Spalletti: ‘Juventus have to do something different, I’ve been through it before’
GENOA, ITALY - OCTOBER 28: Luciano Spalletti, head coach of Juventus, looks on prior to kick-off in the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and Juventus FC at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on October 28, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
Luciano Spalletti admits that something needs to change for Juventus following their 2-0 defeat against Genoa in Serie A earlier this week, but insist that he has been through challenging moments like these in his career before and suggests that this won’t be his last either: ‘That’s what happens in football’.
Juventus have slipped down to ninth place in the Serie A table ahead of their meeting against Napoli on Sunday evening, following a 2-0 defeat against Genoa on Wednesday night.
The Bianconeri have won four, drawn two and lost three of their first nine matches of the league season, which has been conditioned by the absence of several key players, including Kenan Yildiz, Khephren Thuram and Manuel Locatelli. More recently, that list has included Francisco Conceicao and Nico Gonzalez as well.
They will be looking to bounce back when they host Napoli at 19.45 GMT on Sunday evening. Head coach Spalletti sat down for his customary pre-match press conference on Saturday afternoon.
Spalletti’s pre-match press conference ahead of Juventus vs. Napoli
Asked what he wants to see from his players against Napoli on Sunday, Spalletti said: “I hope to see the same as what the supporters want to see: A team that works and plays in the way the fans deserve. There is only one way to win games and that is to have more desire than your opponents. The only other way leads to losing.”
He continued: “We need a team with balance because it’s going to be a very difficult game. We can’t be afraid in any area of the pitch and we will have little time to attack. There will be no time for talking.”
Asked specifically whether he might field Edon Zhegrova or Jeremie Boga in his starting XI to mix things around, Spalletti said: “Even if they don’t play as starters, they will come on in the second half.”
Former Juventus head coach Massimiliano Allegri is suspended and will not be in the dugout when Napoli visit on Sunday.
Spalletti said: “I would’ve liked to have had Max in the dugout next door. I’ll go and speak to him after the game because he’s a good friend and a great coach.”
And returning to the topic of the upcoming Napoli clash, Spalletti added: “We have to do something different compared to the game against Genoa. We need an unbreakable mindset. Your strength, legs, muscles might drop at some point, but your head can’t at any point. From there, we can start to overturn any moment in sport and in life.”
Juventus supporters have naturally been left disappointed by their start to the 2026-27 season. Spalletti feels that there is still a long way to go, though.
“We still have a long path in front of us but currently we are not satisfied. Things have happened that have caused difficulty. The team and I want to get Juventus back on track. We’re living and working for that. That’s the only thing we’re thinking about and we want to go and regain the respect that some have taken away from us. That’s what I want to happen.
Asked about the pressure that comes with being head coach of Juventus, Spalletti said: “I’ve already been through it in a few different places because I’ve been lucky enough to coach a few teams that have fought for titles and I had to come in and sort things out in the standings.
“For me, the stature of a club makes no difference. Juve has eight million fans, the noise is louder. But it’s a situation I’ve been through before and I don’t think it will be the last time either. That’s what happens in football.”
And asked whether he feels he still has the full confidence of the club behind him, Spalletti said: “That’s a slightly provocative question.
“From my point of view, I don’t need lots of things or to be protected. I’m used to moments of difficulty. I don’t need anything, just the reaction of the team, which is what I’ve found. I don’t ask for the impossible from my players, only things that they have within themselves. I want to win games. If someone thinks that I’m dropping off in my work, my obligations, my analysis, then maybe it’s better for them to start looking somewhere different.”
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