{"id":324358,"date":"2025-12-03T06:04:11","date_gmt":"2025-12-03T06:04:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/324358\/"},"modified":"2025-12-03T06:04:11","modified_gmt":"2025-12-03T06:04:11","slug":"spalletti-compares-juventus-2-0-udinese-to-lions-against-mice-the-real-lion-gives-his-all","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/324358\/","title":{"rendered":"Spalletti compares Juventus 2-0 Udinese to lions against mice: \u2018The real lion gives his all\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"TURIN,<\/p>\n

TURIN, ITALY – DECEMBER 02: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to the Serie C match between Ternana Calcio and Juventus Next Gen at Allianz Stadium on December 02, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Juventus head coach Luciano Spalletti has described his Juventus outfit as \u2018lions\u2019 and says that \u2018a real lion gives all its strength, even against a mouse\u2019 following Tuesday evening\u2019s 2-0 victory over Udinese in the Coppa Italia<\/a> round of 16.\u00a0<\/p>\n

An own goal from 17-year-old Matteo Palma and a second-half penalty sent the Bianconeri through to the Coppa Italia quarter-finals, but there were a further three goals chalked off for offside on the night: Kingsley Ehizibue, Jonathan David and Lois Openda left feeling hard-done-by.\u00a0<\/p>\n

You can see how the action unfolded on the Football Italia Liveblog.<\/a><\/p>\n

Spalletti on Juventus 2-0 Udinese and difference between David and Openda\"TURIN,TURIN, ITALY \u2013 DECEMBER 02: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to the Serie C match between Ternana Calcio and Juventus Next Gen at Allianz Stadium on December 02, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Speaking<\/a> after the full-time whistle, Spalletti explained that he was largely pleased with what he saw from his Juventus squad on the night, but insists that his team are still far from the finished product.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cWe played a decent game, we did everything well. We were well balanced, we capitalised, and created big chances,\u201d Spalletti told Italia 1 after full-time.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe could have managed certain situations better, and given the level we have, we need to take advantage in those. You have to be fierce and mean. A real lion gives all of its strength, even against a mouse.\u201d<\/p>\n

Spalletti was also asked for his verdict on the performances of strikers Jonathan David and Lois Openda, the latter coming off the bench in the second half only to have a goal chalked off in injury time. The former was also unlucky not to have two for himself on the night<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re two central strikers. If you talk to them, they\u2019ll tell you that\u2019s where they operate best on the pitch,\u201d Spalletti explained.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"TURIN,TURIN, ITALY \u2013 DECEMBER 02: Lois Openda of Juventus is challenged by Matteo Palma of Udinese Calcio during the Coppa Italia match between Udinese Calcio and Juventus at Allianz Stadium on December 02, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

\u201cDavid is technically very good, and links up well with the team. He moves very well in the box when the team plays against a low block and knows how to manage difficult situations.<\/p>\n

\u201cOpenda is better at attacking from deep, he needs space but they compensate for each other and can also play together. We\u2019re pleased that they\u2019re doing well.\u201d<\/p>\n

Up next for Juventus is a trip to Spalletti\u2019s old club, Napoli, where he won the Scudetto before leaving the club by mutual consent almost immediately after the final game of the 2022-23 season.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cIt will be a melting pot of emotions because I have so many friends there. How I\u2019m welcomed isn\u2019t important, but what is is my feeling towards them, which is one of the utmost love,\u201d the Juventus coach said.<\/p>\n

Giving his final assessment on Tuesday\u2019s win over Udinese, Spalletti added: \u201cWe have some great players here. I\u2019ve seen a lot of willingness from everyone since I first got here. I\u2019m seeing progress day by day, and that\u2019s what brings me hope for playing a certain type of football, even against the highest-quality teams. We\u2019re still missing a few things, but we\u2019re on the right track.\u201d <\/p>\n


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