Juventus coach calls for an immediate reaction against Como and opens the door to a contract extension amid mounting pressure
The scars from Istanbul are still fresh, but Juventus don’t have the luxury of time. On the eve of a crucial Serie A showdown against Como, head coach Luciano Spalletti faced the media with a message built on resilience — and accountability.
“We’re fully aware that the next eight days will be decisive,” Spalletti said. “I expect a strong reaction. The rope needs to be pulled tight so we can express our qualities at the highest level.”
Juventus arrive at this stretch after back-to-back defeats — to Galatasaray in Europe and Inter in Serie A — and four straight matches without a win. The Champions League qualification picture is fragile, domestic momentum is gone, and the pressure is peaking.
“Pain Must Recharge Us”
Spalletti returned to the theme of Istanbul, where Juve collapsed 5–2.
“Sometimes unfair things pierce you,” he said. “We must use that pain like an elastic band — something that stretches, reloads you, and launches you into the next match.”
The coach admitted the team has taken “three steps backward” in recent performances but believes that recognition is the first step toward correction.
“In Istanbul, we had to avoid going down to ten men,” he noted. “In recent losses — in Bergamo, in Milan — we let ourselves get dragged into chaos. We need to stay lucid. We allowed emotions to expose our uncertainties, and opponents with personality take advantage of that.”
Contract Extension? “We Can Do It Immediately”
In a moment of surprising openness, Spalletti also addressed his future. His current contract expires in June, and amid speculation, he did not rule out an early renewal.
“Renew immediately? We can do that,” he said. “If that’s what’s needed, we can sort it out right away.”
It was a clear signal: despite turbulence, Spalletti sees himself as part of the long-term solution.
Respect for Fabregas’ Como
The focus, however, remains on the pitch — and Spalletti is not underestimating Como, coached by Cesc Fàbregas.
“Como are strong and play Fabregas’ football,” Spalletti said. “He wants his team to control matches the way he did as a player. He’s one of the most capable coaches around. I even went to observe his training sessions when I was Italy’s national team manager.”
Even without the injured Nico Paz, Spalletti sees danger. “They recently switched to a 3-4-2-1 system. They have quality and traps everywhere. We must be careful.”
Team News: David Back, Bremer Out
Juventus will be without Kalulu (suspended) and Gleison Bremer, who is dealing with physical issues. Right-back depth is also thin after Holm’s injury.
Spalletti confirmed that Jonathan David will be available. “He’ll be called up. We’ll decide whether he starts or comes on later. He connects well with the team. If we just launch long balls, we lose our shape — and playing football is one of our strengths.”
As for goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio, the coach defended him. “He’s no more responsible than anyone else for the goals we conceded. We move forward with him.”
A Defining Stretch
Juventus’ season now hangs in a delicate balance. Como, the Champions League return leg against Galatasaray, and Roma await in rapid succession.
Spalletti’s message is simple: toughness, clarity, and unity.
“We are good guys,” he concluded. “But we’re intelligent too. Personality and character are the foundation of everything. We have to be strong.”
The elastic has been stretched. Now Juventus must see how far it can snap back.
