Montella praises Juventus and Spalletti but warns ‘don’t take any risks with Yildiz’

As we all know, Italy will not be competing at the 2026 World Cup following their third consecutive defeat in the World Cup play-offs back at the end of March.

ZENICA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – MARCH 31: Francesco Pio Esposito of Italy shows reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Bosnia & Herzegovina and Italy at Stadion Bilino Polje on March 31, 2026 in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)

“It’s not all negative,” Montella insisted. “Italy, taking away some of the strongest teams, is competitive. There’s a bit of tension with the non-participation in the World Cup, but this team deserved to go because of its technical values. I wouldn’t be so defeatist.”

Montella on Juventus, Spalletti and Yildiz: ‘He’s always been a genius’

Montella and Spalletti’s paths have crossed several times throughout their careers, first as players at Empoli, and later as player and coach respectively at Sampdoria and Roma.

TURIN, ITALY – APRIL 19: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, reacts prior to the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Allianz Stadium on April 19, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

“We played together in ‘92. I was at the beginning of my career and he was almost at the end of his. Then he coached me at Empoli, Sampdoria and I saw him again at Roma. He’s always been a genius because he invents, studies, develops and his teams always play well,” said Montella.

During his time in charge of Milan, Montella also coached a young Manuel Locatelli: “I’m pleased to see him all grown up and the captain of Juve,” he said.

Montella feels that Juventus could have done with the services of Dusan Vlahovic heading into the final stretch of Serie A fixtures, though: “I’m sorry he’s injured because I think he could have made a big contribution.”

And on Yildiz, Montella said: “He always wants to improve, he’s balanced. There are signs that make you notice him immediately. ‘Mister, let me do something else’. He never comes off the pitch, he arrives earlier than anyone else and still does. And in my opinion, he’s destined to improve even more.

TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 22: Kenan Yildiz of Juventus FC in action during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Como 1907 at on February 21, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

“He’s devastating in one-on-ones, the opponents can barely get the ball off him. I like to play him on the left with Turkiye for our organisation, but he also has to come inside and play.”

And if there’s one piece of advice that Montella can offer Spalletti: “If I have one suggestion, from here until the end of the season, let’s not take any risks with Kenan, please.”