Three hundred and five appearances, league titles, cup triumphs, and even a Serie B campaign — few players express Juventus DNA quite like Alessandro Birindelli. Now the former right-back, at the helm of surprise package Pianese, is preparing to face the Juventus Next Gen side in Serie C.
The small Tuscan club, from Piancastagnaio — a picturesque town of just 2,500 residents in the province of Siena — sits a remarkable eighth in the table. For Birindelli, tonight’s fixture is more than just another match; it’s a meeting with memories, friends, and the past that shaped him, as he explained to Tuttosport.
A Special Challenge
“Of course, it still feels special,” Birindelli admitted. “Given the history I’ve lived, facing Juventus again is always something different.”
His side have been one of the season’s revelations. “We’re certainly in a positive run and going beyond expectations. But we also know this — you must strike while the iron is hot.”
As for his goals, Birindelli stays grounded. “Our priority is survival. That means collecting as many points as possible. Tonight will be tough — we’re facing the strongest team.”
Asked whether Juventus Next Gen are the best in the group, he replied: “Regardless of results, you can see the quality of their players. Taken individually, they are among the best in the league.”
Birindelli also revealed he remains in touch with former teammates. “I speak to Gianluca Pessotto quite often, and I also talk to Giorgio Chiellini. But let’s put it this way — with this match coming, it’ll be nice to see each other directly on the pitch and exchange greetings there.”
A Club with a Unique Story
Life in Piancastagnaio, he explained, adds a special flavour to this footballing journey. “We’re living something extraordinary in a small town of 2,500 people. Yes, the ownership is strong, but we also need to stay realistic. Keeping the category is our mission. Then, if the right conditions come, we’ll make other plans — but it’s important not to overstep our limits.”
Speaking on Juve and Spalletti
Turning his attention to the first team, Birindelli discussed Juventus’s changing shape under Luciano Spalletti, who replaced Igor Tudor. “It’s always hard to judge in the moment,” he said. “But as happened with Tudor, coaches are often given too little time. They’re rarely evaluated in full.”
Was Spalletti the right remedy? “It looked like there was an initial improvement after Igor’s departure, that Juventus were heading in a new direction. But I don’t think they’ve yet found the right traits to truly make an impact.”
On what Spalletti needs to do, Birindelli was thoughtful. “First of all, time — to really get to know his players, technically and physically. Only then can he apply his ideas. You could see it again the other night — Luciano is trying, but he hasn’t yet found the definitive solution. Fans should be patient; too often, we abandon a project before fully understanding the path we’re leaving behind.”
“Tudor Was Right”
As for his close friend Igor Tudor, Birindelli defended the Croatian’s brief spell. “Judgements about Igor were rushed. But for me, he has been proven right so far: the results haven’t come yet, and what we’ve seen under Spalletti doesn’t look like an improvement. Let’s wait before making final calls.”
Did Tudor struggle to connect with the dressing room? “It’s hard to say if there were specific issues. The truth lies somewhere in between. The coach surely had some faults, but there were also shortcomings at club level — in squad planning and among the players themselves.”
Leaders and Mentality
Does Birindelli agree that Juventus lack leaders? “Yes. There are no big leaders on the pitch, and that hurts you when difficulties arise. You don’t have clear guidance, no shared route to follow.”
How can that be fixed? “By giving players confidence,” he argued. “That’s what helps you go beyond performances and results. A few positive matches, a few wins, and the belief can return. Right now, the shirt weighs double — and they need to remember exactly where they are and what that responsibility means.”
On Juventus’s Attack
Asked about the summer recruits up front, he was frank. “The numbers speak for themselves. But I’d also say this — strikers need service to score. You need players who can build up properly. It’s an orchestra, not a solo. Sometimes Juventus struggle to make the system work as a whole. Of course, more is expected from certain signings, given their reputation and price tags.”
Future Ambitions
As for his own career, would he consider returning to Juventus one day as coach of the Next Gen side? “I always say that marriages happen when both sides want them. I don’t close doors. But here in Piancastagnaio, I’ve found a serious project and a capable sporting director. Whether it’s Juventus or Pianese, what matters is having something to build — a goal to pursue.”
And if the chance came to go back to Juventus? “Of course,” he smiled. “It would be something important.”
Finally, on the topic of second teams in Italian football, Birindelli took a pragmatic stance. “They’re not harmful and don’t take space away from anyone — in fact, these projects should be more encouraged. The whole system would benefit. The real question is: why do only two or three clubs do it?”
