Juventus beat the Next Gen 2-0 at the Allianz Stadium in their final pre-season gathering before the competitive season begins — and the occasion produced something far more significant than the result: a Luciano Spalletti press conference that combined warmth, wit, and genuine substance on the summer’s most important transfer topics.
“I Went Back to Being the Assistant — I Stayed Quiet Because I Wanted to Hear What He Had to Say”
The most delightful moment of the evening came courtesy of John Elkann, who watched the match from the bench alongside Spalletti — an unusual and symbolically significant choice by the club’s owner. Spalletti’s account of the experience was delivered with characteristic self-deprecating humour.
“I went back to being the second in command. With his presence I was demoted in the dugout — and I stayed quiet, because I wanted to listen to what he had to say.” He continued with a smile: “He asked questions and was curious — he was intelligent in the questions he asked. Then I said nothing, because I was afraid to answer.” It is the sketch of a working relationship built on mutual respect and enough comfort to joke about the dynamic — precisely the kind of institutional warmth that has been absent at the Continassa for too long.
“We Would Have Liked to Play a Little More”
The match itself was cut short by enthusiastic supporters who invaded the pitch at the start of the second half — a spontaneous expression of enthusiasm that Spalletti received with good grace but also with a tinge of mild frustration. “Today we would have liked to play a little more,” he explained. “Yesterday evening I met families who had come from all over Italy — they could have enjoyed more of the show. Also for the players who came on in the second half, who equally wanted that contact with the supporters.” He was quick to reassure on the footballing side: “We had to train a little too — but we will do that in the coming days. The players gave everything. The attitude and the commitment were positive. We have prepared as well as we could.”
“Vicario Was One of Those We Had in Our Sights — We Are Convinced We Have Signed a Top Player”
On the goalkeeper question that has dominated the summer, Spalletti’s satisfaction was evident — and his candour about the process was refreshing. “I am satisfied. He was one of those we had in our sights. There were situations that dragged on. We are happy that Guglielmo is with us.” On the player himself: “He is well known — I know him very well. He is an experienced goalkeeper who has achieved his maturity. He is also still young.” On the difficult final period at Tottenham: “It was not a very positive spell and the reason is not entirely clear.” And then the bottom line: “We are convinced we have signed a top player.”
“On Lucumí — We Spent a Bit of Money Because the Level Is High”
The final topic produced one of the most grounded and revealing statements of the entire press conference. “Within the limits of what was possible, we went looking for players who were functional and strong. Lucumí is certainly that. We also spent a bit of money on him because the level is high. We want to improve this double position because we need more players who can fight to earn their place.”
The phrase “double position” is the tactical key: with Lucumí alongside Bremer, Kalulu, Kelly, and the forthcoming full integration of others, Spalletti is building the kind of genuine competition for places that was entirely absent last season — and that he identified, on the final night of the Australian tour, as the cultural foundation on which any winning mentality must be built. The summer is over. The shirt must be earned. The season begins on Sunday.
