Juventus Confirm Squad for Cagliari Match as Cambiaso and Cabal Return
Juventus have announced their squad for the upcoming Serie A meeting with Cagliari, giving supporters a clearer picture of the options available to Luciano Spalletti. The club’s official list includes several notable absences, but also welcomes back Andrea Cambiaso and Juan Cabal as the Bianconeri prepare for an important test in their league campaign.
The fixture is scheduled for 12 October 2026, with Juventus travelling to face Cagliari. With points valuable at this stage of the season, Spalletti will be looking for a composed performance from his side—one that combines defensive organisation with enough attacking quality to create consistent chances.
Juventus Squad: Key Absences and Returning Options
Manuel Locatelli, Kenan Yildiz, Khéphren Thuram, Adam Grabara, Neto, Ekhator, Arkadiusz Milik and Jérémie Boga are among the players unavailable for selection. Their absence reduces the manager’s choices across several areas of the pitch, particularly in midfield and attack. Neto is also reported to be missing through suspension.
The returns of Cambiaso and Cabal provide a welcome boost. Both can offer useful options in defence, while Cambiaso’s ability to contribute going forward may give Juventus extra flexibility on the left. Their availability could be especially important if Spalletti wants his full-backs to support the attack without leaving the back line exposed.
Alajbegovic has also been included in the squad, adding another option for the manager. The squad list features a mix of established players and younger or less familiar names, suggesting Juventus may need contributions from across the group rather than relying on a single star performer.
Juventus Squad List
The announced group includes Celik, Bremer, Gatti, Kelly, Conceição, Koopmeiners, Kolo Muani, Zhegrova, Douglas Luiz, Kalulu, Alajbegovic, Cambiaso, McKennie, Pinsoglio, Rugani, Vicario, Lucumi, Woltemade, Sarr, Gonzalez, Cabal and Radu.
Squad availability can change the shape of a match before kick-off. Juventus will need to assess how best to cover for the missing players while making effective use of the returning defenders and the attacking options who are fit. Spalletti’s final selection will depend on fitness, tactical balance and the specific problems he expects Cagliari to pose.
Spalletti’s Likely Juventus Formation
Spalletti is expected to consider a 4-2-3-1 formation, a system that could help Juventus maintain balance between defence and attack. Two central midfielders would provide protection in front of the back four, while a trio of attacking players could support the centre-forward and look for space between Cagliari’s defensive lines.
The formation also gives Juventus several ways to build attacks. The full-backs can advance to provide width, while the wide attackers can either stretch the opposition or move inside to create passing lanes. The central attacking midfielder, meanwhile, would be responsible for linking the midfield with the forward line and helping Juventus maintain possession in dangerous areas.
However, the formation is only a starting point. If Cagliari press aggressively, Juventus may need to move the ball quickly and use direct passes to bypass the first line of pressure. If the hosts sit deeper, patience and movement around the penalty area could be more important. The visitors’ ability to adapt during the match may prove just as significant as Spalletti’s initial tactical choice.
Cagliari vs Juventus: Match Prediction and Key Factors
Juventus will travel to Sardinia aiming for a positive result, but this is not a fixture they can approach casually. Cagliari’s home support can make the contest demanding, and the hosts are likely to look for opportunities to disrupt Juventus’ rhythm and turn defensive work into quick counterattacks.
Prediction: Juventus may have the stronger squad on paper, but their absences could make the match more competitive than expected. A narrow Juventus win is a reasonable prediction if the visitors control midfield, defend transitions effectively and make their attacking possession count. A draw remains a possibility if Cagliari can frustrate them and take advantage of any defensive uncertainty.
One key factor will be Juventus’ protection of the space behind their advancing full-backs. Cambiaso’s return could strengthen the team’s attacking options, but Juventus must ensure that forward movement does not leave them vulnerable to Cagliari’s breaks. The midfield pairing will also have an important role in winning second balls and preventing the hosts from building momentum.
At the other end, Juventus need to be efficient. With several attacking players unavailable, creating a high volume of chances cannot be taken for granted. Quick combinations, accurate delivery from wide areas and well-timed runs into the box may be essential to turning possession into goals.
A Significant Test in Juventus’ Serie A Campaign
The match against Cagliari offers Juventus an opportunity to show their depth and resilience. The absentees are a challenge, but the returns of Cambiaso and Cabal give Spalletti additional defensive choices, while Alajbegovic’s inclusion adds another name to the available group.
For supporters following the latest Juventus news, the main questions are how Spalletti will arrange his midfield, which players will lead the attack and whether the returning defenders are ready to play prominent roles. The likely 4-2-3-1 would provide a clear framework, but the team’s discipline and decision-making will ultimately shape the outcome.
Juventus will be targeting three points, yet they will need to earn them through concentration and control. If they manage the tempo, limit Cagliari’s counterattacking opportunities and show greater sharpness in the final third, the visitors will have a strong chance of leaving with a valuable result.
