Luciano Spalletti addresses contract speculation, his emotional bond with Daniele De Rossi, and Italy’s World Cup 2026 qualification failure as Juventus chase Champions League football.
Luciano Spalletti has brushed aside growing speculation about a new contract with Juventus, insisting that discussions will happen naturally when the time is right. Despite reports suggesting a deal would be confirmed during the international break, the manager remained calm: "I don’t understand why you care so much about this. We’ve got a perfectly fine rapport and there will be the opportunity to discuss it, we don’t need to do it all now. It has to come naturally."
With Juventus sitting in joint fifth place alongside Roma, three points behind high-flying Como, the race for Champions League qualification is heating up. Spalletti emphasized the urgency: "It is an important final sprint, but that’s a normal standard for us. When you say there are eight finals, that’s what it should always be for Juventus." Their first test comes against Genoa on Monday at 18.00 CEST.
The upcoming clash carries personal weight, as Genoa are now managed by Daniele De Rossi, a former Roma captain under Spalletti. The veteran coach referred to De Rossi as "one of my football children", highlighting their deep bond: "I care for him just as I think he cares for me. At the same time, as with all father-son relationships, sometimes I got on his nerves."
Spalletti praised Genoa’s identity under De Rossi, noting that the team reflects the former midfielder’s mentality and characteristics. He also acknowledged the qualities of winger Jeremie Boga, describing him as "very quick with bursts of pace, but doesn’t love physical contact." Vlahovic, meanwhile, is back in training but unlikely to start, though he could feature off the bench.
The failure of Italy to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup — eliminated by Bosnia and Herzegovina in the play-offs — remains a raw topic. Spalletti, who was sacked after just two games in charge, expressed sorrow: "Obviously, those who did qualify returned to base happier and those who didn’t are tied to disappointment like a leash."
"We need to ask ourselves if we really care about getting value out of talent. There are many foreign owners in Italian football now, and that is good, but we must ask if they want to make the most of Italian players."Spalletti lamented the lack of a clear development pathway, longing for the days of Baggio, Totti, Del Piero and Cannavaro. His words serve as a wake-up call for Italian football’s future.
