Former Inter coach and current DAZN pundit Andrea Stramaccioni has heaped praise on Luciano Spalletti, highlighting the Juventus manager’s recent tactical innovations and the way he has reshaped the team in a short period of time.
“The latest *Spallettata* was as innovative as it was decisive — I haven’t seen anything like it in twenty years,” said Stramaccioni, speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport (as quoted by IlBianconero). His remarks referred to Spalletti’s tactical experiments, which have given Juventus a new identity since his arrival.
McKennie’s Tactical Transformation
“Spalletti has been at Juventus since 30 October and, even on his debut, surprised everyone by dropping Koopmeiners into defence, just like he did earlier in his career in the Netherlands,” Stramaccioni explained. “But against Roma, he came up with an even more brilliant idea — using McKennie in a hybrid role: defending as a wide player out of possession and acting as a real second striker when attacking.
“Openda’s goal came from the American’s diagonal run — a move Spalletti has been trying out since the derby against Torino.”
Stramaccioni went on to describe the system in more detail: “When Juventus defend, McKennie operates on the flank, just behind Conceição, marking the opponent’s most advanced player on that side — Cambiaghi against Bologna or Wesley on Saturday. But when Juve have the ball, the Texan cuts inside and becomes an additional attacking option behind the striker, always vertical and never flat.
“It’s a deadly weapon, as Gasperini’s Atalanta found out. In the build-up to the 2–0 goal, Rensch spotted McKennie appearing behind him in the box and tried to pass him on to a teammate, but the delayed reaction allowed Juve to capitalise. McKennie’s diagonal run completely sliced through Atalanta’s defensive lines — something rarely seen in systems based on a back three. He’s like a version of *Perrotta*, but starting from the wing rather than the centre.”
Spalletti’s System and Squad
Stramaccioni also praised the balance Spalletti has managed to strike between structure and freedom. “The ‘McKennie move’ gives Juventus another advantage,” he noted. “It allows Conceição or Zhegrova to stay wide, isolate their markers and use their one-on-one ability — all while Kalulu covers behind them. Spalletti has solved one of Tudor’s tactical puzzles, as the previous coach often used Kalulu in that wide role. Luciano kept the 3-4-2-1 base but has already added plenty of his own ideas.”
Spalletti’s Contract Situation
Discussing Spalletti’s future, Stramaccioni was unequivocal: “Honestly, I don’t understand what they’re waiting for. Juventus need a stable, experienced and charismatic leader. Spalletti and his staff are one of the best coaching groups Serie A has seen in the last twenty years. I wouldn’t hesitate for a second to tie him down with a new deal.”
Potential Formation Change and January Market
Asked about the possibility of Juventus switching to a back four, Stramaccioni was clear. “No, I don’t think Spalletti will change right now,” he said. “The team feels comfortable, the distances are right, and the players believe in what they’re doing.
“Koopmeiners? I wouldn’t touch the Thuram–Locatelli pairing. With Bremer coming back, I’d rather look at a rotation with Kelly in defence. Koopmeiners is versatile, confident, and could be a key asset for Spalletti.”
Finally, Stramaccioni discussed the January transfer window: “I’d focus more on changing the right wing-back, given how few minutes and many benches Joao Mario has had under Spalletti. Signing a new deep-lying playmaker in January doesn’t make sense — buying for the sake of buying would be pointless.”
