Three Reasons Why USMNT Star Weston McKennie Can Revive His Juventus Career Under Luciano Spalletti

The curious case of Weston McKennie is set for another twist if Luciano Spalletti takes the vacant head coach role at Juventus. 

McKennie has enjoyed plenty of game time this season but he still isn’t fully considered a first-team starter. The USMNT star has been left in limbo somewhat after Igor Tudor’s sacking on October 27.

Although his contract is set to expire at the end of the season, FootItalia has identified three reasons why Spalletti can help get his Bianconeri career back on track.

Luciano Spalletti’s Style Of Play Can Suit Weston McKennie

The latest Weston McKennie transfer news indicated that the 27-year-old is considering a return to the US. However, that may not come to fruition.

Luciano Spalletti’s 4-2-3-1 formation could in fact help McKennie blossom. Should the former Inter Milan and Napoli boss take over from Igor Tudor, of course.

Spalletti prefers that lineup – whilst also using a 4-3-3 – whereby McKennie’s versatility would become paramount to the Bianconeri’s potential success.

McKennie would need to earn his place in the starting XI, though. The likes of Manuel Locatelli and Khephren Thuram would surely occupy the defensive midfield places.

McKennie could be considered as an attacking midfielder but poster boy Kenan Yildiz will not be dislodged. That means he could oust either Francisco Conceicao or Jonathan David.

In terms of style of play, Spalletti adopts an aggressive and attacking style of play with high pressing. Something of which would suit McKennie’s skills and attributes.

Igor Tudor Is No Longer Juventus Head Coach

To state the obvious, Igor Tudor is no longer Juventus boss which will likely be well received by Weston McKennie. Granted, the Croat has utilized McKennie in all but one of the 11 games so far in 2025-26.

However, Tudor slated McKennie’s weight, fitness and suggested he was getting too old to perform to the high standards required in European soccer.

Speaking to the US media via TNT Sports, McKennie explained: “I had a long preseason, my coach back at Juventus really put pressure on me and said, ‘Hey, you‘re getting older and your body is not going to be able to bounce back from games the way you used to be able to.

“You need to cut down some weight and that‘s the only way you‘re going to be involved in this team.‘”

Luciano Spalletti Can Convince Weston McKennie To Sign A New Juventus Contract

Not only will Weston McKennie have to prove himself once again to a new boss, Luciano Spalletti knows his strengths and abilities and would be influential in the possibility of McKennie penning a new deal.

It’s not just a case of convincing the USMNT to stay for extra money. Spalletti would play McKennie to his strengths which naturally, will help Juventus move forward and enhance the 27-year-old’s World Cup chances, too.

McKennie is almost a cert to be named in Mauricio Pochettino’s final roster but if Spalletti can untangle the doubts surrounding his club future, McKennie can approach the home tournament in the best possible form.

It will also be a given that McKennie will be a starter on the US side. Something of which he would crave with soccer’s biggest spectacle being held on home turf.

Domestically, Spalletti is a proven winner. Another craving of McKennie’s that could be satisfied if the former Azzurri boss joins. McKennie has lifted two Coppa Italia titles so far but if Spalletti can convince McKennie to stay, a number of Scudetto’s could possibly follow.