11 January 2026
At 20:45 CET on Monday, January 12th, Juventus will face Cremonese in the league. The Bianconeri will host the Lombardy team on Matchday 20 of the 2025/2026 Serie A season, the first of the second half of the season.
Coach Luciano Spalletti spoke ahead of the match against Cremonese in the pre-match press conference.
THE TEAM'S GROWTH
"We've improved in many areas since my first match as Juventus coach—away in Cremona—but there are others where we still need to improve, as they're an integral part of today's football. For example, quickly winning back a lost ball, besides giving you confidence, allows you to pick up where you left off, and this is an area where we still need to work. Overall, however, I can say we're on the right track, but we need to repeat the positive performances in every game, find consistency game after game and within the games themselves. We need to be good, humble, and free from hesitation and fear.
"When you see results, you're happy. This is a group of humble, enthusiastic guys. It's crucial to continue like this, to work in a certain way, and then we'll see where we can get. We have to think one game at a time. There's no point in thinking about where we might be in the standings at the end of the season; for us, the most important match is always the one closest in time.
"Our best defensive phase is when we have the ball, because it clearly allows us to control the game and be less susceptible to the opponents' actions. The team has the desire and will to go and play the game, to maintain possession of the ball with the aim of creating as many chances as possible. We must move towards victory and not the other way around. If we don't make the first move, it's difficult.
"Tomorrow, against Cremonese, we have a great match to play. Davide Nicola is a very capable coach, whom I respect in every way. When I watch his teams play, I feel like I'm facing the teams of a coach who knows his job and Serie A very well. He tries to go out of the ordinary with his teams. He's achieved positive results in practically every situation he's coached, so he's an extra threat for us."
A DIFFICULT CHAMPIONSHIP
"Playing on Monday allows us to watch the other games, and as a result, we realize that even the other teams above us in the standings are struggling in games that, on paper, are within reach. There are always pitfalls because the Italian league is very competitive, and no game is easier than another. Now the Champions League will also be back in play—in addition to the Coppa Italia—and the unknowns will be even greater."
INDIVIDUALS
"David? He played a great game against Sassuolo, and I expect him to continue to improve. I hope the other night's game in Reggio Emilia helped him gain more confidence in his abilities. He has excellent team chemistry, links the game well, and communicates well with his teammates. Tomorrow he'll start again. Miretti is a very useful player for us; he has room for improvement, has a strong drive, and battles in midfield. I'm happy with the midfielders I have in my squad."
