Carnevali: Juventus Made Mistakes in the Past, Bonuses Are Earned

FolioPitch.com – 16 October 2026 | Juventus CEO Giovanni Carnevali has acknowledged that the club’s recent financial struggles stem from past errors, stating that Carnevali Juventus made mistakes in the past bonuses are earned through performance. In a candid pre-match interview with Sky Sport Italia ahead of Thursday’s Europa League clash against Celta Vigo, Carnevali addressed the €250 million capital increase from the club’s owners, the contract extension of Nico Gonzalez, and the contentious issue of player bonuses.

Speaking from Galicia, where Juventus are set to face Celta Vigo at 20:00 BST (21:00 CET), Carnevali emphasized the importance of the European campaign for a club of Juventus’ stature. “It’s an international competition, so a club like Juventus should aim to progress as far forwards as possible,” he said. “It will be a difficult game, but a team like ours must give its best.” The Bianconeri opened their Europa League campaign with a resounding 5-0 victory over NEC before the international break and will look to build on that momentum.

Carnevali, who joined Juventus from Sassuolo at the start of the summer, is only a few months into his tenure as CEO. He described the role as “a big challenge” but expressed confidence in the club’s direction. “There’s a lot of passion and desire. We’re a big club with big ambitions and big pressure, and a lot of the time, that involves me and the whole team. It’s a good thing. I’m convinced we’ll do well. It takes time to build things, but we’re working on it.”

The Juventus chief was also asked about the recent contract extension handed to Nico Gonzalez, who spent the 2025-26 season on loan at Atletico Madrid. “As far as we’re concerned, Nico was nailed down here, we didn’t want to get rid of him. We’ve kept our word and I think he wants to be here too.” The winger’s renewal signals the club’s intent to retain key assets despite financial constraints.

However, the most striking comments came when Carnevali addressed the €250 million capital injection from Juventus’ owners, Exor. He did not shy away from attributing the need for such a cash boost to previous mismanagement. “We have to say thank you to our owners, who have made some big investments. I’m passionate about working here and some mistakes have been made in the past, because if we need capital injections, it means some mistakes must have been made. We have to try and improve ourselves and bring success to the fans.” This admission echoes the sentiment that Carnevali Juventus made mistakes in the past bonuses are earned, highlighting a shift towards accountability and performance-based rewards.

On the topic of competition bonuses for his players, Carnevali was unequivocal: “We have to think about tonight’s game before anything else. We have to try and get off on the right foot given the difficulties we will face tonight and in our next few games. We will need to earn a bonus.” His words reinforce the principle that Carnevali Juventus made mistakes in the past bonuses are earned, signaling a new era of financial prudence and meritocracy at the Allianz Stadium.

The CEO’s remarks come at a critical juncture for Juventus. The club has faced scrutiny over its financial management in recent years, culminating in the need for a substantial capital increase. Carnevali’s transparent approach may be an attempt to reset the narrative and align the club’s operations with sustainable practices. By linking bonuses to performance, he is motivating players to deliver on the pitch while also reassuring stakeholders that lessons have been learned.

Juventus’ Europa League campaign is expected to be a litmus test for the team’s resilience and ambition. With a squad that blends experienced internationals and promising talents, the Bianconeri are aiming to go deep in the competition. Carnevali’s emphasis on earning bonuses aligns with the club’s broader objectives: to compete at the highest level while maintaining financial discipline.

As the match against Celta Vigo approaches, all eyes will be on Juventus to see if they can translate their CEO’s words into action. The club’s fans, who have endured a turbulent period, will be hoping that the mistakes of the past are truly behind them and that a new chapter of success is beginning. Carnevali’s leadership will be judged not only by results on the field but also by his ability to steer Juventus towards a stable and prosperous future.

In conclusion, Giovanni Carnevali’s frank admission that Carnevali Juventus made mistakes in the past bonuses are earned serves as a defining moment for the club’s governance. It underscores a commitment to accountability, financial health, and performance-driven rewards. As Juventus embark on their European journey, the message is clear: success must be earned, both on and off the pitch.