Luciano Spalletti Criticises Juventus' Recent Signings, Applauds New Directors

In a candid interview with Sky Sport Italia, Juventus head coach Luciano Spalletti laid bare the club’s recent missteps in the transfer market while lauding the newly assembled hierarchy that he believes can finally steer the Bianconeri back on course.

Spalletti’s Candid Assessment

Speaking after a 2-0 friendly win over OGC Nice – a match highlighted by goals from midfielder Douglas Luiz and academy prospect Justin Oboavwoduo – Spalletti reflected on a pattern that has haunted Juventus for the past three seasons. ‘Last season we would press high even when the defensive line wasn’t ready,’ he said, ‘and that left the team exposed.’ The coach’s critique extends beyond tactics; he directly referenced “bad signings” that failed to deliver the expected quality or depth, a nod to high‑profile acquisitions that have underperformed relative to their fees.

The New Directorial Quartet

Spalletti’s optimism rests on the arrival of three key figures: Marco Ottolini, recruited from Genoa as director of sport; Frederic Massara, appointed technical director on July 7; and Giovanni Carnevali, the former Sassuolo CEO who took the reins in June. The coach claims his office sits “right next to Ottolini and Massara,” allowing him a front‑row seat to their strategic discussions. He praised their experience and networks, insisting that “the directors are perfect” for navigating a market that has become increasingly inflated and competitive.

Transfer Window Activity: Muani and Alajbegovic

While Juventus has been relatively quiet in the early stages of the summer window, the club has already signalled intent with two promising moves. French forward Randal Kolo Muani, who impressed at Paris Saint‑Germain, is reportedly on the verge of a €45 million deal that would inject pace and goal‑scoring flair into a forward line still reliant on Dusan Vlahović. Simultaneously, Bayer Leverkusen winger Kerim Alajbegovic is being tracked as a potential €30 million acquisition, offering the kind of left‑footed creativity that Juventus has lacked since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Both targets align with Spalletti’s desire for players who can “win the ball back quickly” and transition it forward, a tactical shift from the overly aggressive pressing that left the team vulnerable in the previous campaign.

What the Changes Could Mean for Juventus’ Style

Spalletti’s emphasis on balance suggests a move toward a more pragmatic 4‑3‑3, where Douglas Luiz’s recent loan return to Turin provides a midfield anchor capable of shielding the defence while also contributing to the attack. The coach highlighted Luiz’s “sharper” movement and defensive coverage, underscoring the importance of midfielders who can operate both as deep‑lying playmakers and as auxiliary centre‑backs when necessary.

If Muani and Alajbegovic join the squad, Juventus could field a fluid front three that blends Muani’s directness, Alajbegovic’s wing play, and Vlahović’s target‑man prowess, potentially revitalising a side that finished 7th last season and missed out on European competition for the first time in a decade.

Looking Ahead to Pre‑Season

With the Serie A calendar set to resume in late August, Juventus will embark on a pre‑season tour across the United States and Asia, a platform where the new recruits can integrate under Spalletti’s guidance. The coach’s remarks hint at a willingness to experiment, but also a clear message: the club will no longer tolerate “ball lost too easily” and will demand immediate tactical discipline from every signing.

In short, the combination of a refreshed board, targeted transfer targets, and a more measured tactical approach could mark the beginning of a long‑awaited renaissance for Juventus.