Juventus will face Lecce in Serie A Matchday 18 at the Allianz Stadium, kicking off at 18:00 CET on Saturday, January 3. Ahead of the match, coach Luciano Spalletti shared his thoughts during a press conference, emphasizing the team’s readiness and determination despite the holiday break.
Spalletti stated, “The team has worked well. I saw everyone arrive at the training ground determined to train well. I expect continuity, perhaps adding something on the pitch that can give us even more strength.” Highlighting the intense fixtures coming up, he noted the importance of squad rotation to keep performance levels high. “We will certainly need to change some players between matches, so we need everyone. I am calm, however, because those who have been called upon during matches have often changed the game,” he explained.
In terms of player availability, Spalletti confirmed that Francisco Conceicao has recovered, while Daniele Rugani and Federico Gatti will miss out. Arkadiusz Milik is under assessment due to a minor issue, but Juan Cabal is set to return to the squad. Spalletti also spoke highly of young talent Destiny Elimoghale, indicating his future potential and the need for careful development.
Turning the focus to Lecce, Spalletti acknowledged the challenge they present. “It won’t be an easy match. I know Lecce well, having worked with Eusebio Di Francesco. He’s always played attacking football, and it will be an open match because they press high up the pitch.”
As the new year approaches, Spalletti expressed hope for a turnaround in fortunes for the team, stating, “We urgently need to give our fans something to cheer about. I hope that 2026 will be the year we achieve that.” He praised the players for their constant pursuit of new challenges and acknowledged that there is room for growth within the squad.
This match against Lecce will be crucial for Juventus, as they look to build momentum and capitalize on their potential in the second half of the season. The team’s collective spirit and determination to improve will be vital as they head into this critical phase.