Juventus and Daniele Rugani appear destined for another reunion, as the defender's loan spell at Fiorentina looks set to end without a permanent move. The 31-year-old, one of the Bianconeri's most loyal servants since joining in 2013, has been a familiar face in Turin for over a decade, but his path back to the first team remains blocked.

Rugani first broke into Juventus' senior squad in 2015, learning from legends like Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci, and Giorgio Chiellini. Once tipped as the club's next defensive cornerstone, his progress stalled, leading to loan stints at Stade Rennais, Cagliari, and Ajax. This season, he started under Igor Tudor, making eight appearances, but his role shrank under new manager Luciano Spalletti, prompting a mid-season exit to Fiorentina for €500,000, with a €2 million option to buy.

The buy clause was set to become mandatory if Fiorentina avoided relegation and Rugani played at least five matches of 45 minutes or more. So far, he has made five appearances for Paolo Vanoli's side, but only three count toward the trigger. With just two games left—against his parent club Juventus this weekend and Atalanta in the final round—Rugani needs a 45-minute outing in one of those to seal the deal.

However, according to Il Corriere dello Sport (via TuttoJuve), Fiorentina have no interest in activating the clause. The club may instruct Vanoli to bench him against Juventus, ensuring the obligation never kicks in. If that happens, Rugani will return to Juventus, where he's under contract until 2028. But with Spalletti not counting on him, the management will likely list him for transfer once again, leaving his future uncertain in the Italian top flight.