# Spalletti’s First Gambit: Ekhator Leads a Restructured Juventus into Basel Laboratory

**By Hank Morrow**  \nPublished July 31, 2026  \nUpdated July 31, 2026

> As the summer heat settles, Luciano Spalletti prepares his first true tactical test. With new signing Ekhator ready to debut and key players like Thuram sidelined, Juventus heads to Switzerland to test a new-look system.

The transition from the controlled environment of the JTC to the competitive atmosphere of St. Jakob-Park marks more than just a change in geography for Juventus; it marks the official activation of the Luciano Spalletti era. As the Bianconeri prepare to face Basilea on Saturday, July 18, the fixture carries the weight of a high-stakes laboratory. This isn't merely a warm-up; it is the first opportunity for Spalletti to see if his tactical blueprints can survive the friction of live match play.

## The Spalletti Laboratory: A Tactical Pivot

Reports from the training grounds suggest that Spalletti is not interested in the comfort of established patterns. Instead, the Italian tactician is leaning into an experimental approach, potentially deploying a 3-4-2-1 formation to test the squad's spatial flexibility. This shift suggests a desire to optimize ball progression through a crowded midfield while providing more structured defensive cover—a necessity as the club looks toward a competitive 2026/27 campaign.

The focal point of this experimentation is undoubtedly the debut of new signing Ekhator. For the coaching staff, Ekhator represents more than just a fresh pair of legs; he is the variable that could determine how the new attacking shape functions. Whether he can integrate seamlessly into a system that prioritizes fluid movement between the lines will be the primary question facing the technical staff at 15:30.

## Roster Attrition and Technical Evaluations

However, the pursuit of tactical novelty comes with significant roster consequences. Spalletti will be forced to navigate a lineup depleted of key continuity. Most notable is the absence of Thuram, who remains sidelined due to physical concerns. His absence strips the squad of a vital component of their established attacking rhythm, forcing the bench to work harder to provide depth.

More intriguing, however, is the exclusion of Celik. While some absences are clearly physical, the decision to leave the recent arrival in Turin appears to be a calculated technical move. Analysis of the squad dynamics suggests that Celik’s absence may stem from a need for further integration into Spalletti’s specific tactical requirements, signaling that the manager is prioritizing systemic cohesion over immediate personnel availability.

To balance this loss of continuity, Spalletti is leaning on a blend of returning veterans and fresh talent. Players like ArthurDouglas, Luiz, Joao Mario, and Rugani—all of whom return following various loan spells—will be under intense scrutiny. For these players, the Basilea match is not just a preseason friendly; it is a high-pressure audition to prove they belong in the core rotation for the upcoming Serie A season.

## Projected Match Dynamics

The clash in Switzerland pits Spalletti’s evolving structure against a Basilea side led by Lichtsteiner, expected to deploy a disciplined 4-2-3-1. The tactical battle will likely be won in the transition phases, as Juventus attempts to find a rhythm with their experimental back three and midfield quartet.

### Probable Starting XIs

PositionJuventus (3-4-2-1)Basilea (4-2-3-1)**Goalkeeper**PerinOmlin**Defense**Kalulu, Gatti, KellyTsunemoto, Vouilloz, Victory, Cissé**Midfield**Joao Mario, Douglas Luiz, Locatelli, CambiasoMetinho, Malachowski**Attacking Mid/Wing**Zhegrova, Boga (or Openda)Otele, Shaqiri, Sow**Forward**EkhatorHunziker**Coach**L. SpallettiLichtsteiner*Note: Juventus lineups are subject to change based on final fitness assessments.*

## Viewing Logistics: How to Follow the Action

For supporters looking to track the opening stages of this new chapter, multiple viewing avenues are available. In a move to reward the fanbase, Juventus has confirmed that all July and August preseason friendlies will be available via **free live streaming** on the official Juventus.com website and the club's mobile app. This broadcast is accessible globally, with the exception of viewers located in Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

For those seeking premium coverage, the match will also be broadcast via **DAZN** and **Sky Sport**. Whether watching the tactical shifts in real-time or following text updates, the match provides the first real data points for a season that begins in earnest on August 23.

This Swiss outing serves as the springboard for a much larger summer itinerary. Following the test in Basel, the Bianconeri will depart for an Asian tour, featuring high-profile encounters against Chelsea in Hong Kong and a series of matches in Perth against Inter and Palermo. If the Basel match is the laboratory, the Asian tour will be the field test.

## Sources

- [Francesco Carci](https://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/2026/07/18/news/basilea_juventus_dove_vedere_tv_probabili_formazioni-425477876/) — original
- [Marta Olivero](https://torino.notizie.it/luciano-spalletti-schiera-ekhator-chi-manchera-allesordio-estivo/) — original
- [zazoom.it](https://www.zazoom.it/2026-07-16/probabile-formazione-juve-col-basilea-spalletti-si-affidera-a-un-undici-sperimentale/19469238/) — original
- [Stefano Silvestri](https://www.goal.com/it/notizie/dove-vedere-juventus-fiorentina-in-tv-e-streaming-canale-orario-formazioni/blt35586943ad7fd966) — original
- [sportmediaset.mediaset.it](https://www.sportmediaset.mediaset.it/calcio/juventus-amichevole-basilea-data-orario-tournee-asia_112052815-202602k.shtml) — original
- [tuttosport.com](https://www.tuttosport.com/news/calcio/serie-a/juventus/2026/07/17-149943465/juventus-basilea_probabili_formazioni_orario_e_dove_vedere_in_tv_e_streaming_l_amichevole) — original
- [Juventus.com](https://www.juventus.com/it/news/articoli/dove-vedere-basilea-juventus-in-streaming-gratis-orario-e-come-registrarsi) — original