Turin, Italy – Juventus enters a critical Champions League match against Sporting Lisbon with coach Luciano Spalletti and goalkeeper Di Gregorio emphasizing a revitalized ambition for both European success and the Serie A title. The team is driven by a renewed sense of responsibility as they prepare for the Tuesday evening clash.
Spalletti, 66, conveyed the high demands placed on the Turin club, stating that Juventus’s history dictates a constant pursuit of excellence. He declared an internal desire to fight for the Serie A title, extending the club’s motto of “until the end” to “beyond the end.”
Goalkeeper Di Gregorio echoed this sentiment, asserting the team’s goal to “win everything.” He highlighted a focus on maintaining a winning path, building on two recent victories.
According to Di Gregorio, a change in coaching staff has fostered greater unity within the squad. Players have recognized areas for improvement and have actively sought to change their attitude.
Spalletti’s arrival has injected courage into the team, Di Gregorio noted, emphasizing the coach’s impressive career speaks for itself. He was particularly struck by Spalletti’s strong desire to achieve significant goals with the current group of players.
The word “responsibility” has been frequently reiterated within the team, Di Gregorio explained. Following a defeat to Lazio, players recognized the need for individual accountability, understanding that representing Juventus requires maintaining an exceptionally high standard.
Despite a recent negative phase, the team aims to build on recent wins against Udinese and Cremonese. Di Gregorio stressed the importance of demonstrating the same determination in the upcoming Champions League fixture.
Looking ahead to the match, Spalletti acknowledged the challenge posed by the Lisbon club Sporting, now under coach Rui Borges. He described them as a “very difficult game” with a “very strong group” and an “incredible” midfield, noting their unpredictable player positioning.
Spalletti metaphorically likened the Champions League to a “big suite” in a hotel, underscoring its importance and difficulty. He dismissed the frequency of matches as an excuse, stating that playing every three days is inherent to football and demands competence.
On player availability, Spalletti confirmed that young forward Kenan Yildiz, who is recovering from a right leg muscle injury, is available for selection. Spalletti praised Yildiz’s technical quality but stressed the need for further physical development, drawing comparisons to Napoli’s Kvaratskhelia and former Italian international Di Natale.
Di Gregorio also referenced the team’s tactical flexibility, noting how players are adapting to new roles as requested by the coach. During the press conference, Spalletti jokingly challenged Di Gregorio to answer a question initially directed at the coach, to which the goalkeeper playfully responded, “Tomorrow I can answer.”