In a recent interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Serie A legend Antonio Di Natale delved into Juventus’ current fortunes, coach Luciano Spalletti’s arrival, and the sharp focus needed in attack for success. “Spalletti could not say no to Juventus. In his position, I understand the choice. If it had been me, I might have decided differently, but when Juventus calls, it’s difficult for anyone to refuse,” Di Natale reflected.
Discussing Juventus’ attacking options for the new season, Di Natale commented on the striking trio of Dusan Vlahovic, Jonathan David, and Lois Openda: “Vlahovic, David, and Openda could score 60 goals together. They have the quality and firepower—if they find the right understanding, they can be one of the best attacks in Serie A.” He added, “There’s a lack of hierarchy right now in attack. David and Openda have come in from different leagues; it takes time to adapt. I remember my years at Udinese, with teammates from all over the world—talent emerges, but not always immediately.”
When pressed on who should take the lead in Juventus’ frontline, Di Natale was unequivocal: “Vlahovic, without a doubt. He did extraordinarily at Fiorentina and has scored double figures every year since joining Juventus. He may never score 30 goals in a single season, but he’s a great player, someone who makes the difference in Serie A.”
Di Natale had a special mention for Kenan Yildiz, highlighting the player’s fit with Spalletti’s tactical ideals: “Yildiz looks like a perfect Spalletti-type player—dynamic, intelligent, and technically sound. He can thrive in a system that values movement and quick exchanges.”
As for Manuel Locatelli’s evolving role, Di Natale drew a notable comparison: “Locatelli reminds me of Pizarro in his Roma years, acting as a director and a reliable presence in front of the defense. If Spalletti gives him responsibility, he can be decisive in game management.”
The former striker also weighed in on Juventus’ overall prospects: “I’m still passionate about football, even if the quality in Italy isn’t what it once was. Napoli and Milan are strong, Inter will always be involved in the title race. Roma under Gasperini is intriguing. Juventus? I don’t think they’re ready to fight for the title just yet, but they absolutely have what it takes to qualify for the Champions League and perform well in Europe.”
Addressing the psychological factor behind Juventus’ recent sequence of draws, Di Natale remarked, “If you’re Juventus and you draw five games in a row, it becomes a talking point. But I have faith Tudor will recover, and with a coach like Spalletti now at the helm, the team will inevitably find greater clarity and direction.”
