Spalletti wants this midfielder at Juventus

Antonio Conte’s fiery demands at Napoli may have an unexpected ripple effect — one that could ultimately help Juventus. The controversy began after remarks from Branislav Jasurek, the agent of Slovak midfielder Stanislav Lobotka, who recently spoke to Tuttosport about the player’s future.

His words cast a shadow over Conte’s intense approach, describing the coach’s requests as “incomparable” — in other words, almost too demanding for some players to handle. According to Jasurek, Lobotka may find it hard to maintain Conte’s physical standards as he approaches 31.

Stanislav Lobotka 📸

“He could stay there for a few seasons,” Jasurek said, “but surviving Conte’s training at his age will be nearly impossible. Next summer, Napoli might receive a good offer for him. Stano is happy in Italy, but if Conte remains at the club next year, I think he will pressure me to find a solution.”

Stanislav Lobotka, perfect for Spalleti’s Juventus

Ironically, Lobotka fits perfectly into the profile of midfielder Luciano Spalletti would love at Juventus. The two worked together during Spalletti’s successful spell at Napoli, and the Italian coach has always valued Lobotka’s ability to dictate tempo and organize play.

Stanislav Lobotka 📸

As Tuttosport highlights, the Slovak is now emerging as a realistic name on Juventus’s shortlist for a new deep-lying playmaker. He is seen as a more attainable option than Morten Hjulmand, and less of a gamble compared to algorithm-driven transfer targets often proposed by data models.

A January transfer seems out of the question, though. Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is notoriously tough in negotiations, especially with Serie A rivals. Selling Lobotka to Juventus midseason would be unthinkable unless a truly exceptional proposal arrived.

Stanislav Lobotka 📸

Even in the summer, De Laurentiis would likely prefer to negotiate with foreign clubs — perhaps Manchester United or Barcelona, both previously linked with the player.

Still, Juventus might hold one unexpected advantage: Spalletti himself. His strong personal connection with Lobotka could make the Turin club’s project more appealing, especially if Napoli’s atmosphere continues to feel strained under Conte’s demanding leadership.

In the complex chessboard of Italian football, Conte’s intense methods may end up strengthening Juventus rather than Napoli — an ironic twist in a rivalry that never stops evolving.

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D.Z

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