Socrates

Spalletti eager to see Juventus and Openda ‘without pressure’ in Champions League Luciano Spalletti confirmed big Juventus changes for tomorrow’s Champions League trip to AS Monaco. ‘Lois Openda is upfront, curious to see us without pressure of needing a result.’ It kicks off in Monaco on Wednesday at 20.00 GMT (21.00 CET), the final round of the league phase in this tournament. ............ “There is no better way to prove our current form,” assured Spalletti in his press conference. “We do not have the tension of needing a result, so let’s see what we can do when we are free mentally. “Monaco won’t be making calculations, they cannot afford to sit back and wait, while we are playing to win, to aspire to something more. I expect an open and entertaining game against a strong opponent.” ............ “We played two days ago and will play again two days after that, so there will be a few adjustments. I can say that Koopmeiners will play in midfield, while Bremer and Gatti need to be evaluated for their fitness levels. “Openda is going to start upfront. If I give him space, he should be able to sort out this difficulty he has in scoring goals. I am curious to see how this team fares without that anxiety of needing a result at all costs. “We are in the best possible situation, in the Champions League without feeling the pressure of three obligatory points. I’ll make a few changes, yes, but I still want to see a high level of performance.” ............ “It’s not the meaning of the words, but the rapport you have with the players that allows you at times to express yourself in a more decisive fashion,” explained the coach. “It might be interpreted differently from the outside, but internally this is our way of doing things on a daily basis. Openda is a player with certain characteristics and qualities that are clear for all to see. “He has this nice boy persona that in my view limits him a little bit. He feels the pressure, many things get to him, he struggles to relax into the game. “I think, giving him the right space, sooner or later he will resolve those difficulties that he has. And tomorrow might be the time he gets that space.” ............ Quite aside from the Champions League, Spalletti was also pressed on the controversy with coach Antonio Conte, who he angered when referring to Napoli as ‘former champions of Italy.’ “I thought it was AI, then I realised it was real. I had hoped you would ask me different things in a Champions League press conference,” laughed Spalletti. . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/spalletti-see-juventus-openda-without-pressure/

Spalletti sends strong video response after Conte criticism Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti sent a pointed video message to Antonio Conte after the Napoli boss complained, proving that he did in fact show respect to the ‘Champions of Italy.’ ............ This evening, Spalletti sent a pointed response via his official Instagram account, although he never named Conte or the controversy that it was clearly a reply to. ............ “Tonight we can say that we learned a lot, because we were up against the best of them all, we were hosting the champions of Italy,” said the Juventus coach in this clip. “Doing it against them probably means more, but now we begin another rhumba dance. You have to take off the clothes of the winner and put on those of a humble worker who goes out there to toil in the field, that is how you get to be a winner again.” ............ . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/spalletti-strong-response-to-conte-criticism/

PSG refuse to open doors for Juventus talks about Muani Juventus have so far failed in their attempts to secure a new striker, a situation that has forced the Bianconeri to reconsider a potential move for Randal Kolo Muani. The French forward spent the second half of last season at the Allianz Stadium and delivered encouraging performances, prompting Juve to explore the possibility of bringing him back during the summer transfer window. Paris Saint-Germain were initially open to allowing the player to leave, and discussions took place between the two clubs. However, despite prolonged talks, they were unable to reach an agreement on the structure of the deal. ............ Juventus are now once again keen to ensure the squad is reinforced with a recognised striker, leading them to re-establish contact regarding Kolo Muani. At present, the forward is on loan at Tottenham, and the Premier League club has shown no willingness to allow him to depart. More significantly, Paris Saint-Germain are also not interested in reopening discussions. The Ligue 1 champions remain unhappy with how Juventus handled negotiations during the summer and are reluctant to facilitate a move for any of their players to Turin. This lingering irritation appears to be a major obstacle, regardless of Juventus renewed interest in the striker. ............ Despite the difficulties at club level, Kolo Muani reportedly enjoyed his previous spell in Turin and would be open to returning if the opportunity arose. His positive experience with the team and familiarity with the environment make him an appealing option for Juventus as they continue their search for attacking reinforcements. ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/psg-refuse-to-open-doors-for-juventus-talks-about-muani/

