Spalletti compares Juventus 2-0 Udinese to lions against mice: ‘The real lion gives his all’

TURIN, ITALY – DECEMBER 02: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, appears on previous to the Serie C match between Ternana Calcio and Juventus Subsequent Gen at Allianz Stadium on December 02, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photograph by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Photographs)

Juventus head coach Luciano Spalletti has described his Juventus outfit as ‘lions’ and says that ‘an actual lion provides all its energy, even towards a mouse’ following Tuesday night’s 2-0 victory over Udinese within the Coppa Italia spherical of 16.

An personal aim from 17-year-old Matteo Palma and a second-half penalty despatched the Bianconeri via to the Coppa Italia quarter-finals, however there have been an extra three objectives chalked off for offside on the night time: Kingsley Ehizibue, Jonathan David and Lois Openda left feeling hard-done-by.

You possibly can see how the motion unfolded on the Soccer Italia Liveblog.

Spalletti on Juventus 2-0 Udinese and distinction between David and Openda

Talking after the full-time whistle, Spalletti defined that he was largely happy with what he noticed from his Juventus squad on the night time, however insists that his crew are nonetheless removed from the completed product.

“We performed an honest recreation, we did all the things nicely. We had been nicely balanced, we capitalised, and created large probabilities,” Spalletti advised Italia 1 after full-time.

“We might have managed sure conditions higher, and given the extent we have now, we have to take benefit in these. It’s a must to be fierce and imply. An actual lion provides all of its energy, even towards a mouse.”

Spalletti was additionally requested for his verdict on the performances of strikers Jonathan David and Lois Openda, the latter coming off the bench within the second half solely to have a aim chalked off in damage time. The previous was additionally unfortunate to not have two for himself on the night time.

“They’re two central strikers. In the event you discuss to them, they’ll inform you that’s the place they function finest on the pitch,” Spalletti defined.

“David is technically excellent, and hyperlinks up nicely with the crew. He strikes very nicely within the field when the crew performs towards a low block and is aware of the best way to handle tough conditions.

“Openda is healthier at attacking from deep, he wants area however they compensate for one another and can even play collectively. We’re happy that they’re doing nicely.”

Up subsequent for Juventus is a visit to Spalletti’s previous membership, Napoli, the place he gained the Scudetto earlier than leaving the membership by mutual consent nearly instantly after the ultimate recreation of the 2022-23 season.

“It is going to be a melting pot of feelings as a result of I’ve so many mates there. How I’m welcomed isn’t vital, however what’s is my feeling in direction of them, which is among the utmost love,” the Juventus coach mentioned.

Giving his ultimate evaluation on Tuesday’s win over Udinese, Spalletti added: “Now we have some nice gamers right here. I’ve seen numerous willingness from everybody since I first acquired right here. I’m seeing progress daily, and that’s what brings me hope for taking part in a sure sort of soccer, even towards the highest-quality groups. We’re nonetheless lacking a number of issues, however we’re heading in the right direction.”

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