Randal Kolo Muani faces growing scrutiny at Juventus

Randal Kolo Muani has become an early source of frustration in Italy as Juventus debate turns increasingly toward his place in Luciano Spalletti’s attack. The discussion is not centred only on what the France international can produce, but on whether his characteristics match the role the team is expected to need.

On Mediaset’s Pressing programme, former Inter defender and Italy international Andrea Ranocchia argued that Juventus still need a leading centre-forward. Commentator Riccardo Trevisani reached a similar conclusion, describing Kolo Muani as more suited to a flank or a supporting role than to the penalty-area duties associated with Pio Esposito.

That assessment has drawn a defence from journalist Sandro Sabatini, who believes recent television analysis has treated the Frenchman too harshly. He points to Kolo Muani’s goal for Juventus under Igor Tudor and rejects the idea that lacking a classic No. 9 profile erases his value.

The disagreement leaves a clear distinction between role and quality. Kolo Muani can combine, run into space and create for teammates, while Spalletti’s possible wish for a more traditional striker would not automatically mean the player has been discarded. In Italy, the criticism is increasingly being judged disproportionate to what his performances have shown.