Ahead of the match against Lazio, Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti confirmed that the combination of Kolo and Woltemade could be introduced on the pitch from the first minute. In his press conference the day before, the commander underlined that the team is not divided into "starters" and "reserves", but that the choice of who to play depends on the game situation and the tactical needs of the moment.
Spalletti explained that the decision to play both defenders is not taken lightly. “If I let both of them play I will have less chance to intervene in case of need,” he said, highlighting the importance of having players with physical strength and determination on the pitch, especially against opponents who have tall centre-backs. He mentioned Lazio, who have defenders taller than 1.90 m, and reiterated that Juventus must count on a solid defense capable of reacting quickly.
The coach also recalled the importance of maintaining concentration throughout the match, referring to the recent matches against Vigo and Cagliari. “We did better in the second half against Vigo, we were more predatory,” he observed. “The ability to be ready when fate knocks on your door rewards the most determined and predatory players.”
As for the squad, Spalletti mentioned the need to "get Gatti back" and carefully evaluate who to include on the pitch based on the context. He also expressed his willingness to analyze other options available in the next few hours, highlighting that the final choice will depend on the tactical balance of the match.
With the match scheduled, Juventus is preparing to exploit the physical strength of its key defenders, trying to neutralize Lazio's high centre-backs. The coach remains ready to modify the formation based on the needs of the match, while maintaining confidence in the team's ability to adapt.