Juventus host Parma at the Allianz Stadium on Saturday at 20.45 on matchday two of Serie A. Ahead of the game, Luciano Spalletti spoke to the press, revealing the latest on the state of the squad and also touching on the final stages of the transfer window.
PREDICT THE SCORE: 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
https://www.jofc-serbia.com/sr/igre/pogodi-rezultat
YILDIZ AND MCKENNIE OUT, THURAM A DOUBT
Spalletti confirmed that Kenan Yildiz will not be available, while Weston McKennie will also miss the match due to fatigue.
Kefren Thuram is an additional concern: he is feeling some discomfort and his condition will be reassessed before the game.
The Juventus coach has several options for Yildiz's position. He named Kerim Alajbegovic and Nico Gonzalez, but also Jonathan David, who can play behind the centre-forward.
SPALLETTI ON ALAJBEGOVIC: “HE HAS CLASS”
Spalletti spoke specifically about Kerim Alajbegovic and did not hide his satisfaction with what he has seen so far from the 19-year-old.
The Bianconeri coach highlighted his quality, technique and ability to shoot with both feet, adding that he is convinced the youngster will show his potential.
“He has class, a good touch, and when he shoots, he fires rockets with both feet.”
Spalletti added that Alajbegovic has been very well received by the squad.
ON KOLO MUANI:
There are also high expectations of Randal Kolo Muani. Spalletti stressed that Juventus have complete faith in his qualities and pointed out that the club made a significant investment to bring him in.
The Frenchman needs time to reach top form after a period in which he did not play enough matches, but Spalletti believes he has all the characteristics needed to become a top-class Juventus player.
He particularly praised his pace, movement off the ball, technique and ability to combine with his teammates. The next step, in the coach's words, is to develop an even sharper goalscoring instinct.
NICO GONZALEZ COULD STAY
There were interesting words about Nico Gonzalez too, whose future was one of the talking points of the summer transfer window.
Spalletti made it clear that he would be happy if the Argentine stayed.
He emphasised his value, his versatility and his ability to meet the demands of several different positions.
Juventus, in his words, are not prepared to give up a quality player without the right conditions.
LUCUMI READY, BUT KELLY KEEPS HIS EDGE
New signing Jhon Lucumí has settled well into the squad and is physically ready to play. Still, Spalletti sees no reason to rush him into the starting XI, as Lloyd Kelly played very well against Frosinone.
Zeki Çelik also received praise, with the coach describing him as a reliable option and a player who pays great attention to detail.
SPALLETTI ON GRABARA: “WE HAVE BROUGHT IN ANOTHER TOP GOALKEEPER”
Spalletti also praised the club for the arrival of Kamil Grabara. He particularly likes the Polish goalkeeper's natural composure in the game and the way he handles the ball, and he sees a similar quality in Guglielmo Vicario.
After the departure of two goalkeepers, the coach believes Juventus have done an excellent job in bringing in two quality replacements.
“WE PLAY EVERY MATCH AS JUVENTUS”
Finally, Spalletti clearly explained what kind of Juventus he wants to see against Parma.
“We do not play against this or that opponent. We play every match as Juventus.”
The idea is for the Bianconeri to spend as much time as possible in the opposition half, attack the space behind the last line and play on the front foot, but without losing their balance. Spalletti was pleased with much of what he saw in the win over Frosinone, although he believes Juventus should have settled that match earlier.
Parma, the coach warns, have players who can cause problems, especially the quick El Bilal Touré, as well as Adrián Bernabé and Emanuele Valeri.
Source: Juventus.com, Luciano Spalletti's press conference
