Juventus give Spalletti three matches to answer Lazio defeat

Juventus are eighth in Serie A with 11 points from seven matches, and Luciano Spalletti’s position is now tied to the response over the next three games. Gazzetta dello Sport reports that the club is backing the coach for now after the 3-0 home defeat to Lazio, but expects results to change the mood around the team.

The contrast is stark: Lazio are second on 19 points and have yet to lose. Juventus’ defeat was not just a damaging scoreline; it sharpened questions about Spalletti’s relationship with his players and the team’s direction. Club leaders believe nobody is deliberately working against the coach, according to the report, while Exor chief executive John Elkann does not want to abandon a relationship built on mutual respect.

Spalletti has also had to address the fallout from Gleison Bremer’s comments after the Lazio match. The defender told cameras: “I don’t point the finger at anyone, but here some have more character and some less. We players are the ones on the pitch. I can only go so far, but I can’t carry everyone.” Gazzetta reports that Bremer later told teammates: “I was angry; I didn’t want to send that kind of message.” Spalletti brought the squad together to discuss the incident, as frustration among some players grows.

The reported concerns run beyond one exchange. Edon Zhegrova had hoped to start against Lazio after being left out of Juventus’ UEFA list. Federico Gatti and Lloyd Kelly struggled in Europe, while Bremer and Juan Lucumí have found it difficult to impose themselves. Andrea Cambiaso has lacked consistency and Teun Koopmeiners has yet to find his rhythm. A possible move to two supporting forwards could also reduce opportunities for Juventus’ wide players.

The immediate league task is a trip to Lecce on Sunday, October 25. Gazzetta’s three-match test also includes Rennes and Genoa. Juventus’ backing for Spalletti is still there, but the next results will determine how much patience remains—and whether the coach can turn internal frustration into a better performance on the pitch.