As Juventus prepares for a crucial showdown against AC Milan, head coach Luciano Spalletti has acknowledged that the club did not fully meet its objectives during the summer transfer window. Despite this, he expressed a sense of calm and optimism about the current squad.
During a pre-match press conference held on Saturday, Spalletti candidly remarked, “It’s true, we didn’t do everything we wanted in the transfer market, but it did allow us to improve our squad.” He emphasized that while new players have joined, integrating them into the team will present both challenges and opportunities. The coach noted that the squad has been enhanced, albeit not to the extent originally envisioned.
Spalletti's comments reflect a broader understanding of the financial constraints facing Juventus, particularly regarding Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations. He stated, “I have always been called a company man...you need to live with the difficulties and find solutions.” This perspective indicates his commitment to working collaboratively with the club's management despite the challenges encountered during the transfer period.
Among the new arrivals, Spalletti highlighted the potential impact of Nick Woltemade, who joined from Newcastle United on deadline day. “Woltemade is a player who gives us further options, both going vertically and horizontally,” he explained. The coach is optimistic about Woltemade’s versatility and believes that his skill set can be effectively utilized within the team’s tactical framework.
Looking ahead to the highly anticipated match against AC Milan, Spalletti praised the tactical acumen of Milan's new manager, Ruben Amorim. He remarked on Amorim's recognizable strategies, which he previously observed during Amorim's tenure at Sporting. Spalletti noted, “Milan are an immediate team, they go for the vertical passes and quick transitions,” underscoring the need for Juventus to match their intensity.
Both Juventus and AC Milan come into the match with perfect records, each having secured two victories in their opening two fixtures. However, Spalletti confirmed that Juventus will face significant challenges, as seven players will be unavailable for selection on Sunday. Long-term absentees include Kenan Yildiz and Khéphren Thuram, with Thuram notably omitted from the club's initial 25-man squad for Serie A. Additionally, Arkadiusz Milik has seen his role diminished following Woltemade's arrival.
Other players missing the match include Weston McKennie, who is training separately, and Jeff Ekhator, who is recovering from a thigh injury sustained during a pre-season friendly against Basel. Andrea Cambiaso is also sidelined due to an ankle sprain, while Juan Cabal is dealing with an injury sustained in training. New signing Pape Matar Sarr is yet to recover from a muscle issue that predates his transfer.
Despite these setbacks, Spalletti remains confident in his squad's ability to perform at a high level, stating, “We are still in a position to play like Juventus.” As the team gears up for this pivotal encounter, the focus will be on overcoming adversity and maintaining their winning momentum against a formidable opponent.
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