Spalletti seeks to rejuvenate Juventus and restore his standing before hosting Sporting in Champions League clash
Luciano Spalletti launches his effort to rescue Juventus in the Champions League on Tuesday evening as the Italian side confronts Sporting Lisbon aiming for their initial victory in the competition this campaign.
The ex Italy manager Spalletti kicked off his tenure at the club with a triumphant 2 1 result against Cremonese on Saturday where his influence was evident despite having only been in position for under 48 hours.
Juventus appeared far more dangerous during the opening period in Cremona compared to many prior outings before Igor Tudors dismissal on Monday and Spalletti addressed a significant gap at the back by deploying Dutch midfielder Teun Koopmeiners within a trio at defence.
Such an unconventional tactic represents the signature of Spallettis extensive and dramatic managerial history dating back to positioning Francesco Totti as a false nine well before Pep Guardiola replicated it with Lionel Messi at Barcelona.
"The squad matters above any single player. When you build strong connections with the group and everyone shares the same mindset then suddenly you rise to a higher standard" Spalletti commented following the match on Saturday.
"Courage is essential we are not operating in obscurity. You either commit fully or make way for others."
Assuming control at Juventus offers Spalletti who is a highly skilled and impactful manager an opportunity to mend his image following the disastrous stint leading Italy which he described as a lasting wound after his removal in June.
Supporters of the Turin club anticipate that he might recapture the success from his two seasons guiding Napoli where he broke a 33 year drought for the Serie A championship and secured the national team role.
At 66 years old Spalletti has long stood out as an eccentric figure amid the turbulent world of Italian soccer and his sharp temperament has sparked conflicts with prominent squad members.
Restoring standing
He notably clashed with Totti in his return stint at Roma almost ten years prior enduring constant backlash from press supporters and the veteran himself over benching the legendary player as he approached the end of his career.
Later at Inter Milan he engaged in an extended public dispute with forward Mauro Icardi during which the forwards spouse and representative Wanda Nara frequently criticised Spalletti on her frequent spots on a sports discussion programme.
Accounts of Spalletti arguing with team members also plagued his national team role and he must avoid further pitchside confrontations in potentially his final major appointment.
"Building bonds with the athletes is key thats my consistent approach" Spalletti noted post victory on Saturday.
"I trust I can achieve it here unlike my experience with the Azzurri."
Spalletti inherits a mostly fresh canvas since Juventus holds just two points from their opening three Champions League fixtures placing them 25th and within the drop zone.
Yet he was compelled to exclude key talent Kenan Yildiz and regular defender Lloyd Kelly from the Cremonese game with fitness doubts lingering for both ahead of Tuesdays encounter.
The Turkish creator Yildiz suffered a minor knee issue prompting his absence on Saturday while Kelly dealt with a back problem joining the growing injury concerns among Juventus backline options that already featured Juan Cabal and Gleison Bremer.
This defensive shortage prompted Spalletti to shift Koopmeiners rearward whereas the scoring contributions from Filip Kostic and Andrea Cambiaso in the recent win hint at innovative strategies he might employ to breathe new life into Italys historic powerhouse.