Giuntoli: ‘Juventus market is closed’ and no further sales planned

Juventus director Cristiano Giuntoli (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Juventus director Cristiano Giuntoli is not concerned by the surprising Thiago Motta choices against Benfica and assures their ‘transfer market is effectively closed’ with no sales planned.

It kicks off at the Allianz Juventus Stadium in Turin at 20.00 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s Coppa Campioni games on the Liveblog.

The Bianconeri had been hoping to be higher up the table at this stage, but while they are guaranteed at least a play-off place, their chances of a top eight finish are frankly slim.

There is nonetheless a benefit to be had by climbing the standings, getting a better draw in the play-offs.

Randal Kolo Muani made his debut and scored in the Serie A defeat to Napoli just days after completing the loan from Paris Saint-Germain.

However, he is cup-tied, with Andrea Cambiaso, Arek Milik, Gleison Bremer and Juan Cabal injured, so Dusan Vlahovic returns to the starting XI for the first time since the Supercoppa Italiana semi-final against Milan on January 3.

Tim Weah is also moved to right-back with Weston McKennie, wearing the captain’s armband, at left-back.

Giuntoli accepts Juventus rotation

“We had few players available for many months and the coach was unable to rotate, so that had an effect. Now more are coming back and he will try to get the best out of them all,” Giuntoli told Sky Sport Italia.

The transfer market is still open and there are reports Nicolò Fagioli could be sold to Fiorentina, while Manchester City remain interested in Cambiaso.

“We always said that we did not want to sell anyone, that we intended to bring in two defenders, and that is what we’ve done. There is also a striker because Milik’s return was delayed, so we brought in Kolo Muani,” insisted Giuntoli.

“As of now, our transfer market is effectively closed, but we will keep an eye out for any opportunities that suit our requirements.”