Nick Woltemade feels the 2-1 win over Celta Vigo was his ‘best game for Juventus’ and confirms he enjoys partnering Randal Kolo Muani, but won’t push Luciano Spalletti into changing.
The striker has scored in both his Europa League games now this season, after converting a penalty in the 5-0 victory over NEC.
VIGO, SPAIN – OCTOBER 15: Federico Gatti of Juventus controls the ball 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)
This was his first from open play in the Bianconeri jersey, pouncing on the poor Marcos Alonso chest down on a cross to use it as an accidental assist.
Kolo Muani then came off the bench to complete the turnaround in added time by nodding in the Andrea Cambiaso cross, after Hugo Alvarez had put Celta Vigo in front after just 18 minutes.
Woltemade confidence boosted
VIGO, SPAIN – OCTOBER 15: Nick Woltemade of Juventus breaks away from Ilaix Moriba of RC Celta de Vigo 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 think this was my best game for Juve, obviously I can do better, but I am happy with the goal. A goal always helps confidence, fo course, that is important for a striker, and I want to keep getting stronger,” Woltemade told Sky Sport Italia.
Much has been said about where the former Newcastle United striker ought to play, as Luciano Spalletti seems reticent to use him alongside Kolo Muani from the start, instead launching him off the bench.
“Of course I like playing with Kolo. When there is just one centre-forward, the defenders can focus on just marking one and it is easier for them, whereas with two of us we can divide up the space more.”
VIGO, SPAIN – OCTOBER 15: Nick Woltemade of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammate Federico Gatti 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)
Kolo Muani said much the same thing, so if both strikers would prefer to play together, why don’t they start like that at Juventus?
“I am not the coach, I trust my coach and think any choice he makes will be the right one. I am a good player, Kolo is a good player, so the decision is up to the coach, but as long as we keep scoring goals, everyone will be happy,” replied a diplomatic Woltemade.