Spalletti: ‘Juventus must end alibi mentality’ around injury crisis

Spalletti: ‘Juventus must end alibi mentality’ around injury crisis Luciano Spalletti warns Juventus must stop the ‘alibi mentality’ of the injury crisis against Sassuolo. ‘If I lose a starter, I gain another protagonist’ with Nick Woltemade ready to start. It kicks off at the Mapei Stadium on Sunday at 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST). MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 26: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) The Bianconeri saw their 100 per cent start to the season stalled by a 1-1 draw with Milan, earned thanks to the last-gasp Federico Gatti equaliser. Above all, they have a lengthy injury list including Manuel Locatelli, Kenan Yildiz, Weston McKennie, Khephren Thuram, Jeremie Boga, Andrea Cambiaso, Jeff Ekhator and Juan Cabal. Spalletti wants positive Juventus thinking FROSINONE, ITALY – AUGUST 23: Luciano Spalletti head coach of FC Juventus gestures during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AC Monza at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on August 23, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Bellini/Getty Images) “I have to start by saying how sorry we feel for what happened to Locatelli, but his absence distributes responsibility onto everyone else,” said Spalletti in his press conference. The captain underwent surgery for a torn meniscus in his knee with suggestions he could be out for four to six months. “Locatelli is someone who doesn’t even take the Juventus jersey off to shower, that’s how much he cares about it. I saw the responsibility take on by his teammates in these training sessions, they are ready to fight against any adverse situation. “Randal Kolo Muani could’ve arrived at dinner time, but he decided to come to the camp early to be with his teammates.” MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 26: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) Spalletti confirmed that McKennie is certainly out tomorrow, but Cambiaso will attempt a fitness test in the morning, with Pape Matar Sarr available after his transfer from Tottenham Hotspur. “I have a strong squad, so I choose 11 strong players every game, but also have to leave another 11 equally strong ones on the bench. If I lose a starter, I gain another protagonist. It’s about framing, you don’t say we’re missing someone, you say someone is ready. “It’s the culture of alibis that lead us to think in that negative way. I think we need to win games, dominate situations, play like Juve. If we start thinking that we’re limited by incidents, that is not good. In fact, I don’t even want to talk about injuries anymore. “Sarr is a complete player, he can run into space and resist pressure. I am curious to see him, and we could see him tomorrow, if he is needed.” TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 06: Nick Woltemade of Juventus applauds the fans after the Serie A match between Juventus and AC Milan at Allianz Stadium on September 06, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images) Nick Woltemade already made his debut after the deadline day move from Newcastle United on loan. “We are evaluating starting him, as he already settled in and everyone appreciated him from the first training session. He will be in the game, sooner or later.” Locatelli’s absence means there is a distinct shortage of midfielders, so could it prompt Spalletti to change his tactics? “I’ve said many times, the initial formation is not static, the players need to move around and adapt. There is one shape when attacking, another in defence, plus we are free to explore, both in the world and in a football match,” said the coach. “It’s not like the football of old where you could see the shape clearly, there is more freedom now, and we try not to give clear reference points to our opponents. “Nothing changes without Locatelli, the squad allows us to take on any tactical system.” TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 06: Manuel Locatelli of Juventus is challenged by Luka Modric of Milan during the Serie A match between Juventus and AC Milan at Allianz Stadium on September 06, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images) With so many midfielders injured, we could see the return of Teun Koopmeiners, who has been something of a square peg in a round hole at Juventus. “He is already a bit different, which comes from his desire to remain at Juve during the transfer window. That made us happy,” noted Spalletti. “I see him more relaxed, with less pressure on his head. We will try to give him a role where he feels more at ease, although he is capable of doing different things. I think the optimal situation would be between central midfield and a mezz’ala position, but always with that freedom of movement.” TURIN, ITALY – AUGUST 29: Douglas Luiz of Juventus passes the ball under pressure from Christian Ordonez and Mandela Keita of Parma during the Serie A match between Juventus and Parma Calcio at Allianz Stadium on August 29, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images) Another player who had been expected to leave in the summer and didn’t was Douglas Luiz, who is becoming a regular in the Juve XI. “He is not a gamble, he is a certainty, as he had already shown how good he was, perhaps he just needed to feel that confidence in his qualities,” insisted the coach. “When he arrived, he held onto the ball too long, but has now understood that the more you move it, the more touches you get. If you wander around too much, you can lose sight of the game. He’s good with short and long passes, and can handle challenges.” FROSINONE, ITALY – AUGUST 23: Luciano Spalletti head coach of FC Juventus looks dejected during the Serie A match between Frosinone Calcio and Juventus FC at Stadio Benito Stirpe on August 23, 2026 in Frosinone, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Bellini/Getty Images) Tomorrow’s opponents Sassuolo are coached by former midfielder Alberto Aquilani and have a clear identity. “Over the years, the Neroverdi have been identified by the quality of their football and the club also deserves praise for being so solid and balanced,” added Spalletti. “Aquilani would dictate the play from his position, so now he can see the same movements clearly from the touchline.” The Champions League started this week, but Juventus must wait for their Europa League calendar. “It does hurt, but we know that this is further motivation. Pain gives you responsibility and more desire to get back in there,” concluded Spalletti.