Juventus prepared to make Yildiz highest paid player with new contract Reports from various outlets in Italy claim that Juventus are close to extending the contract of poster boy Kenan Yilidz, and that the youngster could soon become the highest-paid player at the club once he renews. The 20-year-old Yildiz is having a brilliant 2025-26 so far. He has eight Serie A goals to his name, already an improvement on last season’s tally, is one goal away from double figures in all competitions, and his total goal contributions across all competitions rack up to 17 from 29 appearances. Yildiz is already tied down on a for at least another three years in Turin, with a contract that runs until 2029, but the Bianconeri do not want to take any risks and are prepared to reward the Turkey international with a new and improved deal to fend off any interest from elsewhere. ............ Tuesday’s reports claim that Yildiz’s family have met with the club management on several occasions already and that head coach Luciano Spalletti has given his approval to the contract extension. Tuesday’s reports add that Juventus are prepared to offer Yildiz an annual salary in the region of €6m, marginally higher than summer signing Jonathan David, who arrived on a free transfer. ............ With Dusan Vlahovic increasingly likely to leave Juventus once his contract expires at the end of the 2025-26 campaign, and once Yildiz signs his new deal, the 20-year-old could become the highest paid player at the club. . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/juventus-prepared-to-make-yildiz-highest-paid/

“Played a perfect match” David must maintain his for says pundit Jonathan David is beginning to show encouraging form, highlighted by his goal as Juventus defeated Napoli in their most recent match. The Canadian forward has faced criticism for his performances since arriving at the Allianz Stadium this season, but recent displays suggest a clear improvement. His growing influence comes at an important stage of the campaign, with Juventus relying heavily on his contribution in attack. ............ This period represents a crucial opportunity for David to demonstrate that he can be trusted to perform consistently at the highest level for the men in black and white. Juventus require him to remain focused, confident, and effective in front of goal, as their attacking options are limited. His recent performances indicate that he is responding positively to this responsibility. ............ David’s display against Napoli drew particular praise, including from Massimo Mauro, who acknowledged the forward’s progress while urging him to maintain these standards. Mauro offered a balanced assessment of the striker’s recent performances. He said, “We criticized David a lot, and rightly so, because he played poorly. He played a perfect match against Napoli. That is, he made no mistakes in the first half in getting the team moving, and he scored with his first chance in the penalty area. Then he was substituted, but I believe that the center forward is essential for Spalletti and he must continue like this.” ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/played-a-perfect-match-david-must-maintain-his-for-says-pundit/

Marco De Marchi impressed with what Spalletti has done at Juventus Juventus appear to have turned a corner since Luciano Spalletti agreed to take charge until the end of the season, with clear signs of improvement emerging over the past few weeks. The experienced coach arrived in Turin with a proven track record, and his influence has played a significant role in revitalising the Old Lady during a demanding period of the campaign. ............ The recent victory against Napoli was a particularly strong statement. That result not only underlined Juventus’ improvement but also reinforced the idea that they remain a formidable force at home. Performances like that send a clear message to the rest of the league that Juventus expect to dominate on their own ground, regardless of the opposition. As the season progresses, consistency will be vital. Juventus still have many matches to navigate, and each fixture will present a different challenge. While confidence is growing, they will need to continue proving themselves week after week to sustain their resurgence. The league remains competitive, and momentum can quickly shift if standards drop. ............ Former player Marco De Marchi has been impressed by what he has seen, highlighting the mental and tactical shift within the side. He said, “It’s a fearsome Juve, they’ve become solid, compact, the players have gained confidence in their abilities. Spalletti did well to put things right. They’re playing as a team and with a mentality that’s returning. Now they’ll be able to have their say.” ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/marco-de-marchi-impressed-with-what-spalletti-has-done-at-juventus/

Angry Conte aims dig at Spalletti: ‘He has to be more careful when he speaks’ Conte bad loser Antonio Conte has not taken too kindly to a comment made by Juventus head coach Luciano Spalletti, describing Napoli as the ‘former champions of Italy’ rather than simply ‘the champions of Italy’ after Juventus’s 3-0 victory over the Partenopei in Serie A: ‘He has to be a little more careful when he speaks’. ............ Speaking at his post-match press conference after the Napoli game, Juventus head coach Spalletti said that “winning against the former champions of Italy gives you more certainty that you are becoming a strong team.” ............ He said: “I’d like to take a break after that game, especially when you have three in quick succession. I don’t understand what he said. Former champions? If he said something like that, it wasn’t a great sentence, it was an unfortunate phrase. “We still wear the Scudetto on our chest and that deserves respect. I would have never allowed myself to say something like that to another team. I’m sorry because Luciano Spalletti is a great coach, but he has to be a little more careful when he speaks. ............ . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/angry-conte-aims-dig-at-spalletti-more-careful/

