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Spalletti: We want to dictate the game
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- Spalletti: We want to dictate the game
Spalletti: We want to dictate the game
The Men's First Team host AC Milan on Matchday 3 of the 2026/27 Serie A season, with both teams having won their opening two matches of the season.
Coach Luciano Spalletti spoke to the press ahead of Sunday's clash, which takes place at 20:45 CEST at the Allianz Stadium.
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MILAN AT THE ALLIANZ STADIUM
"He [Ruben Amorim] is a coach with clear ideas, who has managed to build a strong team. Although only two matches have been played, you can already see very recognisable patterns of play. It's a direct, vertical side that goes straight at you and is very quick on the counter-attack. They force you to match their pace, otherwise you risk missing the key moments. They come at you and create constant one-on-one battles. If you can read them and anticipate their moves, you can use your opponent's aggression to your advantage. It'll be a great match, because Juventus vs Milan is simply a game that has to be played at 100%. We'll try to dictate the game and show our desire to win."
INJURIES AND THE KEY FACTORS FOR THE MATCH
"We're facing some difficulties because we have seven players out injured, all in different situations. However, we're in a position to play this match and we want to put in a performance worthy of Juventus. We've got off to a good start as a unit, and that's crucial for becoming more and more of a team. We'll need to be good at creating space because they'll come at us strongly, and we'll have to go out and win ground. Every metre gained will be worth more than any amount of passing. The decisions we make will make all the difference to the result."
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JUVENTUS' PROGRESS
"Balance and adaptability are what enable you to turn the unexpected into an opportunity. We must work on these aspects without highlighting the difficulties as a problem for the team. To be a strong team, you have to prove it on the pitch. To me, this team looks ready for this match and, throughout the week, they've shown me the right level of commitment to improve and bring something different to the table. We have what it takes to become a strong team. We didn't manage to do everything we wanted in the transfer market, but we've strengthened the squad and we have a few more options."
OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE CLUB
"I've always been described as a coach who works closely with the club, partly because I've always had a good relationship with my directors. Despite a few problems, which were beyond our control, we've made progress. We'll have to see if we'll have everyone available, as we don't have a particularly large squad and there are players who are difficult to replace, such as [Kenan] Yildiz and [Weston] McKennie. We've put in two excellent performances, showing ourselves to be a united, cohesive and genuine team. Tomorrow's match could be one that gives us a real boost in terms of confidence."
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WOLTEMADE AND HIS PARTNERSHIP WITH KOLO MUANI
"I don't think I'll start him initially, but I believe he can come on as a substitute. He's good at playing in a two-man attack because he connects well with his teammates, creates space to attack and can link up brilliantly with [Randal] Kolo Muani. He also has the ability to make the most of aerial play on through balls. We need to see him in action, but he's an extraordinary person and is demonstrating the character needed to fit into the squad. Now we need to give him a chance to play."
THOSE EXCLUDED FROM THE UEFA SQUAD LIST
"I spoke to them, it was the least I could do, and I never wanted that moment to come. It's the worst thing for any coach. I spoke to them and I think they understood. I'm sorry, and for some there might even be a chance of reinstatement. I always want to look on the bright side, but I'm really sorry."
CAMBIASO, McKENNIE AND SARR
"No one is fit yet. Let's hope we can get a couple back for next week."
