Luciano Spalletti is convinced that young talent Kerim Alajbegovic deserves “a bit more responsibility” as Juventus prepares for their Europa League match against AZ.
Alajbegovic netted his first Serie A goal for the Bianconeri during their 2-0 victory over Napoli on Sunday.
At just 19 years and 41 days, he became the youngest non-Italian player to score in a Serie A encounter between Juve and Napoli.
Additionally, Alajbegovic is the youngest forward in Europe’s top five leagues this season to both score and provide at least one assist.
This season, five forwards born in 2007 or later have both scored and assisted: Alajbegovic, Lamine Yamal, Charalampos Kostoulas, Jay Robinson, and Paul Mendy.
Spalletti has expressed surprise at Alajbegovic’s immediate influence but has cautioned against unrealistic expectations for the young player.
“Alajbegovic took on the responsibility; typically, a young player might shy away during tough times, but he stepped up to help turn things around,” Spalletti remarked.
Heading to Alkmaar #AZJuve #UEL https://t.co/Fzq9AeliGy
— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) November 4, 2026
“He was brought in as a player with potential, and given his recent performances, we’re pleased to trust him with more responsibility.”
“It’s encouraging to see such a positive response, but consistency at this competitive level is challenging, so we must remain grounded.”
“I can confirm he will play some part in the match against AZ, whether early on or later.”
This will be the first time AZ and Juventus meet in European competition, with AZ currently unbeaten in their last five matches against Italian teams (W4 D1).
Juventus has not lost in three Europa League games against Dutch teams (W2 D1), scoring seven goals while conceding only once in those encounters.
Fan Take: This news is significant for soccer fans as it highlights the emergence of young talent, showcasing how fresh faces like Alajbegovic can make a difference at high stakes. His rise could not only benefit Juventus but also inspire a new generation of players, keeping the sport dynamic and exciting.
Source: www.soccernews.com
