Alessio Tacchinardi, former Juventus midfielder, has expressed his concerns about the next match in the Europa League against Celta Vigo, scheduled for tomorrow at the Bianconera's home ground. In his interview with TuttoSport, the veteran underlined the need for greater commitment from the players, citing the recent 1-1 draw against Cagliari as an example of insufficient performance.
Tacchinardi recalled the difficulty he encountered in the 2000 match against Celta, describing it as "bedlam" that "they hurt you", and warned that this week's match could be equally tough. He highlighted that the players must "give more" and that the last phase of the match, the last twenty minutes, was particularly demanding, with a "different poison" which affected the performance. According to him, Spalletti's tactics can be revised, but the priority is improving mentality and determination on the pitch.
The commentator also focused on the importance of "hunger" as a key element for the team. While he acknowledges that Spalletti still has the ability to lead the team, Tacchinardi noted that the players lack the ferocity needed to face the toughest challenges. In particular, he criticized the performance of Randal Kolo Muani, who hit the crossbar in a high-pressure situation. Tacchinardi defined Muani's match as "bad" and underlined that the Frenchman, not being a top-level striker, finds it difficult to fit into Juventus' structure, especially when the opposing defenses are well organised.
Despite the criticism, Tacchinardi maintained a respectful tone towards Spalletti, appealing to the team for greater concentration and commitment. The next match against Celta Vigo represents a crucial opportunity for Juventus, who will have to demonstrate that they can handle the pressure and have the determination necessary to advance in the European competition. With the match scheduled, fans can expect an intense confrontation, in which the players' performance will be decisive for the team's fate in the Europa League.