Luciano Spalletti spoke to the press ahead of Juventus’s highly anticipated Serie A showdown with Roma, reflecting on his team’s progress, Gian Piero Gasperini’s influence, and what he expects from the Bianconeri in one of the most important fixtures of the season.
“We showed real growth against Bologna”
Spalletti opened by praising his players’ approach in training and the signs of evolution shown in recent weeks.
“I was pleased,” he said. “Sometimes it feels like when I speak here, people think I’m just saying things for the sake of it, but what I meant was that I’d seen the players training in the right way. Against Bologna, we showed that improvement — we showed what it means to aim for a more modern kind of football. The players did that in a tough match, and I think it represents real progress.”
Milik back, atmosphere upbeat
There was also good news regarding Arkadiusz Milik, who returns to the squad after his injury absence.
“He’s been called up,” Spalletti confirmed. “I found him like a happy child, delighted to play the game he’s always loved. He’s full of enthusiasm and he’s coming with us.”
Gasperini “invented a new footballing model”
When asked about his opposite number in Turin on Saturday, Spalletti was full of admiration for Gian Piero Gasperini, now in charge of Roma.
“I get along with everyone in this league, but Gasperini has always intrigued me,” he said. “It’s the way he approaches this job — he’s made a difference. From someone like him, there’s always something to learn. He’s built his own brand — the ‘Gasp model’. Look at how many coaches now are inspired by his football, whether it’s Atalanta or Roma today.
“At Crotone, many years ago, he was already doing this man-to-man pressing style. All of his former players who have become coaches — Palladino, Juric, Bocchetti, Modesto — they all play like him. Just look at Roma now: players transformed in mentality. Gasperini can read those who are not at the right level — he exposes their weaknesses.
“His teams make it incredibly hard for you to find space. Through his constant, suffocating pressure, he denies you the freedom to play your football. Unless you win your duels, you can’t survive in their game. Like Arrigo Sacchi, he has created a new way of thinking in football — and he deserves all the credit.”
“Intensity is our beauty”
Spalletti dismissed the idea that Juventus should focus on aesthetics over effort, making it clear he values drive and energy above all.
“Whether Juventus are beautiful to watch depends on what people find attractive in football,” he explained. “If we’re talking about beauty like a shop window, then no. I’d rather have my players with crumpled shirts but ready to do what’s needed in a game.
“For me, beauty is intensity — running to the limit, being proactive. Even those actions that weren’t once seen as ‘talented’ moments now count as talent. The key is anticipation. If you’re not quick in modern football, you’ll always be a step behind.”
Strategy: “It’s not about systems but spaces”
Spalletti spoke in detail about how football has evolved from rigid tactics to dynamic spatial awareness.
“In the past, a player’s position gave you an idea of where the others were. It was more ordered. Now it’s not like that — players constantly change positions and you need to read everything in real time,” he said. “The spaces are between opponents, not between lines.
“You must always scan what’s happening — that’s what players like Totti or Del Piero used to do. They saw the impossible before it happened, turning imagination into reality. That’s what our players must learn to do.”
Team updates and the David joke
Confirming that Bremer would start, Spalletti admitted he still had decisions to make regarding Cabal and Rugani, who are struggling with muscle fatigue. Then came a lighter moment involving Jonathan David.
“David? They were right not to invite him to dinner again,” Spalletti laughed. “The first time they did, he grated parmesan over pasta with clams — so they didn’t ask him back!”
“Capello’s words are always worth listening to”
Asked about comments from former coach Fabio Capello and Juve’s title credentials, Spalletti reflected on the importance of testing his side against top opposition.
“When Capello speaks, you always listen,” he said. “This match feels like a university exam. I’m curious to see how we perform in it. I’d have preferred to face it with everyone available — we have a few absentees — but I’ve seen a group that’s focused and capable of playing this match on level terms with the best.”
On team attitude and individuals
Spalletti underlined the importance of unity and consistency over isolated brilliance.
“I feel that everyone is more involved now,” he explained. “You can’t divide a match into moments — continuity is what makes things exceptional. Being great in isolation isn’t enough anymore.”
He also discussed Andrea Cambiaso, touching on his recent dip in form and the response he expects.
“He’s a player I really like — he can do everything,” Spalletti said. “But lately, I’ve preferred to take some minutes away from him. He knows he’s been below his usual level, and he’s demanding with himself. We talked about it — he analyses his own data, he’s very self-critical, and I’ve seen him working to bring back those bursts of energy. He can do everything, and he will show it again.”
Midfield confidence and Koopmeiners absence
Addressing the midfield and the potential absence of Teun Koopmeiners, Spalletti expressed confidence in his options.
“I haven’t spoken to the club about the transfer market — it doesn’t interest me much because we already discussed Juventus’s situation at the start,” he said. “I’m happy with Locatelli. He gives balance and strength, but he also has the technical quality to play quickly. He just needs to speed up his thinking. Koopmeiners, Miretti, Thuram — they can all adapt and alternate. We’re calm in that area.
“As for playing from the back without Koopmeiners, we’ll see. The key is always to ‘do things the Juventus way’. It’s not just about playing vertically — it’s about understanding when and how. Everyone presses high now, so you have to be smart in your build-up.”
Looking ahead
Concluding his press conference, Spalletti reiterated his desire to influence every aspect of his team’s performance going into a decisive week.
“I hope to leave my mark on every part of what this team does,” he said. “That’s what managing Juventus is all about.”
