Spalletti ponders Juventus tactical switch after defensive collapse a… — and more

Several sources in Italy claim that Luciano Spalletti will switch to a three-man defence following Gleison Bremer’s injury and a poor defensive record that has seen the Bianconeri concede 13 goals in the last four games.

Juventus coach Spalletti will return to a three-man defence in the next Serie A match against Como, according to several Italian sources, including Gazzetta, Sky Sport and Corriere della Sera.

Juventus switch to three-man defence

PARMA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 01: Bremer of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammate Francisco Conceicao during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and Juventus FC at Stadio Ennio Tardini on February 01, 2026 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

The Bianconeri host Cesc Fabregas’ side at the Allianz Stadium on Saturday, and they’ll be forced to cope without Bremer, who suffered a minor muscle injury against Galatasaray on Tuesday.

The Brazilian setback adds further pressure on a Bianconeri defence that conceded 13 goals in the last four games across all competitions.

Juventus have won just one of their last five games, losing three and drawing once.

Federico Gatti already replaced Bremer against Galatasaray and is expected to feature in the Bianconeri XI against Como as well.

MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 14: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, reacts during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

According to Gazzetta, Teun Koopmeiners and Lloyd Kelly will complete the Old Lady’s backline against Como.

Spalletti is also short of options in attack, with both Dusan Vlahovic and Jonathan David injured.

The only other centre-forward in the team, Lois Openda, started on the bench against Galatasaray and Weston McKennie was used as a false nine.

TURIN, ITALY – JANUARY 12: Weston McKennie of Juventus FC celebrates a goal during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and US Cremonese at Allianz Stadium on January 12, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

According to reports, Openda and McKennie both have a chance to start in attack against Como, even if Kenan Yildiz is also an option for Spalletti.

The Italian tactician will provide the latest team news on the eve of the game today as he’ll hold a pre-match press conference at 16:00 CET.

Brentford return to Premier League action on Saturday when they host Brighton & Hove Albion at the Gtech Community Stadium, aiming to strengthen their push for European qualification.

Keith Andrews’ side have been one of the division’s most consistent performers in recent months and sit firmly in the mix for a top-six finish.

The Bees have collected 20 points from their last 10 league matches, a run that has transformed their campaign and lifted them into seventh place.

A narrow FA Cup victory over Macclesfield last time out extended positive momentum and should further boost confidence within the squad.

While the cup tie was far from straightforward, progression ensured morale remains high heading into a crucial league fixture.

Brentford know that victory this weekend is essential if they are to keep pace with rivals also chasing European football.

They have been particularly effective in key moments, with set-pieces and long throws continuing to provide a valuable attacking weapon.

Brighton arrive in West London in contrasting form.

Fabian Hurzeler’s side were knocked out of the FA Cup by Liverpool and have struggled for consistency in the Premier League since December.

The Seagulls have won only one league match in that period and have slipped down the table after once appearing in contention for the European places.

Back-to-back league defeats without scoring have highlighted a lack of cutting edge in front of goal.

Confidence has dipped, and the pressure is beginning to mount as they attempt to halt a slide towards the lower reaches of the table.

Brighton’s away form offers little reassurance, with no league win on the road since November.

However, they have shown resilience at times this season and will view this fixture as an opportunity to reignite belief.

For Brentford, the objective is clear.

Home advantage, recent form and greater stability give them reason to approach the match with confidence.

Yet Brighton’s need for points could make them dangerous opponents if Villa Park lessons from previous dropped points are heeded.

A win for the Bees would consolidate their European ambitions and underline their impressive development this season.

Anything less would risk allowing chasing sides to close the gap in what remains a tightly contested race.

Rory McIlroy opened his Genesis Invitational campaign with a strong round of 66 at Riviera, setting himself up nicely for the week ahead.

He carded six birdies against just one bogey to leave him in a good position early on. Before play began, McIlroy had voiced his dislike of the recent changes to Riviera’s fourth hole.

But that didn’t stop him from picking up a birdie there during his opening round.

The Northern Irishman finished the day five-under-par, just one shot behind Aaron Rai, who set the early pace with a 65. With plenty of golf left to play, McIlroy will feel well placed heading into Friday’s second round.

There was also good news for fans back home: full live coverage of each round is available on Sky Sports Golf and Sky Sports Main Event throughout the week.

Rory McIlroy says his game is still improving after opening round 66 at Riviera

Over the last 15 years, McIlroy has established himself as one of the top golfers of his era, and his record speaks for itself.

His competitiveness and determination to win were evident again on Thursday at Riviera.

After finishing his round, McIlroy was asked by reporters about the challenges of playing Riviera in the windy and wet conditions.

McIlroy said: “Yeah, I’ve definitely got more comfortable playing in conditions like this over the past few years.”

“I’ve gotten more comfortable in controlling my ball flight, and controlling my ball flight taking a lot more club, hitting the ball low.

“Yeah, and I’ve started to just really enjoy this style of golf. If you had asked me 10 years ago, I didn’t enjoy these conditions, but it’s been a shift in a mindset and maybe just a continuation of trying to build upon the skill set that I have.

“Then when it does get to conditions like this, I’m a lot more prepared. I wouldn’t say I enjoy them, but I can certainly handle them better. As I said, I haven’t always enjoyed these conditions. I haven’t always — honestly, I haven’t always had the skill set to excel in them.

Looking at McIlroy’s numbers from the opening round of the Genesis Invitational

McIlroy finds himself in a good position after day one at Riviera.

But with plenty of golf still to be played, there’s a lot that could change. More than half the field is still yet to finish their opening rounds due to a three-hour rain delay on Thursday.

The 2025 Masters champion will be pleased with how things are looking early on, but what do the stats say about his game right now?

The numbers show that McIlroy was pretty steady across all areas of his game.

His driving wasn’t quite up to his usual high standards, but that’s rarely an issue for him over multiple rounds. Expect him to find his rhythm off the tee as play continues into Friday.

Adding a win at Riviera would be another milestone for him. It’s one of those venues that carries real weight in golf history, and he’s spoken before about how winning at places like this has become more important to him as his career goes on.

If he can maintain this level, and continue making incremental gains in certain parts of his game, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him add more majors to his tally before long.

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He's on a whole different level.