News Focus
- Juventus conclude the 2025-26 season in sixth place, securing Europa League qualification after a 2-2 draw with Torino
- Kick-off at Stadio Grande Torino delayed by sixty minutes due to violent clashes between rival ultras groups
- Spalletti insists that footballers lacking mental strength are unsuitable for the Bianconeri
- Torino criticised for issuing a pre-match statement that prohibited fans from wearing black and white colours inside the ground
- One Juventus supporter remains in critical condition in hospital following the pre-match disorder
Juventus finished their 2025-26 campaign with a dramatic two-all stalemate against city rivals Torino on Sunday, squandering a two-goal advantage as the Granata mounted a late recovery. The result confirms the Bianconeri’s sixth-place finish in the Serie A standings, meaning they will compete in the Europa League next term rather than the Champions League.
The fixture descended into chaos before a ball was kicked, with proceedings commencing one hour behind schedule amid ugly scenes of violence between supporter factions. One Old Lady fan was rushed to hospital in a critical condition, whilst Juventus ultras threatened to invade the pitch should the game begin. When the match finally started, the away section stood completely empty as travelling supporters staged a walkout.
Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, Spalletti did not hold back in his assessment of both the on-field performance and the troubling events surrounding the derby. “As the manager, I must examine what occurred here,” he stated. “We had complete control of this match. It is in fixtures like these that you witness a person’s true character and what they are made of. You search for something extra. These two points represent the difference between success and failure.”
The Italian tactician delivered a stark warning regarding the mentality required to represent the Turin giants. “Every player experiences doubts when they step onto the pitch,” Spalletti explained. “However, when you allow those doubts to consume you, you become paralysed by indecision. You must release them and make bold choices. If you possess too many doubts, you lack sufficient character, and you cannot play for Juventus. That is what separates the elite from the rest.”
Spalletti emphasised that mental fortitude cannot be coached in the same manner as tactical awareness. “You cannot teach personality. Tactics and technique can be improved through training, yet character is something one cannot easily acquire. We have experienced too many ups and downs this season,” he admitted.
With Damien Comolli set to oversee recruitment, Spalletti confirmed that the club must target players with stronger mental attributes during the summer transfer window. “These are discussions we are having with Comolli and the board. We require footballers who elevate the level of personality within the squad. This explains why we have produced magnificent performances in some matches yet collapsed completely in others,” he argued.
The former Napoli boss also defended his decision to rest players during the build-up, citing the intense pressure surrounding the club. “It was correct to give the players a day off because, amidst all this tension, they must feel free. There are so many emotions, fixtures, and pressures involved. To protect them from harm, I see no better solution than rest, and it proved to be the right choice.”
Finally, Spalletti addressed the controversial decision by Torino officials to ban Juventus colours from their stadium, calling the move “absurd.” He sent well wishes to the injured supporter before launching a scathing attack on the host club’s pre-match statement. “We await updates from the hospital, hoping this fan makes a swift recovery,” he said.
“However, when you issue ridiculous statements forbidding black and white colours in the stands, the problem lies with those who suggest certain colours should be excluded. In the end, we only hurt ourselves. We are making great efforts to improve football. There were thousands of children present tonight, and telling a child he cannot wear a black-and-white scarf is absurd. We must challenge this because it is unacceptable.”