Spalletti demands 'strong' Juventus reaction
Luciano Spalletti wants to see a "strong reaction" from Juventus to their Champions League disappointment when they host Como in Serie A on Saturday.
Juventus had a 2-1 lead over Galatasaray in the first leg of their Champions League play-off tie on Tuesday, but were thrashed 5-2, and were not helped by a red card for Juan Cabal.
It leaves Juventus with work to do ahead of the second leg on Wednesday, but before that, they welcome high-flying Como to the Allianz Stadium.
Just four points separate the sides in the table, and Spalletti, who said Juventus “need to change our approach” after the loss to Galatasaray, highlighted the importance of getting a positive result.
"There are things you can say in a press conference and others you can't, this is one of those that can't be said," he said when asked about that comment in his press conference.
"The infamous three steps back were discussed in the meeting with the players and could be the ones to take the rebound, using them as a springboard to get a strong reaction. We'll see if that's the case.
"In these last few games, we've gotten a bit emotionally involved; we haven't been good at hiding our uncertainties, and that's when the opponent takes an advantage."
Juventus currently sit fifth in Serie A, just one point behind Roma in fourth, while Como are just one place behind their hosts.
Spalletti's side have slipped up in recent weeks in the league, drawing with Lazio and losing to Inter, though Como have also stalled, going winless in their last three (D2 L1).
Cesc Fabregas will be unable to call on playmaker Nico Paz, who is Como's top scorer and assister, due to suspension, but Spalletti does not believe their opponents will be any less dangerous in his absence.
"Como is a strong team, one that knows how to apply the teachings of their coach," he said.
"In my opinion, he's a strong coach with tremendous qualities to pass on to the team. I consider him one of the best coaches we have.
"In recent games, they've started playing with a 3-4-2-1, and beyond Paz, a top-level player, there's a strong team. There are pitfalls, but I'm equally convinced that our team can get back on track because they reached a level of play that we weren't able to maintain.
"My team has a lot of the 'good guy' but also the 'intelligent' one, and I want to rely on that."
