rather than tactical.
Full article
Attributed to Football ItaliaJuventus had dropped Michele Di Gregorio as their first choice goalkeeper, but he replaced Mattia Perin at half-time in today’s game with Genoa.
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Juventus forced into goalkeeper change TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 21: Manuel Locatelli and Mattia Perin of Juventus embrace after the Serie A match between Juventus FC and US Sassuolo Calcio at Allianz Stadium on March 21, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images) The Bianconeri have seemingly changed their hierarchy of goalkeepers due to recent form, as coach Luciano Spalletti had started out picking Di Gregorio, but switched to Perin after a series of errors.
The former Monza man was benched for six games in a row between Serie A and the Champions League, not featuring since the 2-0 home defeat to Como on February 21.
He was also on the touchline for this evening’s Week 31 fixture against Genoa, but surprisingly came on for the second half.
Sky Sport Italia report this is because Perin felt a twinge in his calf muscle and it was decided not to risk further damage, so Di Gregorio came on in his place during the break.
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What happened
Football Italia reports that Juventus brought Michele Di Gregorio on for the second half against Genoa after Mattia Perin experienced discomfort in his calf. Perin had recently been promoted ahead of Di Gregorio in Juventus' goalkeeper hierarchy after Di Gregorio's poor run of form. Sky Sport Italia said the switch was made to avoid risking further damage. The incident adds fresh uncertainty to Juventus' goalkeeper situation heading into the next matches.
Chance analysis
This matters because it introduces a possible fitness issue for the goalkeeper Juventus had recently trusted as first choice. Even if precautionary, any calf problem can affect short-term availability and may force Juventus back to Di Gregorio sooner than planned.
Juventus may need to rely on Di Gregorio again if Perin's calf issue limits him in upcoming matches.
Treat this as a goalkeeper availability update with possible short-term lineup implications rather than a fully confirmed long-term injury.