Massimiliano Canzi and his Juventus Women’s First Team are back to work, with preparations kicking off for the upcoming 2025/26 season.
With the majority of the Bianconere having returned to work, and just a handful of internationals still to rejoin the group, the boss took the chance to speak about the players working under his orders and to look ahead to the new season.
Starting with energy
“The enthusiasm is sky-high,” Canzi said. “Because we’re coming off a wonderful season. Relationship are built around results in sport - when you achieve great results, great groups are formed, and vice versa. There’s a real desire to see each other again, to get back to work together - team, staff, everyone has come back with the right enthusiasm.”
A group in construction
“At the moment we have a temporary group, as is normal. It’s a different kind of start compared to last year. Then, when I arrived, the group was basically complete. Right now not only are the players just starting to return from the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025, but we’re also working with a lot of players we’re evaluating. Some will go out on loan, some will stay with the Primavera, and some might become part of the First Team.”
Seeking stability
“We want, of course, continuity. Last year was harder because I had to learn everything from scratch. But the club’s decision was the right one: making such a clear change, both in playing style and preparation, was possible because we had time to work, and it brought good results.”
Five competitions, one goal: Compete
The new 2025/26 season will see Juventus Women involved in five competitions: Serie A Women’s Cup, Serie A, the Italian Cup, the Italian Super Cup, and the UEFA Women’s Champions League, and the coach is excited to face them all.
“When you are Juventus, there’s always pressure, because every competition you enter, you want to go all the way. Nationally, our goal is clearly to be competitive until the very end. In the Champions League, the level is higher, but we know we can and must do better than last year. There’s also the appeal of the new format, with matches always against different opponents, and even leaves the door open for a playoff spot to reach the last 16 - so it’s an extra chance to progress.”
Planning
“We’re waiting for the return of the girls who were away this summer. Fortunately, we already have a well-established playing identity and the girls are familiar with it. The first phase will be focused on fitness, which we’ve already begun with those present. Those coming back from international duty also need emotional recovery, after such a demanding tournament like the European Championship. It’s a puzzle we’re piecing together.”
The Serie A Women’s Cup up first
“Our target is to be ready [by the start of the Serie A Women's Cup]. We won’t be at our absolute peak, but we’ll need to be in good shape. After that, improvement comes with playing.”
WEURO 2025
“The Euros showed real, top-level football, with packed stadiums and huge attention on it. All our girls did well. There were a few small injuries, but considering the number of matches and the level of play, we can say it went pretty well. It was certainly a big step forward in their development, which will also benefit our work here.”
Team spirit
“We all went, as a staff, to watch Italy’s match against England in Geneva. And it was actually the players’ idea - they really wanted us to go. It was a lovely sign of unity and closeness. They appreciated it, and we appreciated it even more.”
