Giuntoli: ‘Juventus not thinking about Zirkzee’ | OneFootball

Juventus director Cristiano Giuntoli denies interest in Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee. ‘We are thinking of something very different.’

The match with Venezia kicks off at the Allianz Juventus Stadium at 19.45 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game, Cagliari-Atalanta and Udinese-Napoli on the Liveblog.

The Bianconeri made a huge impact on Wednesday when beating Manchester City 2-0 here, but now need to get their Serie A form back on track too after three consecutive stalemates against Milan, Lecce and Bologna.

“It was a very important match and one that will help the team to grow. Even regardless of the result, it was a top level performance,” Giuntoli told Sky Sport Italia.

“We always want to win and bring home the full points.”

Coach Thiago Motta is suspended this evening after his red card during the 2-2 draw with Bologna, so assistant manager Alexandre Hugeaux is on the bench.

Giuntoli outlines Juventus transfer strategy

ROME, ITALY – APRIL 23: Arkadiusz Milik of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Coppa Italia Semi-final Second Leg match between SS Lazio and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on April 23, 2024 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

The focus for Giuntoli is on the upcoming January transfer window and he continues to insist they are only looking for defenders.

“We are missing between five and nine players in every game this season, but we know of only two who won’t return this season and they are both defenders,” he said with reference to Gleison Bremer and Juan Cabal.

“Our intention is to keep everyone and add something at the back, while we wait for those who will return. The owners are very ambitious, but also aware of the moment the club is coming from. We’re sorting things out on and off the field, it is a young team that gives hope for the future.”

There were reports that Juventus were targeting Manchester United forward Zirkzee, who had impressed at Bologna under Thiago Motta last term.

“We are waiting for Arek Milik. Zirkzee is very talented, but he is part of another team and I cannot say more than that. We are thinking of something very different,” insisted Giuntoli.

“Milik is having his recovery process after surgery, we are happy and think he could be back within 15-20 days.”