Spalletti sets the record straight on Kolo Muani: “You only liked that one.”

After a winning—if not entirely convincing—season opener on the road against Frosinone, Luciano Spalletti’s Juventus is ready to make its home debut. The Bianconeri will host Parma at Juventus Stadium on the second matchday of the season, aiming to build on the three points earned in their opener and deliver a more convincing performance.

Spalletti provided an update on the team’s condition, announcing several absences: “Yildiz is out, and McKennie won’t be available either due to fatigue. We’ll also have to evaluate Thuram tomorrow.”

Among the players under observation is Lucumí, who could start the match. “Lucumí could start; his integration is going very well. We’re in no rush, but I’m evaluating the situation carefully. We’re happy with what he’s bringing to the team, and we’re discovering many other qualities, especially his personal ones,” explained the Juventus coach.

Spalletti then clarified his thoughts on Kolo Muani, who found himself in the spotlight following some of the coach’s recent comments. “I made a list of all the things I’ve said about Kolo: of all the nice things I’ve told him, that’s the only one you liked…”

The coach then reiterated his confidence in the forward: “We spent a lot on him, and we want to put him in a position where he can repay all the trust we’ve placed in him. We’re talking about a player who’s excellent at getting on the end of passes, and even when he breaks away at speed, he’s smooth on the ball and knows how to link up with the team; he can play as an attacking midfielder or a winger. I just said he needs to be mindful of the fact that he hasn’t played very much.”