Juventus owner John Elkann said the club is in a rebuilding phase after the in-house friendly against Juventus Next Gen was cut short following a pitch invasion at the end of the first half.

The match, once staged at Villar Perosa and now held at the Allianz Stadium, lasted only one half before the customary fan invasion prevented the second period from getting underway. Elkann, CEO of Exor and Juventus owner, watched from the bench alongside Luciano Spalletti and later spoke to Sky Sport.

Fans including a young boy jumping over a railing onto the pitch at Juventus Allianz Stadium
Fans breach security and enter the pitch during a Juventus friendly at the Allianz Stadium.

Elkann said Juventus’ ambition is always to win in Serie A and in Europe. He described the club’s history as one of cycles, with rebuilding periods between them, and said Juventus are working through such a phase now.

Praise for Spalletti and Carnevali

Elkann described his relationship with Spalletti as strong and said sitting alongside the coach on the bench gave him a unique view of the game. He said he enjoyed hearing Spalletti’s thoughts as the match unfolded and that it was his first time watching a game from the bench in that way.

John Elkann shaking hands with Luciano Spalletti on a football pitch.
John Elkann and Luciano Spalletti meet on the pitch.

He also praised Giovanni Carnevali, describing him as a strong professional with extensive knowledge of Italian football. Elkann said Juventus’ rebuilding process must begin in Italy and respect the club’s identity, adding that Carnevali’s abilities, drive and ambition align with that approach and with the pursuit of victory.

Winning remains the objective

Elkann said Juventus must start winning because victories bring important results in Italy and Europe. He added that it will be important for the club to meet all of its commitments across the season.

He acknowledged that football moves in cycles and said Juventus are currently in a rebuilding phase. However, Elkann said everyone at the club is determined to carry the process forward with the aim of taking Juventus back to the top.