Nico Gonzalez on ‘gift’ to Woltemade and difference with his first spell at Juventus

Nico Gonzalez on ‘gift’ to Woltemade and difference with his first spell at Juventus Juventus winger Nico Gonzalez feels the team is ‘stronger’ and ‘more united’ than during his first spell at the Allianz Stadium, and he hopes Nick Woltemade and Randal Kolo Muani will gain ‘energy’ and ‘confidence’ after scoring for the first time in 2026-27. Argentine winter Nico Gonzalez was the MOTM in Juventus’ 5-0 victory against NEC on Thursday. TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 17: Nick Woltemade of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s third goal with teammates during the UEFA Europa League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Juventus and N.E.C. Nijmegen at Juventus Stadium on September 17, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images) The former Atletico Madrid loanee scored the opening goal at Allianz Stadium and then earned a penalty kick, which Woltemade converted. Nico let the German striker take the spot kick in the first half with the Old Lady already leading 2-0. “I was the penalty kick taker, but we needed the striker,” Nico Gonzalez said in the mixed zone. “Both he [Woltemade] and Kolo Muani. That was a gift that might give them energy and confidence because we need them.” Kolo Muani was introduced in the second half and contributed to Juventus’ win with one goal and one assist. TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 17: Nick Woltemade of Juventus scores his team’s third goal from the penalty spot during the UEFA Europa League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Juventus and N.E.C. Nijmegen at Juventus Stadium on September 17, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images) Nico Gonzalez had already praised Juventus coach Spalletti during a  post-match interview with Sky Sport Italia, then added: “I’m happy. This is thanks to the coach and the team. They give me the confidence I sometimes need. I had lost that confidence in my first season, but this is football. This is who I am now, and I enjoy it.” The Argentine joined Juventus in 2025, but failed to impress in his first season under Thiago Motta and Igor Tudor. He was sent to Atletico Madrid on loan in 2025-26, but the Bianconeri then retained him for 2026-27. “Things didn’t go well in the first season, but that happens in football,” Nico Gonzalez said. Nico Gonzalez celebrates his goal for Juventus against Parma (@seriea_en) “I want to show what I can do. I want to help the team, whether I play or not. That is up to the coach. I will always give my all, on and off the pitch. “Football changes, the group changes, everything changes. Today, we are a stronger and more united group, and you see that on the pitch. You see that one wants to die for the other, and we like it. We receive the energy of those who give their lives for their brothers.” Nico Gonzalez, 28, has scored two goals and provided one assist in four games across all competitions this season.