Juventus has announced the next match against Genoa, scheduled for the ninth matchday of Serie A and which will be played tomorrow at 8.45pm. Coach Luciano Spalletti opened the press conference with a direct comment on his rival, calling them "a very tough team to face for the environment" and underlining Genoa's dual tactical option. According to Spalletti, Gian Piero Gasperini's team possesses strong physical strength both in the penalty area and in attack, and, above all, "has the streak of De Rossi". The former Italian defender, who played as Spalletti's wingman, is described as a player with will, tenacity and team spirit.
Regarding the composition of the team, the coach explained that the choice of players must be based on the evaluation of their characteristics. He said Juventus can adopt a slight rotation to transform the formation into a 3‑4‑2‑1, in which Kolo Muani could occupy an attacking midfielder or winger role. “Footballers would never allow themselves to be told how to play because they would disrespect their teammates,” he added, highlighting the importance of team cohesion.
Spalletti also answered questions about the Ballon d'Or and Harry Kane's recent victory. He said he discussed the decision to reward Kane with his staff, considering it a logical choice based on the quality of the player, even if "he is not highlighted like others". Regarding the difficulty of the calendar, the coach reiterated that the team, the club and the structure are "on track", and that mental preparation is essential to face future challenges.
Finally, Spalletti spoke about the possible tactical configurations for the match against Genoa. He mentioned the possibility of a 4‑3‑3, but preferred a slight rotation towards a 3‑4‑2‑1, with the defense at 4 to increase the central physique. He cited an example from the match against Lecce, where Juventus had to switch to a 3‑4‑2‑1 in the second half to handle the pressure from their rival. The coach concluded by stating that the team will have to be ready for a very difficult match, in which mental fatigue is a crucial factor to manage.