As the Serie A season heats up, Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti is keeping his squad grounded ahead of their Matchday 35 clash against Hellas Verona at the Allianz Stadium. In his pre-match press conference, Spalletti emphasized the importance of focusing on daily performances rather than getting caught up in the standings.
Spalletti opened with a heartfelt tribute to Alex Zanardi, describing him as "a truly unique man in terms of values in both life and sport." He added, "I was fortunate enough to know him, and what he passed on to us was something incredible."
When addressing the team's push for a top-four finish and Champions League qualification, Spalletti was clear: "You finish fourth if you deserve to finish fourth. We've maintained our standards, and you shouldn't focus on the maths, but on the day-to-day performances. We're doing well, and we know what we've been through to be in this fight. We need to think about the Champions League, not fourth place. If you think about the former, you behave like a team that has something to prove."
Spalletti also shared his philosophy on modern football, noting, "The Champions League rewards those who create chaos, not those who avoid it. Modern football is heading towards risk-avoidance, but it doesn't just pay to maintain order and a low tempo. For example, I wasn't happy with the game in Milan. Not taking a stance is something I don't like. We adapted to how Milan set the rules. I don't like it, and I made that clear to the team."
On the topic of player relationships, Spalletti highlighted the importance of connection: "My job relies on forming connections with the players. I like to establish those bonds, share ideas, explain certain things." He singled out rising star Kenan Yildiz, saying, "Kenan Yildiz is one of those players who always plays positively, even in tough times. He's a great player, and I'm lucky to coach him."
Regarding Yildiz's fitness, Spalletti provided an update: "Yildiz is being analysed from all angles, especially for his health. He knows how important he is to us, and he wants to be with us. He's had some inflammation; it's about management. He's done well in the last few training sessions and doesn't feel any pain."
Finally, Spalletti discussed striker Dusan Vlahovic: "Dusan Vlahovic is training well. He's a professional and a great character and has things that we're missing. He knows that he can make his mark in these games and contribute to what we're working towards. We'll need to understand the timing, but he's available and has the right mentality."
As Juventus gear up for this crucial fixture, Spalletti's message is clear: focus on the process, not just the result. For fans looking to support the team in style, check out our latest collection of Juventus-inspired apparel to show your pride on match day.