Juventus concluded their international summer tour with a 2-0 victory over Serie B side Palermo in Perth, with manager Luciano Spalletti suggesting midfielder Douglas Luiz will remain at the club for the upcoming campaign.
Second-half strikes from Kenan Yildiz and Arkadiusz Milik secured the win for the Bianconeri, who fielded a 4-2-3-1 formation featuring Francisco Conceicao, Kerim Alajbegovic and Yildiz supporting Randal Kolo Muani in attack. The result capped a series of pre-season fixtures designed to integrate Spalletti’s methods ahead of the Serie A season.
Luiz earns Spalletti’s backing
Spalletti, who took charge midway through last term, used the fixture to assess Brazilian midfielder Luiz, previously linked with a departure after joining from Aston Villa. The coach told Sky Sport Italia that the 26-year-old “will probably stay this season.”
“I made him play regularly so that I could get to know him better,” Spalletti said. “He has undoubted quality, but we need to consider how he covers the pitch. He can play with a more attacking or defensive teammate, is versatile in his construction and through balls. He knows how to play football, so I am satisfied.”
Yildiz praised for defensive discipline
While Yildiz found the net, Spalletti highlighted the Turkey international’s work rate without possession. The manager noted that Yildiz “sacrificed himself” to track Palermo’s full-back, allowing Alajbegovic to focus on attacking the opposing centre-back.
“With humility, like a real professional who gives everything for the team,” Spalletti added regarding Yildiz’s contribution.
Squad rotation and injury update
The friendly also brought a late defensive change as Pierre Kalulu withdrew during the warm-up and was replaced in the starting line-up by Federico Gatti, who has attracted interest from Napoli. Spalletti downplayed the severity of Kalulu’s issue, stating: “Kalulu is not worrying. Gatti was only meant to play 20-30 minutes, but he did really well and played a good game.”
Spalletti acknowledged his side’s eagerness occasionally led to errors, noting they “lost the ball a few too many times due to our haste,” but praised the high tempo and growing confidence within a squad he is working with for the first full pre-season since his appointment. The coach admitted he saw positives even in their earlier defeat to Inter, adding that identifying areas for improvement “lets us be more determined and humble.”