Luciano Spalletti: Juventus must step up to match Inter Milan and Napoli

Luciano Spalletti: Juventus must step up to match Inter Milan and Napoli

The Bianconeri dominated from the start, with Gleison Bremer, Jonathan David, Kenan Yildiz and Weston McKennie all scoring. Juventus also equalled Inter for most goals scored in Serie A since Spalletti took charge in November, with 20 goals in that period.

After the match, Spalletti told Sky Sport Italia:

"I watched Inter-Napoli last night, they showed the top level of football, open and attacking football, with character and ideas, representing their coaches. I think we need to improve a lot to reach their level, and we need to take those steps quickly. I have seen great effort from these lads, so I feel we can make those improvements."

The win lifted Juventus into fourth in Serie A, four points behind leaders Inter and one behind second-place AC Milan, although both Inter and Milan, as well as third-place Napoli, have a game in hand.

Reflecting on the match itself, Spalletti added:

"We were in control, we had a good game and were set out well, we had the right hunger against an opponent that knows what it's doing. Davide Nicola knows the top flight very well and what his squad has to do, so they are well-organised and ready to battle. With a bit of good luck, we managed to get the result on track early, but then also had some bad luck with that penalty off the upright.

"I think all things considered we were in charge, although there were still a few wobbles that are hard to get rid of."

Spalletti also reflected on Juventus' progress since he arrived:

"When you take on this work, there can always be surprises, good and bad ones, as the pitch does the talking."

Since Spalletti's arrival in November, only Inter have collected more points (25) and won more matches (eight) than Juventus (24 points, seven wins). His side have scored at least five goals in a single Serie A match for the first time since February 2018, a performance Spalletti believes can be a platform for further improvement.

"The lads are working hard and you can see their effort on the pitch. We'll keep building, step by step," he concluded.

Juventus now aim to carry this momentum into upcoming matches, aware that consistency will be key if they are to seriously challenge for the Scudetto.

Related News

Inter Milan midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu to miss Arsenal Champions League clash with injury

Inter Milan midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu to miss Arsenal Champions League clash with injury

  • 5 hours ago

Inter will be without one of their key midfielders for the Champions League clash with Arsenal after confirming Hakan Calhanoglu has suffered a calf injury that is expected to keep him sidelined for around three weeks.

Italian transfer expert reckons Man Utd will keep Kobbie Mainoo

Italian transfer expert reckons Man Utd will keep Kobbie Mainoo

  • 12 hours ago

Kobbie Mainoo is increasingly likely to remain at Manchester United beyond the January transfer window, following Ruben Amorim's departure.

Raging Antonio Conte red-carded as Scott McTominay fires Napoli back twice at Inter

Raging Antonio Conte red-carded as Scott McTominay fires Napoli back twice at Inter

  • 1 day ago

Antonio Conte was sent off after a furious reaction to a VAR penalty decision, but Napoli responded with courage and quality to earn a 2-2 draw against Inter Milan at San Siro, with Scott McTominay scoring twice to rescue a point.

 Ajax midfielder Kenneth Taylor seals Lazio move

Ajax midfielder Kenneth Taylor seals Lazio move

  • 3 days ago

Lazio have confirmed the signing of Ajax midfielder Kenneth Taylor, completing a major move for the 23-year-old as he begins a new chapter in Serie A.