Luciano Spalletti cautions that Juventus may risk becoming '11 great players and not a team' as they face Verona, aiming to catch Milan in the Serie A standings.
Key points
Spalletti warns Juventus about team dynamics
Juventus risks being 11 great players, not a team
Match against Verona is crucial for Serie A standings
Juventus aims to catch Milan in third place
Match kicks off at Allianz Juventus Stadium
JuventusVeronaMilan
Spalletti: ‘Juventus risk being 11 great players and not a team’
Spalletti: ‘Juventus risk being 11 great players and not a team’
Luciano Spalletti warns Juventus risk taking Verona for granted with an opportunity to catch Milan in third place. ‘The danger is to be 11 great players rather than a great team.’
It kicks off at the Allianz Juventus Stadium in Turin at 17.00 UK time (18.00 CEST).
With Como held to a 0-0 draw by Napoli and Roma facing Fiorentina on Monday, this is an opportunity for the Bianconeri to consolidate fourth place and that Champions League ticket.
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 26: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Juve are unbeaten in eight Serie A games, winning five and drawing the other three, the longest positive streak in the league.
That includes a run of four consecutive clean sheets, conceding only once in the last seven rounds.
“We want to keep doing more than we did the day before, sport is a daily competition to always challenge yourself with something new. If you keep using the same techniques as in the past, it’s natural the others will surpass you, so we must focus on the performances and try to become what we want to be.”
TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 07: Khephren Thuram of Juventus celebrates his goal with his team-mates and Luciano Spalletti Head coach of Juventus during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Pisa SC at Juventus Stadium on March 07, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Cottini/Getty Images)
Verona are already relegated, so the danger today is that Juve will take the victory for granted.
“When there are games like this, players tend to become 11 great players rather than a great team, so we need to be focused, ready to work, able to fill the whole game and not just do one thing, help your teammates, go beyond your usual characteristics. This unity is what helps everyone going forward.”
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 14: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Kenan Yildiz had been on the bench for the last two games against Bologna and Milan, but has shaken off that recurring inflammation for a return to the starting XI.
Jonathan David is confirmed upfront with Francisco Conceicao in a 3-4-3 formation, sending Jeremie Boga and not fully fit Dusan Vlahovic to the bench after the 0-0 at San Siro.
“Yildiz could be a university professor in terms of team spirit, because he always wants to be with other people, he knows how to behave in a group, he’s a splendid lad, so we trust he will show us something good today,” noted Spalletti.
“Vlahovic had a nasty injury, he is recovering, and if we need someone with his characteristics today, then he too is available to help the team at this moment.”