Spalletti Ahead of Genoa: Sarr Returns, Coach Backs Kolo Muani
Luciano Spalletti confirmed that Pape Matar Sarr is available again for Juventus, backed Randal Kolo Muani and explained how Kerim Alajbegović could fit into a new formation.
Juventus travel to Genoa on Wednesday, October 28, at 8:45 p.m., for the ninth round of Serie A. The Bianconeri head to the Luigi Ferraris Stadium after a 2–0 victory over Lecce, and Spalletti wants his team to maintain that momentum.
At his press conference, the coach discussed the opposition, the team's fitness, potential changes to the starting lineup and tactical solutions for the coming period.
Good news for Juventus: Sarr is ready
Spalletti confirmed that Pape Matar Sarr has recovered and is available for the match against Genoa.
The Senegalese midfielder played around ten minutes against Lecce and could now be given a bigger role. His return gives the coach another option, especially with several players unavailable and limited room for rotation.
"We have also recovered Sarr, who is available and represents one of the possible alternatives," Spalletti said.
Spalletti backs Kolo Muani
One of the topics at the press conference was Randal Kolo Muani, whose form is under scrutiny ahead of the trip to Genoa.
Spalletti admitted that the Frenchman has yet to reach the desired level, but stressed that his contribution should not be measured solely by goals.
According to the coach, Kolo Muani causes problems for opposing defenders and creates space for his teammates.
He particularly praised the Frenchman's reaction after Douglas Luiz scored against Lecce.
"He isn't jealous; he's happy when the team wins. I have complete confidence in him," the Juventus coach declared.
Italian media reports suggest that Kerim Alajbegović could get an opportunity from the start in place of the Frenchman, although the final lineup has not been confirmed.
Could Alajbegović take on a new role?
Spalletti explained how Alajbegović could find a place in a system featuring three players in the back line.
According to the coach, Juventus can switch from a 3-5-2 formation to a 3-4-2-1 with minor positional adjustments. In that setup, Alajbegović could play behind the central striker, while Kolo Muani could also fill a similar role.
The coach stressed that he is considering solutions that will be useful in the future, ensuring that players with different characteristics are not overlooked. He also mentioned Jérémie Boga and Edon Zhegrova as additional attacking options.
"The players didn't ask for a change of formation"
In recent days, there has been speculation in Italy that Juventus players had asked Spalletti to change the team's formation. The coach dismissed those reports.
"I have a very serious group of players. They wouldn't dare tell me which formation we should play," Spalletti said.
He added that such a request would show disrespect towards teammates with different characteristics.
Spalletti warns: "Genoa have De Rossi's spirit"
The Juventus coach expects a difficult away match against a side managed by his former player, Daniele De Rossi.
Spalletti warned about Genoa's physical strength, their threat from set pieces and the quality of players capable of making a difference in one-on-one situations. He particularly highlighted De Rossi's influence on the team's character.
"Genoa have De Rossi's spirit, and that makes a difference," Spalletti said, recalling their time together at Roma.
Juventus seek consistency after Lecce
Spalletti wants Juventus to reproduce the performance they showed in the first half against Lecce. He was pleased with the team's approach but admitted that there were too many misplaced passes in the second half of that match.
He stressed that the team must find solutions despite injuries and a demanding schedule, delivering a clear message that Juventus need both victories and convincing performances.
Sources: Sky Sport Italia, La Gazzetta dello Sport and Corriere dello Sport.
