Alajbegović Starts and Shines in Juventus Victory
The 18-year-old Bosnia and Herzegovina international earned the trust of coach Spalletti in the final pre-season friendly against Palermo, but his brilliant setup was wasted by Kolo Muani.
The 18-year-old Bosnia and Herzegovina international earned the trust of coach Spalletti in the final pre-season friendly against Palermo, but his brilliant setup was wasted by Kolo Muani.
Young Bosnian footballer Kerim Alajbegović continues his development in the jersey of the Turin giants. Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti gave him the nod from the first minute on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, in the final pre-season friendly before the start of the new season, with Juventus defeating Palermo 2-0 at the Optus Stadium in Perth.
This was Alajbegović's second appearance on the Australian tour, having come on in the second half against Inter a few days earlier, injecting extra energy and creativity into the Old Lady's attack. Although Juventus lost that match, the young Bosnia and Herzegovina international confirmed his potential, and now against Palermo he was handed a starting berth.
The 18-year-old midfielder spent just over an hour on the pitch before being replaced by Fabio Miretti in the 61st minute. Although he didn't get on the scoresheet, Alajbegović came close to an assist in the 49th minute of the match.
After a cross from the right, the Bosnia and Herzegovina international headed the ball down for French striker Randal Kolo Muani, creating a golden opportunity. However, Kolo Muani failed to find the net from just five meters out, squandering a fantastic chance.
The young midfielder's performances have not gone unnoticed. The reputable Gazzetta dello Sport analyzed the pre-season matches of Italian clubs and singled out Alajbegović for special praise. "Forty-five minutes isn't enough; in fact, it's pointless to draw major conclusions from such a short period, but Alajbegović exuded quality," the review states. The paper further lauded his game sense and tendency to look for the assist: "He seems more interested in providing an assist than finishing, which is a sign of intelligence. Alajbegović has a sharp eye and a feel for the game."
Although naturally a winger, coach Spalletti is reportedly planning to utilize his qualities in the number ten role, behind the central striker. Kenan Yildiz is expected to operate on the left flank, and much of Juventus's attacking potential next season could depend on their partnership and understanding on the pitch. If Joshua Zirkzee were to arrive in Turin, the quality in attack would increase further, but Spalletti would need to find the right balance to integrate the individual quality of his forwards while maintaining the overall team equilibrium.
Juventus took the lead just before the break. In the 44th minute, Kenan Yildiz scored following an assist from Zeki Celik to give them a narrow halftime advantage. Arkadiusz Milik sealed the 2-0 win in the 86th minute, producing a brilliant piece of skill to beat his marker and slot the ball past the Palermo goalkeeper.
This match was the final test for the Old Lady before competitive action begins. The new Serie A season kicks off on August 22, with Juventus opening their campaign away at Frosinone.
Alajbegović has earned valuable minutes in Spalletti's squad during pre-season, and now the young Bosnia and Herzegovina international faces the battle for his place in the team once official matches begin. He turns 19 in September and already has a season of professional football in Salzburg under his belt, as well as four appearances and one goal for the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team at the World Cup in the United States.
