Second-choice Juventus keeper Perin expected to start vs. Villarreal | OneFootball

Multiple sources in Italy claim that Mattia Perin will start in goal for Juventus against Villarreal this evening, replacing Michele Di Gregorio.

Juventus’ backup goalkeeper Perin is expected to make his 2025-26 season debut tonight, in an away Champions League match at Villarreal.

Perin set to start for Juventus vs. Villarreal

TURIN, ITALY – JANUARY 16: Mattia Perin of Juventus looks on during the Serie A TIM match between Juventus and US Sassuolo – Serie A TIM at on January 16, 2024 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Tuttosport initially reported this morning that Perin would replace Di Gregorio, and more sources, including Corriere della Sera and Sky Sport, now confirm that the 32-year-old will get the nod in goal this evening.

It is believed to be a technical choice, although Igor Tudor recently stood up for Di Gregorio, insisting that the Italian would be the starting goalkeeper at the Allianz Stadium this season.

How many goals has Di Gregorio conceded this season?

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JULY 01: Michele Di Gregorio #29 of Juventus FC save a shot from Aurelien Tchouameni (not pictured) #14 of Real Madrid C.F. during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 round of 16 match between Real Madrid CF and Juventus FC at Hard Rock Stadium on July 01, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Di Gregorio has featured in every Juventus match this term, five in Serie A and one in the Champions League, conceding nine goals and keeping just two clean sheets.

TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 27: Igor Tudor, Head Coach of Juventus, gestures during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Atalanta BC at the Allianz Stadium on September 27, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Perin, 32, has made 56 appearances across all competitions with Juventus, conceding 49 goals and keeping 25 clean sheets.

His contract at the Allianz Stadium expires in June 2027.