As Juventus continue preparations for their away match against Empoli on Saturday, manager Thiago Motta is reportedly considering a surprising tactical move. According to Corriere dello Sport (via IlBianconero), Motta may give young talent Vasilije Adzic his debut, possibly even as a starter.
Adzic, a 17-year-old Montenegrin who joined Juventus this summer, has already impressed during pre-season training. Initially slated to join the Next Gen squad before transitioning to the first team, Adzic’s rapid progress has accelerated his integration into the senior setup.
The potential start for Adzic comes as Juventus faces several challenges. With ten players away on international duty and injuries to key players like Timothy Weah, Francisco Conceiçao, and Nico Gonzalez, Motta sees an opportunity to test the young midfielder. The upcoming Champions League fixture also factors into the manager’s considerations.
Motta’s coaching philosophy emphasizes merit over age or experience, as demonstrated by his previous decisions to field young talents like Samuel Mbangula and Nicolo Savona. This approach makes Adzic’s potential start, while surprising, not entirely unexpected.
The decision to keep Adzic with the first team rather than sending him to the Next Gen squad underscores the club’s confidence in his abilities. In just a few training sessions, he has reportedly convinced the coaching staff of his readiness for top-level football.
