Luciano Spalletti sat down with SportMediaset for an extensive exclusive interview that covers the full landscape of Juventus’s situation as the season gets properly under way — from the competitive hierarchy of Serie A to the specific tactical contributions he expects from his two deadline-day arrivals, and the one sleepless night that revealed just how difficult the UEFA Settlement Agreement constraints have made every decision this summer.
“I Have Done a Tour of the Soul of Football — Here I Feel a Great Responsibility”
The opening reflection was characteristically philosophical. “I have managed in cities that give enthusiasm and want to dream. Here at Juventus I feel a great responsibility — there is an important history behind you. In whatever direction you turn, you find Ballon d’Or winners, Scudetti, and trophies on the walls. Inside this club everyone wants to return to that level — but there are steps that must be taken. We must restart from the football played, from team character, and from a potential that allows you to do this. In recent years we have lost a little ground in comparison with others.”
“Seven Teams for Four Champions League Places — I Want to Be Realistic”
On the title race and the competitive landscape, Spalletti was measured and precise. “There are seven teams of important and absolute level — for their value, their trajectory from the previous season, their squad potential, and the significant markets they have done. From our side we must think about improving ourselves day by day to approach objectives that today are very far away. We must commit every day to doing something different, with effort and by seeking stimuli. Only in this way can one aspire to the process that leads to winning.”
“Nine New Players Despite Our Limitations — Inter Had More Time to Finish Their Market”
On the summer’s incoming business, Spalletti was generous in his acknowledgement of what the club achieved and honest about the competitive context. “I do not want to deflect attention or place more focus on ourselves. Inter is a strong team and has demonstrated it. They are in the conditions to win again after a correct market to strengthen themselves — the others arrived running, whilst Inter were watching, having had the margin to conclude their business earlier. We had to insert ourselves into certain windows of opportunity, bringing home nine new players despite our limitations. For the level of football they have played and the championships they come from, the insertion could become relatively straightforward for our new arrivals. They can give us competition and quality.”
“Yıldız Is the Strongest in Serie A — He Is Better Than Lautaro and Malen”
The quote that will generate the most discussion arrived in the context of a broader appreciation of Serie A’s attacking talent. “Malen? He has certainly aroused curiosity in many. Beyond the goals scored, he attacks the space thirty times with force and frequency of pace — he is a strong player. Then there are others who are very strong. We have Yıldız — who in my opinion is the strongest.” He continued with characteristic generosity towards others: “Lautaro was a youngster when I managed Inter, but he was already showing all his qualities. At Napoli I coached Di Lorenzo — he is one of the very strongest. Nico Paz has shown us his qualities. There are many strong players.” The central statement, however, was unambiguous. Among all of them, Spalletti rates his own number ten above everyone.
“The Europa League Is of the Highest Level — a Sleepless Night Over the UEFA List”
The Europa League section produced the interview’s most candid and emotionally resonant passage. “It is a competition of the very highest level. The difference is made by how much you can grow and remain at a high level. Before the international break we will play nine matches in 22 days. That will require balance and the ability to alternate 22 players playing high-level football in both the league and Europe. It will not be easy.”
Then came the admission that speaks most directly to the constraints governing every decision this summer. “The UEFA Settlement Agreement does not allow us an enormously wide squad. We have constraints that obliged us to leave five players out of the UEFA list — it was a choice that kept me awake at night.”
“Woltemade Must Become a Finisher — Whether He Wants to or Not”
On his deadline-day striker signing, Spalletti’s assessment was warm but characteristically demanding. “He is what we were looking for in terms of physicality. He is not exactly a finisher — but whether he wants to or not, he must become one. He must be an offensive pivot, to which he will add his ability on the ball. He is flexible, light, mobile — and this surprises you with that physical structure. He has also played in midfield and knows how to trace passing lines both horizontally and vertically. He will give us new solutions. He is a very good lad — he smiles at everyone, it is very good to be with him during training sessions.”
“Sarr Completes the Midfield — He Brings the Premier League”
On the new midfielder: “Sarr completes the characteristics of our midfield — he goes to substitute the reversals that Thuram had accustomed us to. Sarr combines ball-playing with attacking the opposition defensive line with long runs and insertions, but he also knows how to drop back for defensive cover. He knows every angle of the pitch and covers it well. He brings with him the Premier League football of physicality, running, and speed of thought. He will raise our squad’s level.”
