The curtain rises on the 2025-26 Serie A season this Sunday night as Juventus welcome Parma to the Allianz Stadium in Turin, setting the stage for a campaign brimming with anticipation, uncertainty, and a dash of cautious optimism. While the opening whistle signals a new beginning, there’s a prevailing sense among fans and pundits alike that this season’s launch carries a little less fanfare than years past. Yet, the stakes remain high as Igor Tudor’s Bianconeri look to assert themselves in a league landscape that’s seen plenty of change—just not so much in Turin.
Juventus, under the stewardship of Tudor, kick off their campaign at 20:45 CET on August 24, 2025, in front of their home supporters. The Bianconeri are aiming to extend a remarkable record: they’ve triumphed in all four previous Serie A opening encounters against Parma. But as the new season dawns, expectations are tempered. The club is considered third favorites for the Scudetto, trailing last season’s powerhouses Inter Milan and Napoli, and the summer’s transfer activity has been noticeably restrained. For many, the feeling is less of a fresh start and more of a continuation, as the football calendar grows ever more congested.
Speaking ahead of the match, Igor Tudor expressed his excitement at returning to competitive action. “These are great emotions. I like when you play and there is something at stake. I don’t like pre-season, the friendlies. The team is ready, we want to start well. The players have trained well and the feelings are positive,” he told reporters, as quoted by IlBianconero. Tudor’s words strike a chord with supporters eager to see their team hit the ground running after a summer that’s been long on rumors but short on blockbuster arrivals or departures.
Perhaps the most notable addition to the Juventus squad is Canadian striker Jonathan David, who is set to lead the line in Turin. David arrives with an impressive pedigree, having scored 87 goals in Ligue 1 over five seasons and netted 10 times in 18 Champions League appearances for LOSC Lille. He wasted no time making his mark in pre-season, scoring a spectacular goal against Atalanta. Tudor is clearly thrilled with his new frontman: “He’s a good player, very focused, applied and that is what I like from strikers. When you tell him something, he does it. In the area he moves well, he is always dangerous. I’m happy with him. A good guy, a real professional.”
Juventus fans will also be keeping a close eye on Teun Koopmeiners, who endured a challenging first season in Turin after his €55 million move from Atalanta. Tudor, however, remains confident in the Dutch midfielder’s abilities: “He played a great match in Bergamo, he’s important for us, he’ll have a big season, even if a lot has already been said about him.” The midfield will be marshaled by Manuel Locatelli, who retains the captain’s armband, with Bremer—returning from a long-term ACL injury—as vice-captain. The leadership group is rounded out by Kenan Yildiz, Khephren Thuram, and Federico Gatti.
Bremer’s return is a significant boost for the Bianconeri’s backline, which at times last season looked vulnerable. Tudor confirmed the Brazilian’s readiness: “We know his value on and off the pitch, everything is going to plan. He’s at a good enough level to play and tomorrow he will play. It will take a couple of games, not just for him but for everyone, because the preparation was a bit short. But we will have a good game tomorrow.”
Juventus’s expected starting lineup features Di Gregorio in goal, with Kalulu, Bremer, and Kelly forming the defensive trio. Joao Mario and Andrea Cambiaso are set to provide width, while Thuram and Locatelli anchor the midfield. Francisco Conceicao and Kenan Yildiz, the latter a recent Kopa Trophy Ballon d’Or nominee, are expected to support Jonathan David in attack. Injuries, however, have forced Tudor’s hand in some areas: Juan Cabal (knee), Fabio Miretti (thigh), Nicolo Savona (ankle), and Arek Milik remain sidelined, while backup goalkeeper Mattia Perin could return next week.
On the other side, Parma arrive with their own set of changes and challenges. The club finished 16th last season and have since appointed Carlos Cuesta—a former Arsenal assistant and Juventus youth coach—as their new manager. At just 30 years and 26 days old, Cuesta becomes the third-youngest coach to debut in Serie A, and he’s already made a mark with a 2-0 Coppa Italia win over Pescara. Parma have had to cope with the departures of key players, including striker Ange-Yoan Bonny (to Inter) and defender Giovanni Leoni (to Liverpool), while new signing Matija Frigan is out with an ACL injury. Emanuele Valeri, a left-back with a knack for assists, is expected to be a key figure in supporting forward Mateo Pellegrino.
Cuesta’s likely starting XI features Suzuki in goal, with Delprato, Circati, and Valenti at the back. Lovik, Bernabe, Keita, and Valeri form the midfield, while Almqvist and Ordonez support Pellegrino up front. Parma are also without Botond Balogh (suspended), Hernani (thigh), and Jacob Ondrejka (broken leg), further testing the depth of their squad.
Recent history between the two sides offers plenty of intrigue. Parma managed a shock 1-0 win over Juventus at the Stadio Tardini last season and twice held the Bianconeri to draws, including a thrilling 2-2 encounter in Turin where American duo Weston McKennie and Timothy Weah each found the net. In their 54 previous meetings, Juventus have won 27 times, with 16 draws and 11 Parma victories.
Despite bookmakers listing Juventus as the third favorite for the title, Tudor is quick to downplay predictions and focus on the work ahead: “Predictions don’t matter, you just have to work hard and focus on each game as it comes.” He’s also brushed off transfer speculation, particularly regarding the possible return of Randal Kolo Muani: “I’m happy with the squad I have. The market is complicated but I focus on coaching. I trust my club, they know my thoughts. This is a good group of players and good guys.”
As the sun sets over Turin and the Allianz Stadium fills with anticipation, one thing is certain: the start of a new season always brings hope, no matter how subdued the buildup. Juventus enter the campaign with a blend of stability and fresh faces, while Parma look to punch above their weight under a young, ambitious coach. With the action set to unfold and plenty of storylines to follow, all eyes will be on whether the Bianconeri can capitalize on their home advantage and set the tone for the months ahead.
For now, the outcome remains up in the air, but the journey is just beginning. The Serie A spotlight is back on Turin, and the beautiful game is ready to deliver its next chapter.
