Luciano Spalletti Criticizes Juventus for Mistakes After 2-2 Draw with Fiorentina

Following a 2-2 draw with Fiorentina at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, Luciano Spalletti expressed his dissatisfaction with Juventus' performance. He pointed out the team's struggle to maintain focus and intensity throughout the entire match. Despite a spirited comeback, the coach acknowledged that the squad is not yet at the level needed to compete for top honors.

Demanding More Consistency from Juventus

Spalletti did not hold back his disappointment after a match marked by ups and downs. He suggested the team lacks the mental strength required for a sustained title challenge. Moments of skill were overshadowed by careless errors that allowed Fiorentina to stay competitive until the final whistle. The manager was particularly critical about tactical lapses during crucial moments.

"I would like to improve some things, but several times it has happened to us that we were not able to be at the top individually and then also as a team," Spalletti told Sky Sport Italia. "In the same match we make mistakes that are too trivial and then we make the bursts that determine the goal for us, then we don't close it, there is a bit to improve in various things. We didn't manage to concretise easy situations for the level of football we must exhibit."

Defensive Errors Under Fire

The coach took aim at Juventus’ shaky defensive setup after conceding an avoidable first goal. His frustration was clear when discussing the set-piece that allowed Mateo Pellegrino to score. Spalletti criticized his players' rigid and naive approach to zonal marking, which left them exposed during the corner kick.

"They put it on the far post because they had seen that we had an open area there, but whoever is on the pitch and makes the zone castle must move it according to where the opponents are," he explained.

Struggling to Sustain Performance

Spalletti’s biggest complaint centers on the team’s inability to keep up their performance beyond brief periods. He noted a recurring pattern where Juventus lose confidence after a promising start, lacking a steady identity that could push them higher in Serie A.

"Every now and then we drown in a glass of water and then we also lose a bit of security and tranquility," he said to DAZN. "We do something well for ten minutes, then we don’t participate, then we don’t find continuity. Sometimes we don’t act, we don’t choose, we have to go and do something; when we remain in doubt it’s a problem, the doubtful almost never manage to bring home something important. I’m not very happy because we don’t express a constant level of football worthy of being able to aspire to something important."

Maintaining Authority Within the Squad

Despite the evident frustration, Spalletti dismissed any claims that he is losing control over the players. During his post-match press conference, he was asked if he feared his instructions were being ignored. He firmly denied this, emphasizing a strong bond between coaching staff and players.

"Was I afraid of losing the team? These are things that are part of the kits to be displayed. No way I lose them. I hug all my boys every day, I talk to them. The Directors are always there watching us, controlling us. I’m looking for the solution to do better and we’re even close because tonight a part of the match we did very well," he stated.

• Next matches:
• Juventus vs Venezia: Serie A, 22 Nov 2026, 13:30
• Monza vs Fiorentina: Serie A, 23 Nov 2026, 21:45