Lloyd Kelly has quickly become one of Juventus’ most reliable defenders. After joining the club in January 2025 on loan with an obligation to buy, the Englishman endured a slow start in Turin. Now, midway through his second season, he has established himself as a core part of the Bianconeri’s defensive line and a symbol of the team’s growing solidity.
In an exclusive interview with CBS, the former Bournemouth player reflected on his time in Italy so far — from adapting to Serie A’s tactical demands to the unforgettable atmosphere of the Derby d’Italia.
Premier League vs Serie A
“Tactically, the difference is clear — and as a defender, you feel it straight away,” Kelly explained. “In Italy there’s a true defensive mindset. So many legendary defenders have come through this league. The Premier League might be faster and more physical, but Serie A is definitely more advanced tactically.”
The Tactical Side
“Since I arrived, every coach has emphasised tactical awareness. It’s a key part of our daily work,” he said. “At the same time, we also train a lot physically — the distance covered, intensity, and workload are similar to the Premier League. But here, the tactical analysis is much deeper.”
The Inter–Juve Clash
Kelly admitted that facing Inter feels different from any other game. “You sense a unique atmosphere — among players, staff, and fans alike. It’s one of the biggest fixtures in Serie A history and gets special attention. But mentally, we have to treat it like any other match. It’ll be tough — both teams have grown a lot since the first meeting.”
Living the Juventus Mentality
“From the moment I arrived, I understood the size of this club and what it means to play for Juventus,” Kelly said. “But it takes time to adapt, to keep your head down and focus purely on performance. Here, you have to live and breathe the shirt — that’s how it should be.”
Scoring Against Inter
Reflecting on his goal in the Derby d’Italia, the defender smiled: “Honestly, it was a bit of a surprise. Bremer did brilliantly to keep the move alive and send the ball back in. I wasn’t sure whether to control it or strike immediately — thankfully, I chose the right option.”
On Weston McKennie
Kelly praised his teammate’s commitment and consistency: “His performances speak volumes. No matter what’s happening around him, his attitude never changes. He trains and plays with the same focus every day. You can rely on him anywhere on the pitch — he’s played in so many roles, and always gives everything for the team.”
The Team Celebrations
Explaining the origin of Juve’s creative goal celebrations, Kelly said: “It all started during a lunch conversation. I was part of it early on, but during matches the others took over, and I ended up watching from the outside. Still, it’s fun — it adds something special to the game. The more we score, the more celebrations you’ll see.”
Style and Spirit
Fashion has also evolved at Juventus, according to the Englishman: “It’s changed a lot since I began my career. Kit designs used to be heavier and looser, but the ones this season are fantastic — even the special edition shirts. It feels good to wear something you truly like.”
Italy vs England: Kelly’s Verdicts
When asked to compare aspects of life in both countries, Kelly didn’t hesitate.
– **Food:** “Italy.”
– **Culinary mistake:** “When I first arrived, I put chicken on my pasta — one of my teammates looked horrified.”
– **Weather:** “Italy, no contest.”
– **Free time:** “England.”
– **Fashion:** “England again — there’s more variety and diversity.”
