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Juventus Demolishes Cremonese 5-0 as Spalletti Era Takes Shape in Turin

14/01/2026|SB Staff|Soccer News
<p>The Allianz Stadium erupted in celebration Monday night as Juventus delivered its most emphatic performance of the season, dismantling newly promoted Cremonese 5-0 in a display that signaled the Turin giants may finally be finding their rhythm under new manager Luciano Spalletti.</p> <p>The victory propelled Juventus into third place in Serie A, level on points with Napoli and Roma but ahead on goal difference, reigniting hopes of a genuine title challenge in what has been a transformative campaign for the Bianconeri.</p> <p>It was the kind of night that reminded Italy why Juventus remains calcio's most storied institution.</p> <p>Goals from Gleison Bremer, Jonathan David, Kenan Yildiz, and a brace from Weston McKennie painted a picture of a team rediscovering its swagger after years of turbulence marked by financial scandals, managerial upheaval, and a painful departure from the sport's elite echelon.</p> <p>This was Juventus' highest scoring match of the 2025-26 season and their fifth victory in six league fixtures, a run of form that suggests Spalletti's tactical blueprint is beginning to bear fruit.</p> <p>The match began with Juventus asserting immediate dominance. Just 12 minutes in, Bremer's speculative long-range effort took a fortuitous deflection that left Cremonese goalkeeper Emil Audero helpless, nestling into the corner to break the deadlock. Three minutes later, the floodgates opened.</p> <p>Khéphren Thuram orchestrated a devastating counterattack, threading a precise pass to Jonathan David, who finished clinically to double the advantage. The Canadian striker, brought in during the summer transfer window, has quickly become a focal point of Juventus' attack, and his composure in front of goal offered further evidence of his growing influence.</p> <h2>McKennie and Yildiz Shine in Commanding Display</h2> <p>As the first half progressed, Juventus tightened their grip on proceedings. Turkish sensation Kenan Yildiz stepped up to take a penalty after a VAR review confirmed a handball in the area, and though Audero managed to tip his initial spot kick onto the post, the 19-year-old reacted quickest to slot home the rebound. It was a moment that encapsulated both his tenacity and the hunger coursing through this revitalized Juventus squad. For those looking to <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/italy/italian-serie-a">bet on Serie A</a>, Juventus' attacking resurgence has made them an increasingly compelling proposition.</p> <p>The second half brought more misery for Cremonese, who have now gone six matches without a victory.</p> <p>Just two minutes after the restart, American midfielder Weston McKennie poked home from close range, though Cremonese's Filippo Terracciano was credited with an unfortunate own goal as he desperately tried to clear on the line.</p> <p>McKennie would not be denied his moment, however, securing his brace with a towering header in the 64th minute that left no doubt about the evening's outcome.</p> <p>The performance was particularly significant given the context surrounding Spalletti's appointment. The 66-year-old tactician, who led Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years in 2023 before a brief stint managing Italy's national team, was hired in late October 2025 to replace the unsuccessful Igor Tudor.</p> <p>His contract runs through June 2026 with an option to extend, and while he has repeatedly downplayed expectations, insisting that Juventus is "not yet at the level of Inter and Napoli," Monday's clinical display suggested otherwise. Those wanting to understand the Italian top flight better can consult our <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/punter-iq/guide/serie-a-betting-guide-2025-26">Serie A betting guide</a> for comprehensive insights.</p> <h2>Title Race Intensifies as Inter Maintains Lead</h2> <p>Spalletti has implemented a system built on defensive solidity and opportunistic counterattacking, a departure from the possession-heavy approaches favored by some of his predecessors. His tactical flexibility has allowed players like McKennie and Thuram to flourish in hybrid roles, combining defensive responsibilities with attacking thrust. The American midfielder has been particularly impressive, offering both goal-scoring prowess and tireless work rate in the center of the park.</p> <p>For Cremonese, the evening could scarcely have gone worse. Manager Davide Nicola was sent off for protesting a VAR decision that denied his side a penalty, and his team's defensive frailties were ruthlessly exposed by a Juventus attack operating with precision and pace. The defeat leaves Cremonese in 13th place, their winless streak stretching to six games and raising questions about whether they possess the quality to avoid being dragged into a relegation battle as the season progresses.</p> <p>Juventus now sits third in the table with the same points total as Napoli and Roma, separated only by goal difference. Inter Milan maintains a three-point cushion at the summit, while AC Milan sits second, also three points clear of the chasing pack.</p> <p>The defending champions Napoli, along with the top two, have a game in hand, meaning the race for Champions League qualification and potential title contention remains fluid and fiercely competitive.</p> <p>With European places at stake, understanding <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/punter-iq/guide/how-to-bet-uefa-champions-league">how to bet on the Champions League</a> could prove valuable as the season reaches its climax.</p> <h2>Keep Reading</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/soccer/soccer-news/most-goals-football-history">The players who've found the net more than anyone else in football history</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/soccer/soccer-news/what-is-xg-soccer-explained">What xG actually tells us about attacking performance (and what it doesn't)</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/soccer/soccer-news/most-trophies-football-history">The most decorated players in football history ranked</a></li> </ul>

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