Juventus face Manchester City for top spot in Group G at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. While both clubs have already secured a place in the knockout rounds, this match will determine who advances as group winner—a distinction that could impact their path forward. To claim first place, both sides will need their strongest lineups, but one question looms for Juventus fans: Why isn’t Kenan Yildiz starting?
Juventus have enjoyed a strong start to the tournament, cruising past Al Ain in a 5–0 blowout and following it up with a convincing 4–1 victory over Wydad. Kenan Yildiz was a standout performer in both matches, quickly establishing himself as a key figure in Juventus’s revamped squad. While the level of opposition may not have fully tested them, today’s clash with Manchester City represents their first true challenge of the competition.
Manchester City, meanwhile, have looked dominant throughout group play. The Premier League contenders opened with a 2–0 win over Wydad before dismantling Al Ain 6–0. While neither opponent posed a major threat, the results reflect City’s exceptional form and depth. Today’s match will offer a far more accurate barometer of their level heading into the knockout stage.
Why is Kenan Yildiz not starting?
The decision to start Yildiz on the bench appears to be a tactical one by Juventus’s coaching staff. The team is reportedly opting for a more conservative setup in an effort to counter Manchester City’s attacking firepower. The move comes as a surprise considering Yildiz’s impressive form and growing role as a central figure in Juventus’s lineup. Still, his introduction in the second half could prove pivotal—bringing energy, creativity, and a scoring threat when legs begin to tire.
Kenan Yıldız of Juventus
Other notable absences and confirmed lineup
Juventus will also be without Kolo Muani and Francisco Conceição in the starting XI—two players who made meaningful contributions in earlier matches. Both will begin on the bench, with expectations that they will be called upon in the second half depending on the match scenario.
see also
FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Group E standings: Final table with Inter Milan, River, Monterrey, and Urawa Reds after Matchday 3
The confirmed starting lineup for Juventus, without Yildiz, Kolo Muani, and Conceição, is as follows: Di Gregorio; Savona, Kalulu, Kelly; McKennie, Locatelli, Costa, Koopmeiners, Kostić; González, and Vlahović.
Leaving key offensive threats like Yildiz, Kolo Muani, and Conceição on the bench signals that Juventus may be prioritizing defensive stability in the opening half. With Manchester City likely to dominate possession, Juventus appear prepared to absorb pressure and look for counter-attacking opportunities later in the match.
