TURIN, ITALY – DECEMBER 02: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, seems to be on previous to the Serie C match between Ternana Calcio and Juventus Subsequent Gen at Allianz Stadium on December 02, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Picture by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Photographs)
Juventus head coach Luciano Spalletti has described his Juventus outfit as ‘lions’ and says that ‘an actual lion provides all its energy, even in opposition to a mouse’ following Tuesday night’s 2-0 victory over Udinese within the Coppa Italia spherical of 16.
An personal purpose from 17-year-old Matteo Palma and a second-half penalty despatched the Bianconeri by means of to the Coppa Italia quarter-finals, however there have been an extra three objectives chalked off for offside on the night time: Kingsley Ehizibue, Jonathan David and Lois Openda left feeling hard-done-by.
You possibly can see how the motion unfolded on the Soccer Italia Liveblog.
Spalletti on Juventus 2-0 Udinese and distinction between David and Openda
Talking after the full-time whistle, Spalletti defined that he was largely happy with what he noticed from his Juventus squad on the night time, however insists that his group are nonetheless removed from the completed product.
“We performed an honest recreation, we did every thing properly. We had been properly balanced, we capitalised, and created huge possibilities,” Spalletti advised Italia 1 after full-time.
“We may have managed sure conditions higher, and given the extent we’ve, we have to take benefit in these. You need to be fierce and imply. An actual lion provides all of its energy, even in opposition to a mouse.”
Spalletti was additionally requested for his verdict on the performances of strikers Jonathan David and Lois Openda, the latter coming off the bench within the second half solely to have a purpose chalked off in harm time. The previous was additionally unfortunate to not have two for himself on the night time.
“They’re two central strikers. If you happen to discuss to them, they’ll let you know that’s the place they function greatest on the pitch,” Spalletti defined.
“David is technically superb, and hyperlinks up properly with the group. He strikes very properly within the field when the group performs in opposition to a low block and is aware of how one can handle troublesome conditions.
“Openda is healthier at attacking from deep, he wants area however they compensate for one another and may also play collectively. We’re happy that they’re doing properly.”
Up subsequent for Juventus is a visit to Spalletti’s outdated membership, Napoli, the place he gained the Scudetto earlier than leaving the membership by mutual consent virtually instantly after the ultimate recreation of the 2022-23 season.
“Will probably be a melting pot of feelings as a result of I’ve so many buddies there. How I’m welcomed isn’t necessary, however what’s is my feeling in direction of them, which is among the utmost love,” the Juventus coach stated.
Giving his remaining evaluation on Tuesday’s win over Udinese, Spalletti added: “Now we have some nice gamers right here. I’ve seen plenty of willingness from everybody since I first bought right here. I’m seeing progress day-to-day, and that’s what brings me hope for enjoying a sure kind of soccer, even in opposition to the highest-quality groups. We’re nonetheless lacking a couple of issues, however we’re heading in the right direction.”
