Spalletti praises Juventus spirit after 1-1 draw with Sporting
Juventus’ wait for a Champions League victory stretched to four matches after a 1-1 draw with Sporting on Tuesday night, but new manager Luciano Spalletti said he was encouraged by his team’s desire and attitude despite the result.
Spalletti, who replaced Igor Tudor last month following an eight-game winless run across all competitions, has been tasked with steadying the Turin side on a short-term contract. After beginning his reign with a Serie A win over Cremonese, he watched his team show signs of progress even though they failed to claim all three points in front of their home supporters.
The visitors took an early lead through Maximiliano Araujo, but Juventus responded well, with Dusan Vlahovic heading in the equaliser in the 34th minute to level the contest. From there, the home side pushed for a winner but were unable to find a breakthrough against a well-organised Sporting defence.
“I’m pleased with the performance of the team,” Spalletti told reporters after the game. “We showed character, and the players demonstrated a real desire to win. If we continue to play with this level of intensity, the victories will come. The reaction we got from the first minute gave me hope, and the way the crowd connected with the team tonight is a positive sign.”
Midfielder Teun Koopmeiners echoed his coach’s optimism, admitting there were still areas to improve but praising the team’s overall display. The Dutch international was used in a deeper midfield role and said he felt more comfortable there than in a more advanced position.
“I feel better playing deeper,” Koopmeiners told Sky Sport Italia. “I’m not really a forward who plays with his back to goal, so this position suits me more. I’ve also told the coach and the club about it.”
The draw leaves Juventus on three points from four matches, with plenty of work to do to stay in contention for the knockout stages. Spalletti’s side will next travel to Norway to face Bodø/Glimt on November 25 in a match that could prove crucial to their European hopes.
