Luciano Spalletti insists he ‘hasn’t been irritable enough’ with Juventus and hits out at the media for creating ‘quicksand’ around the team ahead of their clash with Lazio.
It kicks off at the Allianz Juventus Stadium in Turin on Sunday at 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST).
The Bianconeri are coming off a morale-boosting 2-1 Europa League comeback win away to Celta Vigo, maintaining their 100 per cent record in the competition.
It’s a different scenario in Serie A, where they managed just one win, two draws and a defeat in the last four rounds.
Spalletti sees quicksand around Juventus
VIGO, SPAIN – OCTOBER 15: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, reacts during the UEFA Europa League 2026/27 League Phase MD2 match between Real Club Celta and Juventus at Estadio Balaidos on October 15, 2026 in Vigo, Spain. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)
“I feel that we ought to underline the great work done by Gennaro Gattuso at Lazio, especially considering what was said about him and the team going into the campaign,” said Spalletti in his press conference.
“I think he’s been the most impressive coach so far along with Massimiliano Alvini at Frosinone and Cagliari’s Fabio Pisacane. He has found their identity, and has individual talents like Davide Frattesi who can surge forward from midfield. I know him well and what he can do.”
Juventus need some squad rotation after the strain of that trip to Vigo, as Spalletti reveals they only got back at 4.30am on Friday.
“Some of our players can’t sleep on plans. In physical terms, we didn’t do anything in training either yesterday or today, so we just had to list what to keep an eye on.
“The trouble is you have no idea how the recovery process goes.”
TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 17: Luciano Spalletti, Manager of Juventus, reacts during the UEFA Europa League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Juventus and N.E.C. Nijmegen at Juventus Stadium on September 17, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Spalletti will be forced to watch the match from the stands tomorrow, as he sits out a ban after his altercation with Cagliari coach Pisacane.
“I was not tense, I just have selective fondness for people,” smiled the coach.
“Perhaps sometimes I need to be more irritable, and so far I haven’t been irritable enough. Feeling that tension allows me to transfer more of it over to my players, because they see and feel my reactions. I would’ve liked to be ill-tempered…
“Some things were also said that are not fair. I did not go to Pisacane with the intention of arguing, nor did we argue. We looked at each other in an intense way, but I didn’t do anything.
“I will watch from the stands and probably speak with my staff at half-time, but I trust the staff I have here at Juventus. I have the best assistant manager in the world, Marco Domenichini.”
REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 13: Luciano Spalletti Head Coach of Juventus looks on prior to the Serie A match between US Sassuolo and Juventus at Mapei Stadium – Citta’ del Tricolore on September 13, 2026 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
Much has been said about strikers Nick Woltemade and Randal Kolo Muani begging to be used together from the start, but Spalletti does not seem ready to make them happy.
“We need to expand the range of starters and divide up the time on the field. Woltemade did well against Celta and, unlike with Cagliari, he managed to put the ball in the net.
“This ability to be ready when opportunity knocks is crucial and rewards those who are most determined. Lazio have two physical centre-backs, so it will be difficult to get through them unless we have bodies in the box.”
Juve have won both Europa League games so far this season and it’s keeping morale afloat.
“The Europa League helps if you win, because if Juventus don’t win games, you get sucked into quicksand all over the place, and we need to be careful where we step,” continued Spalletti.
“A team that lives every ball as if it’s the one that can change your career, we’ve got to get deeper into the details too in order to become a unit.”
REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 13: Luciano Spalletti Head Coach of Juventus reacts during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo and Juventus at Mapei Stadium – Citta’ del Tricolore on September 13, 2026 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
The coach said some things after the Cagliari game that suggested he might be thinking about retirement, but he assured the media that was not the case.
“In every match, we gamble with far more than the result of a single game, but with a chunk of our careers. There are coaches in Serie A this season the same age as my children, and it’s good to see youth marching into the future, but don’t you worry, I’m not finished yet either.
“I won’t stop after Juventus, nor perhaps the job after that, so relax. Those who say I create tension and irritation are those who go against me, and there are many.”
There is at least some good news from the medical staff, as Jeremie Boga is available and can play up to 30 minutes.
BERGAMO, ITALY – APRIL 11: Jeremie Boga of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Juventus at Gewiss Stadium on April 11, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images)
“I read and react to what happens, and notice the worst possible slant is given to everything I say…” concluded Spalletti.
“I have been told that I get on and off the bandwagon for Kolo Muani, but mental strength comes from solidity. You need to be prepared to do anything and take risks, and at times you have to go beyond the lines and be a little crazy to go over your level, not to become unpredictable, but to be balanced.
“The way the team reacted against Cagliari and Celta Vigo, that means a lot. I like to share my analysis with the players face to face. This is a solid, healthy side, and I am convinced we’ll achieve results, because we are on the right track.”