Adani hails Spalletti: “One of the best in Europe” Retired Italian defender Lele Adani highlighted the great impact that Luciano Spalletti has had since joining Juventus. The 66-year-old joined in late October as a replacement for Igor Tudor. The latter had endured a torrid start to the season and was shown the door after going eight matches without a win. ............ Adani insists that Juventus had also produced an impressive brand of football in their defeat in Cagliari the previous week, when they dominated the action, but were stunned by Luca Mazzitelli’s goal. “Spalletti is a professional who has the team in his hands — and I say this as I did after the defeat in Cagliari, because winning or losing doesn’t interrupt a sound process. Not at all. In terms of ideas, shared vision, and involvement,” argued the former Inter and Fiorentina defender. ............ “That’s why the relaunch is even more convincing: you beat Napoli, a direct rival, and beyond many situations that I believe are Napoli’s real problem — injuries, not the league table — Juventus’ win is deserved. “And it’s deserved because they’re living what modern football demands today: multiple matches within the same match.” ............ “In this kind of strategic, on-pitch work, Spalletti is one of the best around, in my opinion, in Europe — in his reading of the game, in developing players, in bringing the squad together. “And when he’s asked in the press conference whether he needs another centre-forward from the transfer market, he says no, we already have one: McKennie.” ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/lele-adani-juventus-luciano-spalletti-best-europe/

Juventus in discussions over Kolo Muani return after En-Nesyri letdown Reports in Italy claim that Juventus have opened discussions over a potential return for last season’s loanee Randal Kolo Muani after learning that a deal for Youssef En-Nesyri is looking unlikely. ............ This situation leaves Juventus circling back on other options, including the likes of Jean-Phillippe Mateta, Beto, Federico Chiesa and Joshua Zirkzee. ............ Juventus have also begun discussing a potential return for Kolo Muani, currently on loan in the Premier League with Tottenham Hotspur. The Frenchman enjoyed a successful loan spell with the Old Lady in the second half of the 2024-25 season, netting a goal every other game in Serie A with eight goals from 16 league appearances. There was no buy option included in Kolo Muani’s loan deal last winter, and ultimately, Juventus were unable to come to an agreement with parent club PSG for either an extended loan deal or for a permanent transfer over the summer. Kolo Muani has not made the same impression in North London as he did in Turin, though: He is still without a Premier League goal after 15 appearances. Now, according to Monday’s reports, Juventus have opened discussions over a potential deal for Kolo Muani in January. ............ Relations between Juventus and PSG are not particularly rosy after their unsuccessful negotiations over the summer. . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/juventus-in-discuss-kolo-muani-return/

Everton striker Beto emerges as last-minute option for Juventus Juventus have identified Everton striker Beto as a possible reinforcement in attack after talks with Youssef En-Nesyri collapsed. ............ Juventus are only interested in a loan deal with an option to buy, which is the same reason why En-Nesyri has turned down their offer. It remains to be seen whether Beto would accept a temporary move to Turin if the two clubs ultimately reach an agreement. Everton value Beto at €20m. ............ The Bianconeri already held talks with Crystal Palace for Jean-Philippe Mateta and have reportedly resumed talks with Manchester United for Joshua Zirkzee. Juventus haven’t yet made any new signings in the January transfer window, which will officially close next week, on February 2, at 20:00 CET. ............ . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/everton-beto-last-minute-option-juventus/

Elkann congratulates Juventus after 3-0 win over Napoli Juventus owner John Elkann visited the team in the dressing room at the Allianz Stadium on Sunday, congratulating them on a 3-0 win over Napoli. ............ Juventus posted pictures of Elkann visiting the Bianconeri players in the dressing room in a visibly relaxed mood after a big win. Last night’s win leaves the Bianconeri fifth in the Serie A standings, one point below Napoli and Roma, who occupy a Champions League spot. ............ Juventus’ next game is away at Monaco on Wednesday, in the final game of the league phase of the Champions League. ............ . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/elkann-congratulates-juventus-3-0-win-napoli/

