The Juventus Men’s First Team face Lecce on Serie A Matchday 18, with the match at the Allianz Stadium set to begin at 18:00 CET on Saturday, January 3.
Coach Luciano Spalletti previewed the match against the Giallorossi in his press conference.
THE TEAM AND INDIVIDUAL PLAYERS
"The team has worked well. I saw everyone arrive at the training ground determined – despite the holidays – to train well. I expect continuity, perhaps adding something on the pitch that can give us even more strength. My team has what it takes to compete against anyone. We have an intense period ahead of us, with many games in quick succession. Here at Juventus, I have been fortunate to find a very knowledgeable staff who know how to work well. Through this collaboration, we are able to work on multiple fronts and always perform at our best in every fixture. We will certainly need to change some players between matches, so we will need everyone. I am calm, however, because those who have been called upon during matches have often changed the game, proving that the bench is not just a place to wait.
“[Francisco] Conceicao has recovered. [Daniele] Rugani and [Federico] Gatti will be out. [Arkadiusz] Milik has had a minor issue and will be assessed tomorrow morning. [Juan] Cabal, on the other hand, will be available again and will be called up.
“[Destiny] Elimoghale? He is a lad with characteristics that suggest he has a big future ahead of him. We need to help him grow in the right way, giving him the opportunity to learn at the right pace.”
ON LECCE
"It won't be an easy match. I know Lecce well, I've worked with [Eusebio] Di Francesco and I've also played against him. He's always played attacking football, so it will be an open match because they press high up the pitch and have played some excellent matches this season."
THE NEW YEAR AND WELCOMING MARCO OTTOLINI
"We urgently need to give our fans something to cheer about. I hope that 2026 will be the year we achieve that. I am satisfied because I have always seen the players constantly seeking new challenges. I have always told them that they are the protagonists, and this curiosity pleases me because there is room for improvement and potential.
"We have the opportunity to do even more than we are doing now. If we were unable to do so, it would mean we had wasted opportunities.
"Allow me, too, to welcome our new Sporting Director, Marco Ottolini. Everyone knows him and everyone says he is a good person. I had already met him before; he is a top-level professional, and it is no coincidence that a team like Juventus went to get him back."
