EMPOLI, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 14: Manuel Locatelli of Juventus reacts during the Serie A match between Empoli and Juventus at Stadio Carlo Castellani on September 14, 2024 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Manuel Locatelli insists ‘everything is fine’ with Luciano Spalletti, as they share the same objectives at Juventus ahead of tonight’s must-win game with Sporting CP.
It kicks off at the Allianz Juventus Stadium in Turin at 20.00 GMT.
Igor Tudor was fired only eight days ago, with caretaker manager Massimo Brambilla ending their seven-game winless streak in a 3-1 victory over Udinese.
Spalletti was appointed on October 30, making his debut on Saturday in a 2-1 Serie A success away to Cremonese.
Locatelli recognises importance of tonight’s match
“This is an important match, we are in good shape, and when there are wins, it helps create that enthusiasm, so we must continue winning tonight,” Locatelli told Sky Sport Italia.
Juventus have struggled a great deal in the Champions League so far this season, scraping a 4-4 draw with Borussia Dortmund, 2-2 against Villarreal, and losing 1-0 away to Real Madrid.
“We know how much this game means, especially as we are on home turf. We’ve got to do everything possible to take the three points.”
Locatelli had a tense rapport with Spalletti from their time together with the Italy squad, so have they resolved that now they are working at club level?
“Everything is fine with the coach, I am at his disposal. We both have the same objective, which is to do well for Juve,” assured the midfielder.
