Spalletti optimistic of Juventus Serie A revival
Luciano Spalletti believes Juventus's quality will eventually shine through despite experiencing a difficult start to life under the Italian.
Spalletti replaced Igor Tudor last month and has picked up one win from his first three matches in all competitions, drawing two, and faces Fiorentina next, which is one of only two sides in Serie A yet to register a victory.
The Bianconeri are sixth in the Italian top-flight after 11 games in 2025-2026, five points adrift of leader Inter Milan and three further back of a spot inside the top four.
Juventus' stuttering start to its Serie A campaign has been highlighted by its attack, with the 14 goals it has netted this term seven fewer than it managed at the same stage last season.
The 36-time Scudetto winner has not claimed the Serie A title since 2019-2020, but Spalletti believes another title charge is not beyond the realms of possibility now.
"We have quality, and we have to start from here," Spalletti said.
"We should not be affected by bad moments because we might doubt our quality, and we must use it in certain moments of the game.
"It's work in a team as a unit. What to do at which moment of the game. It's hard to do, and we are working mostly on this."
Spalletti is not, however, expecting a warm welcome at Stadio Artemio Franchi, having faced Fiorentina 26 times in charge of seven different teams in Serie A.
The 66-year-old has won 12 of his encounters against Fiorentina during his coaching career, seeing his teams score 45 goals against it and concede 31.
"I know the environment well because I've spent many years there. I'll accept every situation because I've been there already," Spalletti added.
"I'll enter the field as the Juventus coach and will accept everything. Out of love for this sport, we must show the best of us, not the worst. I've always respected everyone.
"I'm serene at being the Juventus coach and in the Fiorentina stadium, and I expect a great game from my players. It will be a tough game for us."
The Juventus boss was also on hand to discuss the future of star Kenan Yildiz, who has been in fine form for the Serie A giant in 2025-2026.
Yildiz has scored three goals and provided four assists in all competitions, and is under contract until 2028-2029, but he has been linked with a move away from Turin.
Giorgio Chiellini, who is Juventus's director of football strategy at the club, said earlier this week there was no rush to tie down the Turkiye international to a new deal.
"I won't discuss the renewal thing, it is not up to me. I look at it, but the club knows what to do," Spalletti said of Yildiz's situation.
"To me, it's easy with Yildiz, he's the one who breaks the systems and patterns. Whoever links up with Yildiz links up with the rest of the team.
"He knows how to stay in the team, and he has leadership skills, so it’s the best for me."
