struggling strikers deliver, but Juventus and Roma have different reactions

SASSUOLO, ITALY – JANUARY 06: Jonathan David of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Juventus FC at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on January 06, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Struggling strikers Jonathan David, Evan Ferguson and Artem Dovbyk scored a goal each on Tuesday, yet the reactions from Juventus’ Luciano Spalletti and Roma’s Gian Piero Gasperini could not have been more different.

Serie A Round 19 started on Tuesday with Como, Roma and Juventus picking up victories over Pisa, Lecce and Sassuolo, respectively.

Tuesday’s Serie A action saw David, Ferguson and Dovbyk react to recent criticism as they scored a goal each to inspire Juventus and Roma’s wins.

David ‘protected’ by Juventus

David started the second consecutive match for the Old Lady, even after an awkward penalty kick miss in the previous match against Lecce. Against Sassuolo, he scored once and provided an assist in a 3-0 away win.

The whole Juventus squad, including reserves and coach Luciano Spalletti, rushed to hug David after he scored his second Serie A goal this season, and the Bianconeri boss later highlighted how the team shielded the Canadian striker from recent criticism.

David has been competing with Lois Openda for a starting spot as Juventus’ centre forward in recent weeks after Dusan Vlahovic suffered a serious muscle injury and was forced to undergo surgery in November. The Serbian striker won’t return to action until March, and it’s unlikely that he’ll extend his contract at the Allianz Stadium beyond June.

David has scored four goals and provided three assists in 25 appearances across all competitions this season, and Spalletti recently reiterated that he won’t need new signings in January.

It is believed that the Bianconeri will try to boost their coach’s options in midfield and in attack this month, although they are currently not planning to sign a new centre-forward.

Gasperini pushes for new Roma signings in attack

Roma’s Gasperini is in a very different position currently, as the Italian tactician is pushing for attacking reinforcements.

Negotiations for Giacomo Raspadori and Joshua Zirkzee, his top targets, are progressing slowly, and the Italian tactician showed all his frustration on Tuesday as he refused to talk to the press after a 2-0 win inspired by Ferguson and Dovbyk’s goals.

According to multiple reports in Italy, Gasperini will meet Roma owner Ryan Friedkin today, while Frederic Massara is travelling to Milan to move forward in negotiations with Raspadori’s entourage.

Ferguson has scored five goals in 20 games this season, while Dovbyk has managed three goals in 17 appearances and suffered a new injury during Roma’s last game on Tuesday.

Ironically, Ferguson’s performances have improved as the January transfer window approached, given that the Brighton-owned striker netted twice and provided one assist in his last three Serie A appearances.

Even so, Gasperini believes the squad still needs attacking reinforcements, and his response to Roma’s latest victory perfectly reflects his mood in the opening days of the winter transfer window.