Luciano Spalletti, the current coach of Juventus, shared his views on how new signing Kerim Alajbegovic might fit into his team's setup. He also took a critical stance on the recent developments within the Italian national team, drawing a parallel to a failed attempt at modernization.

Speaking to reporters after Juventus secured a 2-0 friendly victory against OGC Nice, with goals from Douglas Luiz and Justin Oboavwoduo, Spalletti addressed the team's ongoing transfer activities. The squad is still being formed, with advanced negotiations underway to sign Randal Kolo Muani from Paris Saint-Germain and Alajbegovic from Bayer Leverkusen.

The potential arrival of the Bosnian and Herzegovinian talent, Alajbegovic, has sparked discussions about how he would complement existing attacking players like Kenan Yildiz, Kolo Muani, and Francisco Conceicao.

"Currently, we are missing a central forward capable of holding up the ball, and a creative midfielder who can supply him," Spalletti explained in the mixed zone. "Kolo Muani is a well-rounded striker; he can drop deep to link up with the midfielders, attack space, and has also played on the wing. I envision Alajbegovic operating more as an attacking midfielder behind the main striker."

This suggests a potential 4-2-3-1 formation, with Kenan Yildiz perhaps remaining on the left wing. However, Spalletti noted that Alajbegovic also possesses the versatility to play in wider attacking roles.

Spalletti's Disappointment with Italy's Direction

Spalletti took the helm at Juventus in October 2025, less than four months after his departure from the Italian national team coaching role. The Azzurri have faced challenges since he left, cycling through Gennaro Gattuso and interim manager Silvio Baldini before the recent announcement of Roberto Mancini's return.

The proposed role of technical director was initially intended for Paolo Maldini, who resigned after just three weeks, paving the way for Claudio Ranieri to take over.

"Paolo Maldini undoubtedly represented a necessary element of renewal," Spalletti commented. "It was akin to trying to update the software on an old phone; it simply wouldn't work. Instead of acquiring a new device, we opted to stick with the outdated one and neglect the update."

When questioned about whether Ranieri and Mancini are the right individuals to guide Italy back to success, Spalletti was hesitant to offer a definitive answer. "I cannot predict that. Maldini symbolized an advancement, a decisive move forward, but instead, we have regressed to a more conservative approach."

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English Translation:

Spalletti: ‘Italy tried updating with Maldini, but stuck with old phone instead’

Luciano Spalletti has elaborated on his vision for Kerim Alajbegovic's role within his Juventus squad and has subtly criticized the Italian national team's recent decisions following Roberto Mancini's return. He metaphorically described the situation as "trying to update an outdated phone."

The coach shared his thoughts with reporters after Juventus's 2-0 friendly victory over OGC Nice, with goals scored by Douglas Luiz and Justin Oboavwoduo.

The current squad is far from complete, as negotiations are in advanced stages to sign Randal Kolo Muani from Paris Saint-Germain and Alajbegovic from Bayer Leverkusen.

The arrival of the Bosnian and Herzegovinian talent has raised questions about how he would integrate with players like Kenan Yildiz, Kolo Muani, and Francisco Conceicao.

"Right now, we are lacking a centre-forward who can hold up play and a trequartista who can feed him the ball," Spalletti told reporters. "Kolo Muani is a very complete striker; he can drop deep to combine with midfielders, attack space, and has also played on the wing. I see Alajbegovic more as a trequartista playing behind the striker."

This suggests a potential 4-2-3-1 formation, with Kenan Yildiz potentially remaining on the left wing, although Alajbegovic is also capable of playing in those winger positions.

Spalletti Unimpressed with Italy Changes

Spalletti took over as Juventus manager in October 2025, just under four months after being dismissed from the Italy national team's coaching position. The Azzurri have experienced instability since his departure, with Gennaro Gattuso and caretaker manager Silvio Baldini leading the team before Mancini's recent reappointment.

The position of technical director was initially earmarked for Paolo Maldini, who resigned within three weeks, making way for Claudio Ranieri.

"Maldini certainly represented something new, which was absolutely necessary," Spalletti noted. "It was like attempting to update the firmware on an outdated phone; it simply didn't work. Instead of buying a new phone, we just stuck with the old one and didn't update it."

When asked if Ranieri and Mancini are the right appointments to steer Italy back on course, Spalletti responded, "I can't know that. Maldini represented stepping into fourth gear and speeding ahead, but instead, we have gone back into second gear."