Marchisio: ‘I trust Spalletti but understand the calls for Conte, Mancini needs time’

TURIN, ITALY - DECEMBER 22: Claudio Marchisio, former player of Juventus during the Serie A match between Juventus and AS Roma on December 22, 2018 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images)

Claudio Marchisio says that he understands supporters who called for Antonio Conte to be brought back to the Juventus dugout, but says that for now, his trust remains with Luciano Spalletti, and shares the same opinion of Roberto Mancini and the Italy national team. 

Marchisio shared his opinions on the current state of affairs at Juventus and with the Italy national team in an in-depth interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, which was published on Thursday. 

Marchisio on Juventus, Spalletti, Conte and Mancini: ‘Needs time’

Marchisio’s interview began with a request for his thoughts on the recent news that Juventus will be provided with a €250m capitali injection this season in the absence of Champions League football. 

“It’s confirmation of the unique bond between the Agnelli-Elkann family and Juventus,” Marchisio told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “It’s an important signal, and yet another step in a history that has lasted over 100 years. Only Juventus has an ownership like that.”

And what does Marchisio want to see from Juventus once they return from the international break?

“Continuity on and off the pitch. That’s the thing that has been missing over the last few years with so many changes in the dugout and throughout the club. We have to trust Carnevali, Massara and Ottolini now.”

As for the head coach position, Marchisio says that his trust remains with Spalletti, but says that there will always be calls for Conte to return to the Allianz Stadium.

“The nostalgia for Antonio, of whom I’m also very fond, has and always will be there. It was like that during Allegri’s time and also for the years that followed. Conte is Conte. But we need continuity and so I still trust Spalletti. 

“The injuries, especially the one to Yildiz, have hurt a lot, but Juve should never look for excuses. I expect that they will return to fighting for the top positions from Christmas onwards. I also hope to be one of the main sides in the Europa League. 

“Juventus should aim to win every competition and the cup shouldn’t be taken for granted either. We haven’t lifted a trophy for 30 years in Europe. That should be enough, shouldn’t it?”

Marchisio was asked which of Juventus’s 10 summer signings has impressed him the most, but he feels the biggest revelation of the 2026-27 season was already on the club’s books. 

“I’ll go with the 11th, Douglas Luiz,” he replied. “He looks like a different player compared to two years ago and I’m convinced he can give even more, especially in front of goal.”

Marchisio was also asked what he makes of Juventus’s striker situation, given that Jonathan David has hit form after leaving the Bianconeri to join Atletico Madrid and given that Randal Kolo Muani is yet to get off the mark in Serie A in 2026-27. 

“Maybe he just wasn’t the right striker for Juve at this moment in time,” he said when discussing David. 

And on Kolo Muani, he added: “He’s not a striker. Spalletti will have to find goals in other ways, through Conceicao, Nico and McKennie.”

Yildiz remains a big miss, though: “It’s like watching Juve at 70-75% right now,” Marchisio said. “Kenan is special. Alajbegovic is a great talent, but he’s not quite the same.”

And it’s fair to say that Marchisio wasn’t having it when the Gazzetta made comparisons between summer signing Nick Woltemade and Marchisio’s former Juve teammate Zlatan Ibrahimovic. 

“All due respect, I don’t think so. Ibra is Ibra. Woltemade has great technique and physique, but he seems a bit lightweight.”

So, which players would Marchisio like to see Juventus bring in in January? 

“The players I like hardly ever move in the winter, and also want to play in the Champions League. But there’s also a positive in a Europa League season, which is the opportunity to launch some youngsters from the academy.”

It might be a touch too soon for Marchisio’s son, Davide, who has recently signed his first professional contract with Juventus. 

“He’s a good lad and having a good moment, I’m proud of him,” said Marchisio. “I’m his biggest fan, or actually, maybe his second or third-biggest fan. My wife, his brother and grandparents are probably the first. Davide told me: ‘Dad, Gatti presses so much, he’s always on me.”

Lastly, Marchisio sent a message to Italy ahead of their Nations League test away against France on Friday evening, warning that it will be “tough against Zidane. 

“My favourite player is Olise. It will be a good test for Italy. Whatever happens, let’s not get too down about it. Mancini needs time.”