Luciano Spalletti addressed the media at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Stadium on Monday afternoon ahead of Tuesday’s Herbalgy Trophy friendly against Chelsea — the first genuinely significant test of the pre-season and the occasion that will give the watching world its first proper glimpse of the new Juventus taking shape under his guidance.
“After the English, There Will Be Inter — We Are Getting to Know Our Rivals”
Spalletti framed the double test — Chelsea on Tuesday, Inter in Perth the following Friday — as a precious learning opportunity rather than a definitive examination. “After the English, there will be Inter — we will get to know our rivals and they will get to know us better.” It is the language of a manager approaching pre-season with both curiosity and intent — eager to see how his principles hold up against elite opposition, but clear-eyed about the limitations of what two friendly matches can prove.
A Juve Taking Shape — but Not Yet Complete
Spalletti has been in clear-eyed “craftsman” mode in Hong Kong, beginning to model the clay he has been given — knowing that the ideal composition of the squad still requires further material. With Kolo Muani and Alajbegovic recently arrived and still working their way into full fitness, with some players managing the physical after-effects of an intensive World Cup, and with several still arriving from international duty, the manager is realistic about how much of his first-choice line-up will be visible against Chelsea.
The Goalkeeper Situation: A “Small Box” Still to Fill
On the one position that has occupied more column inches than any other this summer, Spalletti was honest about the state of play. “The goalkeeper rebus remains open. In Hong Kong and Perth we will have the same options as last season — but in this position too, Spalletti is expecting a signing that raises the competitiveness of the department.” Whether that signing comes in the form of Vicario’s loan from Tottenham, a creative PSG-to-Juventus loan for Suzuki, or some other solution as yet unannounced remains to be seen. What is unambiguous is that the manager is not satisfied with what he currently has between the posts — and the transfer market remains active on that front.
The Mood in the Camp: Genuine Excitement
The squad’s arrival in Hong Kong was greeted by an enthusiastic reception from local supporters, with players stopping for selfies and autographs in scenes that reflected the genuine warmth of the club’s following across Asia. Inside the training environment, Spalletti’s assessment of the mood is consistently positive — a group energised by the clarity of direction provided by the new management, by the arrival of two genuinely exciting new players, and by the common purpose of proving last season’s disappointments were an aberration rather than a benchmark.
Tomorrow at 13:30 Italian time, the Kai Tak Stadium provides the stage. The new Juventus, with all its promise and its remaining questions, steps into the light.
