On the eve of Bologna vs Juventus at the Stadio Dall’Ara, Juventus head coach Luciano Spalletti addressed the media, sharing his thoughts on John Elkann’s recent statements, team selection, tactical ideas, and the mentality required to face one of Serie A’s most disciplined sides.
“Elkann’s passion gives shape to what we do”
Spalletti began by echoing the words of Exor CEO John Elkann, who reaffirmed the Agnelli family’s commitment to Juventus earlier in the week.
“Even though I’ve only been here a short time, I think I can involve the whole squad in this message,” said the Juventus manager. “It’s a pleasure to still feel the strength and passion of John Elkann and his family for this club. It is up to us to give shape and substance to that passion, honouring the past and building a future at the same level — or even better — as Elkann told us when he came to visit.”
Spalletti also confirmed that he had personally spoken with Elkann: “Yes, I saw him a few hours ago, yesterday in fact. Every now and then he sends me his thoughts, and those messages are pleasing. I believe that in today’s message he wanted to express a sense of the future, even though we must always live with that thought of victory that I mentioned when I arrived.”
Bremer, Rugani and team fitness
The coach provided updates on his defenders: “Rugani is already available, even if only partially. As for Bremer, because of the delicacy of the situation, he is one of those who always wants to be available, but you can see he still needs time. We have to be careful not to put him into difficulties.”
Formation plans and tactical evolution
Spalletti discussed his approach to formations, firmly rejecting the idea of inflexible systems. “It always surprises me when I hear people talk about formations and boxes on the pitch. Football has changed — you don’t win by occupying positions but by managing spaces. Modern football is one-versus-one across the whole field, and you must adapt to that.
“It’s true that I’m thinking of setting up with a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1. I want to try something different, but it’s only a starting point because the match itself always takes you to other shapes.”
On Conceição’s progress
Spalletti praised the progress of his young winger. “His growth must be in becoming more decisive. He needs to improve his ability to turn possession into goals and be more determined in the attacking phase. He has that deadly acceleration that embarrasses defenders.
“He also needs to grow in defensive moments and duels, but we’ve seen great willingness from him — chasing back, helping his teammates. So we’re on the right path.”
Compliments for Bologna
The Juventus boss had strong words of respect for Vincenzo Italiano’s Bologna side. “You have to congratulate the coach and those who built this team. They show great quality and a clear idea of what they want. They fear nothing.
“They force you into one-on-one duels, they close spaces, and they direct you where they want to play. They don’t care how much room they leave behind them. To control such a game, you must break through these fences — not play man against man, but man beyond man. If we’re not ready for that condition, it will be a difficult evening to describe.”
On direct clashes and mentality
Spalletti reflected on the evolution of personality in modern football: “Personality is fundamental. Once, a player showed personality by risking a pass; now, it’s about accepting the battle all over the pitch and directing your opponents into the spaces you choose.
“A single good play is no longer enough. To play a champion’s match, you need to stay at the heart of the team for 90 minutes, close to the ball. The modern game requires that consistency — it’s a new way of thinking.”
Message to the squad
Asked what he told his team ahead of the match, Spalletti said: “There are two types of game within one match — the team’s collective behaviour and the individual moments that make the difference. The individual episode can change everything. But if you get it wrong once, you can’t keep saying you misjudged it.
“You have to react without frustration, without presumption or hesitation. We do what’s needed, because that’s why we’re here.”
On Vincenzo Italiano
Spalletti was full of admiration for his younger counterpart: “I’m 40 years older, so I’d be happy to see myself in his shoes again. You can certainly learn things from Italiano — for me, he’s one of the strongest young coaches in Italy. I told everyone to sign him, not just president De Laurentiis.”
Trust in the group
Despite mixed results, Spalletti said he remains optimistic and deeply committed to his players. “You won’t convince me not to expect great things from these boys. No one will persuade me that they aren’t talented or that we can’t overcome our limits. A manager must be obsessed with the idea of improving the team. I use dialogue because I see they are engaged and willing; if necessary, we’ll speak even less and simply act.”
“Retreat is a mental condition”
Addressing the topic of pre-match retreats, Spalletti made his stance clear: “We will not go into retreat. The retreat is not a place; it’s a mental condition. For me, it’s an unnecessary strain — I’ve tried every possible approach.
“Players coming from abroad, those with wives and children — it’s an extra fatigue. From that moment, you pack your bag, leave home, and think about the match all day; it corrodes your muscles and your mind.
“When you work with a group of good lads with the right mentality, as is the case with Juventus, you don’t need a retreat. Whoever wears this shirt is always in retreat — even at home — because they know that everything depends on results. So tomorrow morning, we travel.”
