Football decisions are rarely governed by pure logic, and when a major club like Juventus is involved, debate is almost inevitable. In this situation, one of the most prominent opposing viewpoints comes from someone deeply familiar with the club’s inner workings.
Former Juventus striker Alessandro Matri has offered a measured but firm caution regarding the idea of bringing Federico Chiesa back to Turin, focusing not on emotion or reputation, but on squad balance and tactical sense.
Speaking to TuttoJuve, Matri made it clear that his reservations have little to do with Chiesa’s ability. Instead, he questioned where Chiesa would realistically fit in the current Juventus setup. Matri argued that Juventus already have a player who occupies a similar and increasingly central role in the team.
In his view, signing Chiesa only to place him behind Kenan Yildiz in the pecking order would be inefficient and wasteful. Rather than strengthening the side, such a move could represent poor resource allocation.
Matri went further, suggesting that Juventus’ real needs lie elsewhere on the pitch. While acknowledging Chiesa’s undeniable quality, he emphasised that players like Weston McKennie contribute more tactical stability and overall balance in their current system.
For Matri, squad construction should be driven by equilibrium and cohesion, not by the temptation to reunite with familiar or popular names. Juventus, he believes, are not short on attacking talent; what they lack is structural harmony.
From a tactical standpoint, the concerns surrounding Chiesa’s potential return are significant. Since leaving Juventus, Chiesa has matured as a footballer.
His fitness has improved, his decision-making has sharpened, and his capacity to play in multiple attacking roles has expanded. However, that very versatility may now work against him in the context of Juventus’ current squad.
The rise of Kenan Yildiz has reshaped Juventus’ attacking hierarchy. Yildiz has become a key creative outlet, a player around whom progression and attacking phases are increasingly built.
Adding Chiesa into the mix could lead to overlap rather than innovation, creating congestion in wide and half-space areas where Juventus already have several options. Without a clearly defined role, Chiesa’s presence could complicate pressing patterns, disrupt midfield balance, and introduce selection dilemmas rather than clear solutions.
Juventus’ recent history provides cautionary examples. The club has previously welcomed back high-profile players amid excitement and nostalgia, only for those returns to falter due to tactical incompatibility rather than lack of quality. These experiences underline the importance of alignment between player profiles and team needs.
This is precisely why Matri’s perspective carries weight. His comments are not a rejection of Chiesa as a footballer, but a challenge to Juventus’ strategic priorities. With the team still struggling to achieve consistent control, defensive solidity, and tactical clarity, every investment must be carefully targeted.
Ultimately, the discussion surrounding Chiesa reflects a broader question about Juventus’ direction. Sitting fifth in Serie A, the club remains close enough to aspire to more, yet inconsistent enough to recognise the need for smart, focused improvements.
Strengthening other areas may offer greater returns than re-signing a familiar attacker. As noted by Juvefc.com, Juventus are still evaluating their options, and their final decision will reveal whether they choose sentiment or strategic efficiency.
