Spalletti: Juventus Sheds Pressure Ahead of Monaco Clash
Luciano Spalletti anticipates how his Juventus squad will perform without pressure as they prepare to face AS Monaco in the UEFA Champions League. The match is scheduled for Wednesday, with Juventus currently holding 12 points from their seven league matches.
Juventus’ Current Form Ahead of the Monaco Match
Having qualified for the playoff stage, Juventus still aims to secure a spot among the top eight in their group. The team has won their last three Champions League matches against Bodo/Glimt, Pafos, and Benfica. The last time Juventus had four consecutive victories in a single Champions League edition was during the 2021-22 season.
This recent success follows a frustrating five-match winless streak in the competition, comprising three draws and two losses. Juventus now travels to Stade Louis-II with renewed confidence, particularly after a convincing 3-0 victory over reigning Serie A champions Napoli.
Spalletti’s Insights Ahead of the Game
Spalletti believes his players will approach the Monaco match without the burden of pressure. In a press conference, he expressed, “There is no better way to confirm our current form.” He emphasized the absence of tension regarding the need for a must-win result and looks forward to showcasing their capabilities freely.
- The matchup between Juventus and Monaco should be open and competitive.
- Monaco sits 21st in their league phase and risks elimination if they lose.
- Juventus has a challenging record against French teams in European competitions, with only two wins in their last 11 away matches.
Historical Context of the Rivalry
This game marks the first encounter between Monaco and Juventus since their semifinal clash in the 2016-17 Champions League, where Juventus won both legs, advancing to the final. The most recent match between these teams in Monaco ended with a 2-0 victory for Juventus in May 2017.
Team Adjustments and Expectations
Spalletti mentioned potential lineup changes, highlighting the necessity for adjustments after playing two matches in quick succession. “Koopmeiners will play in midfield, and we will assess the fitness of Bremer and Gatti. Openda is set to start in attack.”
He is keen to evaluate how his team performs without the anxiety of needing to achieve a specific result. “We are in the best possible position: in the Champions League, without the obligation to claim three points. I will make some changes, but I expect a high level of performance.”
Overall, the match against AS Monaco presents Juventus an opportunity to build on their recent successes while facing a formidable opponent in a crucial phase of the Champions League.