Le Pagelle: Juventus vs. Napoli There was celebration at the Allianz Stadium on Sunday night, as Juventus completely dismantled Napoli in a 3-0 victory that pulled them to within one point of their opponent for fourth place. It was perhaps their best performance of the season. They completely throttled the defending champions (barf), dominating the midfield and keeping Antonio Conte’s men from posing much of any threat to Juve’s goal. ............ MICHELE DI GREGORIO - 6. ............ PIERRE KALULU - 6.5. ............ BREMER - 6. Mostly held Rasmus Hojlund in check, but pushed his luck to the absolute brink at the end of the first half when he put an arm around the Dane’s head in the box. Luckily, nothing came of it. Had a rough day passing, completing only 71.4 percent. LLOYD KELLY - 6.5. Made three tackles and three clearances, while negating most all of Napoli’s attempts to attack down his flank. Helped make Giovane’s debut quite flat indeed. WESTON McKENNIE - 6.5. Played in several different positions over the course of the game, starting as a right wing-back before moving into the trequartista spot of a 4-2-3-1 and ending the match playing as the No. 9. Had two key passes and led the team with five clearances, while helping keep the midfield firmly in Juve’s control. MANUEL LOCATELLI - 7. Dominated the midfield battle with Scott McTominay. Constantly marked the Scot out of proceedings, while still finding the time to complete 92.8 percent of his passes and make a truly outrageous pass for the assist on David’s opening goal. Finished with three tackles and a pair of blocked shots defensively. KHÉPHREN THURAM - 8. The standout of the match on all levels. He made a mind-bending eight tackles, and was desperately unlucky not to score the opener with a fantastic shot that thunked off the corner of the woodwork. Also noteworthy was his lung-busting run through the middle of the Napoli defense at the end of the first half, resulting in a corner kick after his shot was blocked. He’s been regaining form the last few weeks, and this may have been the best match he’s ever played in Juve colors. ANDREA CAMBIASO - 5.5. ............ FRANCISCO CONCEIÇÃO - 6. ............ KENAN YILDIZ - 7. Had a pair of key passes and his finish on the goal was typically excellent. Made a great impact even though he was getting draped by a pair of defenders most of the time. JONATHAN DAVID - 7. Scored a great goal in the first half, and it’s really clear that he’s regained his confidence. He ran everywhere, leading the game in distance run by the time he was taken off. Here’s the guy we were promised when he signed. SUBS FILIP KOSTIC - 6.5. ............ JUAN CABAL - 6. ............ FABIO MIRETTI - NR. ............ TEUN KOOPMEINERS - NR. ............ FEDERICO GATTI - NR. ............ MANAGER ANALYSIS Seven weeks ago Spalletti completely bottled things against Napoli. On Sunday, he got everything right. The way he set the team up was pitch-perfect. He was able to completely wipe out McTominay, who had been a major problem in the return, and completely neutralized the Napoli attack. What was a little bit more concerning, at least at first, was how the team came out in the second half. It looked for all the world like Spalletti had made the out-of-character decision to sit on the 1-0 lead and ride out the rest of the match on defense. It was enough to give flashbacks to other coaches whose first impulse was to do that. I, for one, was getting nervous as 20 minutes or so went by with Napoli controling 70 percent or more of the possession in the half. Napoli had barely put a shot towards goal—much less one on target—during that time, but we’ve seen Juve waste games like this with a single mistake even when they were dominating the match. But close to the 70 minute mark or so, Juve started to come out of their shell. They looked to attack more, and when Yildiz scored the second goal it let the air out of Napoli like a balloon, and Juve kept complete control of the game from then on out. Looking back, it feels like Spalletti was lying in wait for those first 25 minutes or so of the half, waiting for the Napoli players—who had hardly anything on the bench to back them up thanks to their mountainous injury list—to show some signs of fatigue before springing the team forward and running them ragged in the last phases of the match. It feels like Conte was sensing the same thing on the Napoli sideline, because he threw on two of his meager subs to try to counteract that within five minutes of each other. It isn’t a surprise that Juve regained their control of the match as time ticked on after that. If that’s where Spalletti’s mind was going, it was a superb reading of the situation. One way or the other, he cooked up a fantastic plan to smother Napoli and right the wrongs from the December game in Naples. LOOKING AHEAD Juve now turn their attention to the Champions League league phase finale on Wednesday at Monaco. Depending on the results around them, a victory could secure a high place in the seed pot for the playoff round, or, if everything goes right, a place in the top eight to bypass the playoff round altogether. . Read more -> https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/previews-reviews/35813/le-pagelle-juventus-napoli-player-ratings-manager-analysis-2026-serie-a-matchday-22-final-score-result-vs-napoli

“Happiest I have seen him” – Juventus star’s father opens the door for renewal Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie is delighted to work under Luciano Spalletti, as confirmed by his father, John. The Texan has been an automatic starter since the arrival of the Italian manager in late October, featuring in a variety of playing roles. ............ Following Sunday’s 3-o over Napoli, the Juventus head coach reserved some special praise for McKennie, describing him as a ‘perfect striker’. “McKennie is a perfect central forward, one of the strongest around in that role. He battles, he’s strong in the air, and he has an impressive leap,” said the 66-year-old in his post-match interview. “He doesn’t play to be pitied; he plays to get results, because he makes decisions. He would be a perfect striker.” ............ “We will let this marinate! I can personally tell you that Wes is the happiest I have seen him in quite some time. Coach has definitely been the difference!” posted the player’s father on his personal X account. While McKennie Sr. didn’t explicitly mention anything related to the player’s future, his comments certainly open the door for expected contract talks. The 27-year-old is currently running on an expiring deal, but he wouldn’t want to leave Turin now that he’s hitting his stride and working under a manager capable of maximising his potential. ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/happiest-weston-mckennie-father-juventus-renewal/