National team coach Luciano Spalletti confirmed that Kenan Yildiz had expressed a desire to take the crucial penalty against Sassuolo. However, the decision was ultimately made for Manuel Locatelli to take the spot-kick, whose subsequent miss marked Juventus’ third consecutive failed attempt in Serie A.
The Bianconeri’s 1-1 home draw against Sassuolo has severely hampered their prospects of securing a top-four finish and qualifying for the Champions League.
The match saw Kenan Yildiz open the scoring, only for Andrea Pinamonti to equalize. Late in the game, a Dusan Vlahovic header struck Jay Idzes’ arm, leading to a penalty award.
Controversy Surrounding Juventus’ Latest Penalty Attempt
While VAR reviewed the handball incident, cameras might not have fully captured the discussion unfolding on the pitch. Yildiz was observed standing near the penalty spot, seemingly keen to take the shot.
Instead, the coaching staff reportedly summoned Locatelli to the touchline for a brief conversation. Following this, Locatelli approached Yildiz to convey the decision regarding the penalty taker.
The choice did not pay off. Locatelli’s penalty, described as weak and central, was comfortably saved by Sassuolo goalkeeper Arijanet Muric.
“Locatelli approached me and stated he felt prepared to take it,” Spalletti confirmed in his post-match interview with DAZN Italia. “While two or three players were ready to step up, Locatelli is our designated penalty taker. It’s understandable; anyone can miss a penalty. Our primary disappointment is not securing the victory.”
This latest miss signifies that Juventus has now failed to convert three consecutive Serie A penalties, with three different players stepping up to the spot.
Previously, Jonathan David missed a penalty in another stalemate against Lecce, and despite a 5-0 victory over Cremonese, Kenan Yildiz also saw his attempt saved.
Overall this season, the Bianconeri have been awarded seven Serie A penalties, successfully converting four of them.
Locatelli still holds their best conversion record, scoring two out of three. Kenan Yildiz has a 50 percent success rate from the spot.
Dusan Vlahovic, who made his return today from an injury sustained in late November, has converted his only penalty attempt this season.
