TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 21: Manuel Locatelli and Mattia Perin of Juventus embrace after the Serie A match between Juventus FC and US Sassuolo Calcio at Allianz Stadium on March 21, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Luciano Spalletti confirmed Kenan Yildiz wanted to take the penalty against Sassuolo, but Manuel Locatelli was given the ball, leading to the third consecutive failed Juventus spot-kick.
The Bianconeri were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Sassuolo this evening, which has significantly damaged their chances of qualifying for the Champions League with a top four finish.
Kenan Yildiz had scored the opener, cancelled out by Andrea Pinamonti, and Dusan Vlahovic’s header struck Jay Idzes on the arm for a late penalty.
What happened before Juventus penalty
What the cameras perhaps did not capture was the conversation going on when the VAR call was being made, as Yildiz was standing near the spot, hoping to be given the ball.
Instead, Spalletti called Locatelli over to the touchline, and after a brief conversation, the midfielder went over to inform Yildiz of the decision.
It didn’t pay off, as Locatelli’s weak and central penalty was smothered by Arijanet Muric.
“Locatelli came over and told me he felt ready to take it,” confirmed Spalletti to DAZN Italia.
“There were two or three players who wanted to step up, but Locatelli is the designated taker. It’s fine, anyone can miss a penalty, we are just disappointed about not bringing home the victory.”
This means Juventus have now failed to convert three consecutive Serie A penalty kicks with three different players.
Jonathan David got it wrong in another stalemate with Lecce, while Yildiz was denied in a 5-0 victory over Cremonese.
In total, the Bianconeri have received seven Serie A penalties this term, converting four of them.
Locatelli remains their best taker, converting two out of his three, while Kenan Yildiz has a 50 per cent rate.
Vlahovic scored his only attempt too, but made his comeback today for the first time since injury at the end of November.
