Juventus goalkeeper Mattia Perin spoke candidly during an event organised by Balocco in Fossano, in the province of Cuneo, where he discussed his fitness, the influence of Luciano Spalletti, and the current atmosphere within the team. The veteran keeper also reflected on leadership, youth development, and the challenges of replacing key injured players.
“I’m Doing Everything I Can to Be Fit”
Perin reassured fans about his physical condition after feeling some minor discomfort in recent days:
“I had a small muscle strain, but I’m doing everything I can to be ready for the Napoli match. We don’t want to turn a small issue into something more serious. I feel great.”
“Spalletti Is a Tactical Genius”
The 33-year-old had glowing praise for Luciano Spalletti, who took charge of Juventus in late October:
“From a tactical perspective, he’s phenomenal — truly incredible and meticulous. His reading of the game is world-class. Daniele De Rossi used to tell me about him when we were with the national team, and now I see exactly what he meant.”
“Tactically, he’s one of the best. He focuses on details and small things with an almost inhuman level of precision, and that helps us improve both individually and as a group. At this level, where the difference between teams is often just one percent, that one percent makes all the difference between winning and losing — and that’s what he’s teaching us.”
“He makes us understand that one percent added to another one percent, and another, and another — even just five percent more — changes everything: whether you win or not, whether you advance or not. He’s really surprised me in a positive way.”
“Like Allegri, He Has a Kind of Genius”
Perin also drew a comparison between Spalletti and his former coach Max Allegri:
“I’ve been lucky to work under many managers, including Max Allegri. He has moments of genius, an incredible brilliance, and Spalletti shares that to some degree. Their Tuscan mentality unites them — there’s a spark of creativity that comes from there.”
“I’ve learned from all my managers. I’m 33 now, and I try to keep learning every day while passing on what I’ve learned to the younger players.”
“We Must Always Put Juventus Before Ourselves”
On the importance of leadership and setting the right example for younger teammates, Perin shared a thoughtful reflection:
“It made me smile when the coach called me an influencer. Sometimes he comes up with amazing expressions. But I’ve taken on this responsibility because of my age and the fortune of having shared a dressing room with legends of this club.”
“We must put our qualities at the service of Juventus because one day we’ll all move on — some will retire, others will change clubs — but Juventus will always remain: its history, energy and culture are everlasting. So it’s right to put the club before ego.”
“Vlahovic and Gatti Are Big Losses, but We Have Quality Options”
Finally, the goalkeeper commented on the absence of Dusan Vlahovic and Federico Gatti:
“They’re both important losses. Dusan’s injury will keep him out longer, which is difficult, but we have players like Jonathan and Loïs who deserve to be here. I see them every day — they’ve earned their place.”
“Sometimes it just takes a little time to adapt to Juventus, but I’m sure both will soon show they’re fully worthy of this shirt.”
