Juventus enter their first major test of the 2026/27 season carrying real momentum but also a mounting injury list that will define how far Spalletti's rebuilt side can go. The Bianconeri have won both opening Serie A fixtures without conceding, beating Frosinone away and Parma at home, and sit fourth with six points ahead of Sunday's home clash with AC Milan. Six points, two clean sheets, and a squad that looks almost unrecognisable from a year ago: the transformation under Spalletti is already visible.

The injury situation, though, is serious. Spalletti has confirmed seven absentees for the Milan match, with Kenan Yildiz facing a long spell out after surgery and Marcus Thuram sidelined until 2027. Cambiaso, McKennie, Sarr, Cabal, and Ekhator are also unavailable. Arek Milik has been cut from both the Serie A and UEFA Europa League squads, leaving him able to feature only in the Coppa Italia. The squad depth is being tested earlier than anyone wanted.

Despite those setbacks, the mood around the club is positive. Spalletti's nine months of work have shaped a clear identity, and new arrivals Woltemade and Sarr arrived before the transfer window closed. Gigi Buffon, speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, backed the club's direction, suggesting Juventus start the Milan match with an advantage born from that continuity. With Nico Gonzalez stepping into the number ten role and Kolo Muani leading the line, tonight offers the first real measure of where this new Juventus actually stands.