On the eve of Juventus’s Coppa Italia encounter with Udinese, Luciano Spalletti addressed the media, sharing his thoughts on the match, team changes, and the current condition of several players.
Remembering a Champion
Spalletti opened his press conference with a tribute:
“We say goodbye to Pietrangeli, a champion who taught us to win with passion, sacrifice, and elegance. I enjoyed playing tennis myself, and it’s a pleasure to remember him.”
Squad Rotation and Fitness
The Juventus manager was clear about the physical and mental demands on the group.
“You can expect a few changes. It’s only been a few hours since our last match and there’s been a lot of effort, physically and mentally. The whole group is working properly and consistently, so it’s right to give space to others,” said Spalletti.
Vlahovic Injury Update
When asked about Dusan Vlahovic’s recovery, Spalletti deferred to the medical team:
“It’s best to talk about the timeframe with the doctors. In my opinion, it could be two or three months, but the doctors will be more precise. Generally in football, opportunities keep arising, but I would have liked to have Vlahovic available because he was very focused and committed to the team.”
Objective: Winning the Coppa Italia
Spalletti emphasised his intentions:
“We’ll field a team to win the match, not to justify our choices. Winning isn’t enough; there’s also the need to play well, to be pleasing to the fans. We will try to do both, but first we must focus on winning.”
He noted the challenges of managing player fatigue:
“If you wear out the same players, it gets difficult. We need to be both beautiful and winning, especially for a discerning audience.”
Approach to Every Match
The coach stressed the importance of each fixture:
“Every game is a significant test for us. We want to offer a higher level of entertainment and results to our fans. We must focus on this match first; doing well will mean more enthusiasm and fewer uncertainties going forward.”
Player Highlights
On Fabio Miretti’s development, Spalletti stated:
“He’s a professional, a serious person, not just a youngster. He has a strong understanding of the game, can adapt, and that’s a big help for the team.”
Injury and Squad Updates
Regarding Zhegrova, he said:
“He’s coming back from a long injury. He’s explosive, unpredictable, and might be more useful later in the match while he recovers fitness.”
On Joao Mario, Spalletti added:
“Technically skilled, he fits in well with the team, and I intend to give him space when possible.”
David and Openda as a Duo
When asked about pairing David and Openda up front, Spalletti was open:
“I hope they seize the opportunity. They’re different players and can play together.”
Goalkeeper Hierarchies
Spalletti explained his selection choices:
“For now, Di Gregorio is the starter, but Perin is important in the dressing room as a leader and influencer. It’s essential to stay open-minded and look at what happens on the pitch day by day.”
Team Improving
On the team’s progress, Spalletti said:
“We are getting better; the players are listening. I saw encouraging things, like Yildiz’s second goal. In the final stages, there was a bit of anxiety, but I’m confident as the ball movement improves.”
Koopmeiners and Other Roles
Discussing Koopmeiners, Spalletti commented:
“I know him well and would have liked him if possible. He’s versatile, has international experience and a fantastic left foot. He can play across the midfield and might return to that role soon.”
Other Updates
Perin will not be available due to a minor issue. On Yildiz, Spalletti noted:
“Yes, he can play as a central striker. When these players are close to goal, it’s easier for them to find shooting opportunities.”
