Luciano Spalletti has criticized fans of rival clubs for attempting to “create chaos” at Juventus regarding the controversial penalty awarded to Jonathan David, while he emphasized that rumors about Federico Chiesa’s transfer have no “concrete” basis.
The match will kick off at Mapei Stadium in Reggio Emilia at 19:45 GMT (20:45 CET).
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Stay updated with all the buildup and action from this match and Lecce vs. Roma on our Liveblog.
NAPLES, ITALY – DECEMBER 07: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, reacts during a Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Juventus FC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on December 07, 2025. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
The Bianconeri played to a surprising 1-1 draw against Lecce last weekend, where Jonathan David faced heavy criticism for his lackluster Panenka penalty attempt.
Despite the backlash, David retains his place in the starting lineup, although Francisco Conceicao and Lloyd Kelly are unavailable for the match due to muscular issues.
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Spalletti Responds to Criticism of Juventus
PISA, ITALY – DECEMBER 27: Head Coach Luciano Spalletti of Juventus FC reacts during a Serie A match between Pisa SC and Juventus FC at Arena Garibaldi on December 27, 2025. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
With the game scheduled, has Spalletti decided who will take penalties for Juve if the opportunity arises?
“I always determine who takes the penalties. Don’t believe those who claim that Spalletti doesn’t make those decisions; they’re just trying to create chaos because they support other teams,” the coach mentioned in an interview with DAZN Italia.
“We always record the designated penalty takers in the locker room. This weekend, it was noted that Locatelli and Yildiz would be taking them. However, players have their own preferences and can choose among themselves; you can’t just step onto the field and take the ball from them.
“In this case, the penalty was given to him because he has successfully converted 21 out of 26-27 penalties in his career. It’s not as if they handed it to someone from the kit staff. He is a striker qualified to take penalties. If I didn’t trust him with penalties, I wouldn’t even consider including him in the squad.”
TURIN, ITALY – JANUARY 03: Jonathan David of Juventus misses a penalty attempt during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and US Lecce on January 03, 2026. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
“So, he missed a penalty. Now we must focus on winning this game at all costs. Everything is under control. We have a clear hierarchy for penalties, so don’t listen to those who have never played on a football pitch and don’t understand that situation. They make comments just because they support teams like Milan or Roma and want to stir up trouble,” he added.
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“We will be the ones to create confusion if we want to, not because others dictate it.”
PISA, ITALY – DECEMBER 27: Head Coach Luciano Spalletti of Juventus FC observes the match during a Serie A game between Pisa SC and Juventus FC at Arena Garibaldi on December 27, 2025. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
As the January transfer window opens, speculation about the market arises.
What does Spalletti think about the possibility of Juventus trying to reacquire Chiesa from Liverpool?
“I appreciate you bringing this news to my attention, especially since we haven’t even held a meeting regarding the transfer market yet. This is the first I’ve heard of it. For now, it’s merely speculation with absolutely nothing substantial behind it,” the coach responded.