Luciano Spalletti has delivered a frank assessment of Juventus‘s prospects, stating the Turin giants are not yet equipped to challenge for the Scudetto following their failure to qualify for the Champions League last season. The head coach, who took over mid-season from Igor Tudor, acknowledged that significant squad rebuilding is required before the new campaign begins.
Speaking ahead of the club’s pre-season friendly against FC Basel on Saturday, Spalletti admitted that the team are “quite distant” from genuine title contention. The Italian noted that the squad recognises last term’s failures but also understands its capabilities. “We are on the right track, but we’ve got to pick up the pace, because Juventus cannot be left behind,” he said.
New arrivals offer hope
Juventus have moved to strengthen their options with the free-agent acquisition of Zeki Celik from Roma, a transfer Spalletti believes demonstrates the club’s resilience. “Celik is a player with a warrior’s attitude, certainly reliable,” the coach noted. The signing, he added, proved the club can still “surprise at times.”
The Bianconeri have also secured Genoa striker Jeff Ekhator, though Spalletti cautioned that the young forward remains a “rough diamond” who requires time to develop. The coach revealed the player is highly motivated, noting that he stayed behind after training sessions had concluded.
Reinforcements still required
Despite these additions, Spalletti made clear that the squad remains incomplete. The club has identified a goalkeeper and a centre-forward as priority targets to replace free agent Dusan Vlahovic. Spalletti stated that the squad requires reinforcement and, in some areas, completion.
The coach also addressed the situation regarding Khephren Thuram, confirming the midfielder is recovering from physical issues that affected him last term. Spalletti described the situation as a “process” but confirmed the player is making progress.
Juventus will use Saturday’s fixture in Switzerland to assess their preparations, though Spalletti conceded that the World Cup timing may complicate efforts to integrate new players quickly. The coach stressed that while the club aims to “challenge for the top of the table” and secure Champions League qualification, they currently lack the depth for a serious Scudetto push.