Juventus reportedly back Spalletti despite 3‑0 Lazio defeat

Juventus are not expected to make an immediate change in the dugout, despite Luciano Spalletti’s public doubts after a 3-0 home defeat by Lazio, Calciomercato.com reports. The outlet says the club still believes Spalletti has the dressing room behind him and can turn results around; it also considers his resignation unlikely.

The defeat sharpened the questions around a Juventus side sitting eighth after seven Serie A matches. The Bianconeri have 11 points from three wins, two draws and two losses, and are eight points off the top, according to the canonical standings. Calciomercato.com notes that Igor Tudor had one more point at the same stage last season and was four points from first place. Juventus dismissed Tudor after the eighth league round and appointed Spalletti in his place.

Spalletti did little to disguise his concern after the Lazio loss. Speaking to DAZN, he said Juventus had been “without rhythm, without ideas, without running and without willingness,” and described the team as fragile after losing duels. He also said the performance surprised him, despite no change in the way he had spoken to the squad.

At his post-match press conference, the coach turned the scrutiny on himself. “I'm worried. I have to ask myself questions because we're getting worse, and I have to analyse myself above all,” Spalletti said. Asked whether the players were following him, he replied: “Until yesterday, I think I could say yes. Then today, probably, I don't know.”

The financial commitment is another factor in Juventus’ position. Calciomercato.com reports that Spalletti’s contract runs until 30 June 2028, with a net salary of around €5 million per season that can rise to €6 million with bonuses. The outlet puts his base salary cost to the club at approximately €9.25 million gross annually.

Supporters’ hopes of an Antonio Conte return have resurfaced, Calciomercato.com reports, but the outlet presents Conte as a name fans want rather than a candidate Juventus are pursuing. It also reports no contact over a possible move to Manchester United to replace Michael Carrick.

Spalletti is the latest in a succession of coaches since Massimiliano Allegri left, following Thiago Motta and Tudor, as well as interim spells for Paolo Montero and Massimo Brambilla. Calciomercato.com argues that Juventus have yet to find the stability they want. Spalletti’s next chance to change the picture comes away to Lecce on Sunday 25 October at 18:00 CET.