Juventus are stepping up plans to strengthen the Italian core of their squad, with Brentford defender Michael Kayode and Cagliari midfielder Alessandro Romano among the young players being monitored by the club.
Juventus CEO Giovanni Carnevali has made it clear that the club wants to increase the number of Italian players in its squad while also focusing on young talents with long-term potential.
Kayode is a familiar name to Juventus, having spent part of his youth career at the club before moving through the Italian football system. The 21-year-old defender later established himself at Fiorentina before joining Brentford in January 2025.
His development in the Premier League has attracted renewed attention from Juventus. However, negotiations could prove difficult because Kayode is now an established player in England and his market value has increased.
Romano is another player on Juventus’ radar. The 20-year-old midfielder currently plays for Cagliari and has also attracted interest from other major Italian clubs.
Juventus are understood to be monitoring several Italian midfielders as part of the same recruitment strategy. Romano has also worked with Juventus sporting director Frederic Massara during his development and spent time on loan at La Spezia last season.
The club’s interest extends beyond Kayode and Romano. Juventus are also monitoring players including Frosinone goalkeeper Lorenzo Palmisani, Fiorentina midfielder Cher Ndour, Lazio’s Davide Frattesi and several other young Italian prospects.
Carnevali acknowledged that rebuilding a stronger Italian identity will not be straightforward, particularly because top domestic talents are increasingly valuable and face competition from clubs across Europe.
For Kayode, a potential return to Juventus would represent a notable development given his early connection with the club. The defender has also recently earned recognition at international level, receiving his first senior Italy call-up after his impressive progress at Brentford.
There is currently no confirmed agreement for either Kayode or Romano to join Juventus. The two players remain among several Italian talents being assessed as the club works on its longer-term squad-building strategy.