Spalletti’ future has changed

Luciano Spalletti’s numbers are in the red reports La Gazzetta dello Sport. His points-per-game average from last November to today is low — lower than those of coaches such as Cristian Chivu, Cesc Fabregas and Gian Piero Gasperini, who are arguably considered less established than the former Italy boss.

“It is not in my nature to change coaches… but the defeat in Reggio Emilia must serve as a lesson,” Juventus CEO and General Manager Giovanni Carnevali told Radio Anch’io Sport.

Translated, that means Spalletti is not currently at risk, but his position could become increasingly vulnerable if he fails to quickly eliminate the confusion and lack of composure his players have shown when under the spotlight.

Reducing the season to a fight from behind when it has barely begun is certainly not something anyone at Continassa is prepared to consider.

And among the Juventus supporters, the faction dreaming of a sensational return for Antonio Conte is growing louder. Conte, currently available and still closely following football, observes and takes notes.

He briefly considered the Italy job, but his priority appears to be returning to club football with a clearly defined project. For “his” Juventus, however, making an exception would reportedly not be a burden if the right conditions emerged for him to take over during the season.

Spalletti Must Turn Things Around

Spalletti surrounded by his players: “We start again from here” was the message from the Juventus coach. But he will have to restart under scrutiny, especially after reportedly using up his margin for error on the night in Reggio Emilia.

Juventus are already five points behind the top of the Serie A table after just three weeks of football. Winning the Scudetto may not be an obligation, but trying to win it certainly is. That is what Juventus’ transfer market suggests. It was not perfect, but it was certainly not insignificant.

Lucumí was strongly wanted by Spalletti, as was Kolo Muani, while Alajbegovic may not have been his first choice. Together, those operations represent around €100 million in investment.

The injury crisis is undeniably a major burden, but if Adžić found himself with a clear path to goal in the 94th minute, the players currently sidelined cannot be blamed for explaining Sunday night’s disastrous defeat.

Juventus now turn their attention to the Europa League, with NEC Nijmegen arriving at the Allianz Stadium on Thursday. Immediately afterwards comes a major test against Maurizio Sarri’s Atalanta, which should reveal how — and how deeply — the defeat at Sassuolo can be put behind them.

If Juventus fail to respond, the pressure on Spalletti will become even greater, while the pro-Conte camp will grow louder. Carnevali does not like changing coaches, but as always, results make the final decision.

And so does attitude. For now, the enthusiasm and courage expected from Juventus have simply not been there.

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