“Self-esteem and the right kind of arrogance to put things in order.” It is impossible to know whether Nico González was tuned in last November — when he was four hundred kilometres away at Atletico Madrid — as Spalletti addressed that phrase at David and Openda in the vain hope of awakening their competitiveness. Or whether he received it directly, face to face, at the Continassa on his return. What is beyond doubt is that the fingerprints of Lucio Spalletti are all over this new and unexpectedly encouraging version of the Argentine at Juventus.
From That Nico to This One — an Entirely Different Player
Bold, intense, and willing to sacrifice himself when the situation demands it. It is difficult to find a common thread between this Nico and the dull, approximate version seen under Motta and Tudor. Not just in terms of output — two goals and an assist already in four appearances — but in terms of his approach on and off the pitch.
The image that captures the transformation most vividly is from the NEC match: González, having scored the opening goal and won the penalty, brushing away all competing hands to place the ball directly into Nick Woltemade’s. “For him it was important to take it,” he explained afterwards, “because he and Kolo are our strikers. They need goals, they live for them, and I hope this is just the start for them. They are too important for us.” It is the language of a player who has understood — and embraced — the leadership role Spalletti has identified him as capable of filling.
Spalletti’s Choice — Transparency and a Clear Ultimatum
The context of González’s transformation matters. He spent the summer with his metaphorical suitcase packed, certain that a permanent return to Atletico and Diego Simeone was imminent. Spalletti chose the path of complete transparency — with the club, which wanted the sale, and with the player himself. His message was direct: “Either a fair offer arrives that reflects your value, or I want you with me for the next season.” There was no soft-pedalling, no vague encouragement. A clear condition and a clear invitation.
What those who watch him daily at the Continassa now report is a player entirely transformed in his sense of belonging — giving speeches to the group, putting his arm around the younger players, bringing the competitive intensity of someone who has decided this is his club and intends to prove it.
González Starts Against Atalanta — at Conceição’s Expense
The clearest tactical consequence of González’s form is the one that involves Francisco Conceição — who remains too absent from the decisive moments and too peripheral near the opposition penalty area to displace the Argentine right now. Against Atalanta on Sunday, the strong impression from the Continassa is that González will again start on the right flank, with Alajbegovic’s unpredictability maintained on the left.
The International Break — and a Depleted Continassa
After Sunday’s match against Atalanta, Spalletti faces the peculiar challenge of the season’s longest international break with a squad reduced to its absolute minimum. The following players are expected to depart for international duty: Grabara, Çelik, Koopmeiners, Kalulu, Woltemade, Zhegrova, Lucumí, Alajbegovic, González, Conceição, and Douglas Luiz. Winning against Atalanta is the only way to ensure those three weeks of absence — already challenging enough in terms of rhythm and preparation — do not become a prolonged exercise in anxiety and pessimism. González, who arrived as a departure and has become the season’s most unexpected protagonist, now carries that responsibility too.
