Overview
- Juventus, which drew 1-1 with Sassuolo on Saturday, March 21, saw captain Manuel Locatelli have a late penalty saved that cost two points in the Champions League race.
- Coach Luciano Spalletti said Locatelli is the designated taker and told him he felt ready, with reports adding that Kenan Yildiz held the ball and Dusan Vlahovic asked to take it after a long injury layoff as teammates backed their captain.
- Locatelli later posted that he accepts full responsibility and will work harder, saying his focus now turns to Italy’s World Cup play-offs during the international break.
- The failed kick marked Juventus’ third straight penalty miss in Serie A by three different players, which has turned reliability from the spot into a clear weak point.
- Former midfielder Alessio Tacchinardi urged the club to name one fixed taker before matches, warning that ongoing confusion could hurt Juventus’ push to secure a Champions League place.