Spalletti Set to Drop Kolo Muani for Juventus Clash Against Genoa as Pressure Mounts on €50m Striker

FolioPitch.com – 28 October 2026 | Luciano Spalletti is reportedly preparing to leave Randal Kolo Muani on the bench when Juventus travel to face Genoa at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris on Wednesday, a decision that goes beyond simple squad rotation. According to reports from Tuttosport and Corriere dello Sport, Spalletti set to drop Kolo Muani for Juventus clash against Genoa, signaling growing frustration with the French striker’s lack of impact since his big-money move to Turin.

The 27-year-old forward, who arrived from Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth €50 million, has struggled to justify his price tag. In 11 appearances across all competitions this season, Kolo Muani has found the net just three times, with only one of those goals coming in Serie A. His overall contribution has been underwhelming, and the pressure is beginning to tell.

Rotation or Relegation? The Reasoning Behind the Decision

While Juventus face a congested fixture list, with a crucial home clash against Napoli looming on Sunday, the decision to bench Kolo Muani is not solely about preserving his fitness. Sources indicate that Spalletti is losing patience with the striker’s inability to deliver consistently. The former Tottenham and PSG man has started nine times in Serie A and played the full 90 minutes on six occasions, yet his goal return remains meager.

In the last two matches, Spalletti experimented with a strike partnership of Kolo Muani and Nick Woltemade. The German loanee from Newcastle has shown more promise and is expected to make his third consecutive start across all competitions. Woltemade’s improvement has been notable, and his physical presence and link-up play have impressed the coaching staff.

For the trip to Genoa, Tuttosport reports that Spalletti will stick with a 3-5-2 system, with young Kerim Alajbegovic currently the favorite to partner Woltemade up front. This would leave Kolo Muani as an option from the bench, a role he is unaccustomed to but one that reflects his current standing in the pecking order.

Kolo Muani’s Struggles in Numbers

The statistics paint a clear picture of Kolo Muani’s difficulties adapting to life in Serie A. Despite his pedigree, the forward has managed just one league goal, a far cry from the expectations that accompanied his arrival. His inability to find the back of the net regularly has raised questions about whether Juventus made the right call in investing such a significant sum.

• Appearances: 11 (all competitions)
• Goals: 3 (1 in Serie A)
• Starts: 9 (Serie A)
• Full 90 minutes: 6 (Serie A)

These numbers are particularly concerning given that Juventus are reportedly already looking for reinforcements in the January transfer window. The club has set its sights on Monaco’s Folarin Balogun, a move that would further intensify competition for places and potentially signal the end of Kolo Muani’s time as a guaranteed starter.

Spalletti’s Tactical Shuffle

Spalletti has never been afraid to make bold decisions, and his willingness to drop a high-profile signing demonstrates his commitment to meritocracy. The Italian tactician has reshuffled his lineup in recent weeks, searching for the right formula to ignite Juventus’ attacking play. The 3-5-2 formation against Genoa is likely to feature Alajbegovic alongside Woltemade, with the young forward earning his opportunity through impressive training performances.

The decision to bench Kolo Muani is also a message to the rest of the squad: no one is undroppable. With Napoli on the horizon, Spalletti needs his players firing on all cylinders, and he cannot afford passengers in the starting XI.

What Next for Kolo Muani?

The coming weeks will be crucial for Kolo Muani’s Juventus career. If he fails to seize his opportunities when they arise, the club may accelerate their pursuit of Balogun and potentially look to offload the Frenchman. At 27, Kolo Muani still has time to turn things around, but the clock is ticking.

Spalletti is expected to provide further clarity on his team selection during a pre-match press conference at 16:00 CET today. For now, all signs point to Kolo Muani starting on the bench, a scenario that would have seemed unthinkable just a few months ago.

Conclusion

As Spalletti set to drop Kolo Muani for Juventus clash against Genoa, the decision serves as a stark reminder of the unforgiving nature of top-level football. The striker’s struggles have opened the door for others, and Spalletti’s ruthless streak could be exactly what Juventus need to reignite their season. Whether Kolo Muani can fight his way back into the starting lineup remains to be seen, but for now, he must watch from the sidelines as his teammates aim to secure a vital victory at Marassi. The Spalletti set to drop Kolo Muani for Juventus clash against Genoa narrative will continue to dominate headlines until the team sheet is confirmed, and the outcome could have significant implications for both the player and the club’s ambitions this season.