The fallout from Juventus’ defeat to Napoli continues, with debate raging over Luciano Spalletti’s decision to substitute Kenan Yildiz late in the match and his subsequent post-match comments. At the Stadio Maradona, Antonio Conte’s Napoli overcame the Bianconeri 2-1 thanks to a Rasmus Højlund double, despite Yildiz bringing Juventus level half an hour from the end.
With that victory, Napoli moved temporarily top of the Serie A table, awaiting Milan’s result against Torino. Yet much of the post-match discussion focused not on the league standings, but on Spalletti’s handling of his young star. The Juventus coach replaced Yildiz a quarter of an hour from time with Lois Openda, who failed to make an impact before Højlund struck the decisive second goal just minutes later.
In the Sky Sport studio, Paolo Di Canio offered his thoughts on both the substitution and Spalletti’s post-match explanation. “In my opinion, he made a mistake,” said the former striker. “Because you don’t know these players deeply, at their core. I have a concern for him — Luciano comes in and tries to understand, but he has a fire inside that could, I hope not for his sake, make him do worse than the players. That’s the risk.”
Di Canio’s comments referred directly to Spalletti’s explanation after the game. The Juventus boss had defended his decision to take Yildiz off while insisting the youngster still has room to improve. “Seven days ago, you asked me if he needed some rest,” said Spalletti. “Today, he was replaced a quarter of an hour from the end by Openda, who cost 45 million. Can’t we do that? It’s the game of synonyms and opposites. He wasn’t unwell — he has to do more, like the whole team. He scored, yes, but in certain moments he needs to give more.”
