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Vincenzo Montella praised Juventus and coach Luciano Spalletti after their 2-0 victory over Bologna, but cautioned against taking risks with player Yildiz.
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Montella praises Juventus and Spalletti but warns ādonāt take any risks with Yildizā
Vincenzo Montella was full of praise for Juventus and head coach Luciano Spalletti following their 2-0 win over Bologna on Sunday evening, but jokingly warned the Bianconeri tactician: āFrom here until the end of the season, letās not take any risks with Yildizā.
Montella, head coach of Turkiye, was a guest analyst on Sky Sportās Serie A coverage on Sunday evening and spoke in-depth about his role, his relationship with Yildiz and his previous experiences working under Spalletti.
It has been over six years since Montella last worked in Italy, joining Adana Demirspor in 2021 before being appointed as head coach of the Turkiye national team in 2023.
He explained to Sky Sport viewers why he decided to make the move to Turkiye five years ago: āI didnāt have any interviews in Italy for a year and a half. I went to Turkiye to get back into the game because there werenāt any interviews coming my way here, no chance,ā (via Tuttosport).
āI also thought about stopping coaching because there were no chances, then COVID arrived. I was fine at home. Then some teams that I didnāt like came along. Then I decided to go and work my way up in Turkiye and start again.ā
And on the difficulties that face Turkiye heading into the 2026 World Cup, he added: āWe donāt have a recognised striker, so it becomes important for us to come in with players of great quality, strength and speed, especially in attack. Weāve gathered talent, Iāve brought them together under this banner, weāve given them a bit of tactical organisation.ā
Montella praised Juventus and head coach Luciano Spalletti for their performance in the 2-0 victory over Bologna.
Montella humorously cautioned Spalletti to avoid taking risks with Yildiz as the season progresses.
Vincenzo Montella is the head coach of the Turkiye national football team.
Montella discussed his previous experiences working under Spalletti, highlighting their professional relationship.

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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 ā 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)
āItās not all negative,ā Montella insisted. āItaly, taking away some of the strongest teams, is competitive. Thereās a bit of tension with the non-participation in the World Cup, but this team deserved to go because of its technical values. I wouldnāt be so defeatist.ā
Montella and Spallettiās 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 ā 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)
āWe played together in ā92. 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. Heās always been a genius because he invents, studies, develops and his teams always play well,ā said Montella.
During his time in charge of Milan, Montella also coached a young Manuel Locatelli: āIām pleased to see him all grown up and the captain of Juve,ā 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: āIām sorry heās injured because I think he could have made a big contribution.ā
And on Yildiz, Montella said: āHe always wants to improve, heās balanced. There are signs that make you notice him immediately. āMister, let me do something elseā. He never comes off the pitch, he arrives earlier than anyone else and still does. And in my opinion, heās destined to improve even more.
TURIN, ITALY ā 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)
āHeās 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.ā
And if thereās one piece of advice that Montella can offer Spalletti: āIf I have one suggestion, from here until the end of the season, letās not take any risks with Kenan, please.ā