Coach Luciano Spalletti acknowledged that Kenan Yildiz was eager to take the penalty kick against Sassuolo. However, Manuel Locatelli was ultimately chosen, resulting in Juventus’ third consecutive missed spot-kick.
Juventus, often referred to as the Bianconeri, played to a 1-1 draw against Sassuolo at their home stadium tonight. This outcome has dealt a substantial blow to their prospects of securing a top-four finish and qualifying for the Champions League.
Kenan Yildiz initially opened the scoring, but Andrea Pinamonti equalized. Later in the game, a header from Dusan Vlahovic hit Jay Idzes’ arm, leading to a late penalty award.
The Events Leading Up to Juventus’ Penalty Kick
What might have escaped the television cameras was the discussion taking place while the VAR decision was being reviewed. Yildiz was positioned close to the penalty spot, evidently hoping to be entrusted with taking the kick.
However, Spalletti summoned Locatelli to the touchline. Following a quick chat, the midfielder then approached Yildiz to convey the final decision.
This choice did not prove fruitful, as Locatelli’s rather tame and centrally-aimed penalty was comfortably saved by Arijanet Muric.
“Locatelli approached me and stated he felt prepared to take it,” Spalletti confirmed.
“Several players, two or three of them, expressed a desire to take the shot, but Locatelli is our designated penalty taker. It’s understandable; anyone can miss a penalty. Our main disappointment stems from failing to secure the win.”
Consequently, Juventus has now failed to convert three successive Serie A penalty kicks, with each attempt taken by a different player.
Jonathan David previously missed a penalty during a draw against Lecce, and Yildiz’s attempt was saved even in a dominant 5-0 victory over Cremonese.
Overall this season, Juventus has been awarded seven penalties in Serie A, successfully converting four of them.
Locatelli still stands as their most successful penalty taker, having converted two out of three attempts, whereas Kenan Yildiz boasts a 50 percent conversion rate.
Vlahovic also successfully scored his sole penalty attempt this season. Today marked his return to play for the first time since sustaining an injury in late November.