Alajbegovic Earns Increased Role at Juventus
Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti has confirmed teenage forward Kerim Alajbegovic will get more playing time against AZ in the Europa League.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Soccer
Juventus head coach Luciano Spalletti confirmed that 19-year-old Bosnian forward Kerim Alajbegovic will receive increased playing time. The move follows Alajbegovic's first Serie A goal in Juventus's 2-0 home win over Napoli on Sunday.
Why it matters
Spalletti is rewarding Alajbegovic's rapid adaptation and response in Turin with more responsibility. The decision reflects how quickly a young attacker can move from the margins to a regular role in a top European side.
Alajbegovic scored at 19 years and 41 days old and is the youngest foreign player to score in a Juventus-Napoli Serie A meeting. AZ have won four and drawn one of their past five European matches against Italian clubs, and Juventus have conceded only one goal across three matches against Dutch clubs in European competition.
The players
Kerim Alajbegovic
A 19-year-old Bosnian forward at Juventus who scored his first Serie A goal against Napoli and is now set for increased playing time.
Luciano Spalletti
The Juventus head coach who confirmed the increased role for Alajbegovic and is known for his tactical management of Italian and European club sides.
The details
Alajbegovic scored his first Serie A goal in the 2-0 home win over Napoli on Sunday, earning his manager's trust. Spalletti plans to give the Bosnian another European appearance when Juventus face AZ in the Netherlands on Thursday.
Timeline
Sunday: Alajbegovic scores his first Serie A goal in Juventus's 2-0 win over Napoli.
Thursday: Juventus face AZ in a Europa League match in the Netherlands.
Season Trajectory
Alajbegovic is the youngest attacker to register both a goal and an assist across Europe's top five divisions this 2026-27 season, with four other forwards born in 2007 or later achieving the same this season. His rise adds depth to a Juventus attack as the club pursues results in both Serie A and the Europa League.
Alajbegovic's increased role could matter for fantasy rosters, as he already has a goal and an assist this season. Fans and fantasy managers should watch his starting status against AZ on Thursday.
The takeaway
Young players who earn trust through a single decisive performance can quickly become central to a top club's plans. Watch how Alajbegovic's role develops over the coming matches.
What happens next
Juventus face AZ in the Europa League on Thursday, when Alajbegovic is expected to feature either from the start or off the bench.
Further reading
Follow more Soccer coverage for context on rising young forwards across Europe's top leagues.
