Chiellini: ‘Juventus had looked for a striker, not expecting this Spalletti impact’

Juventus director Giorgio Chiellini wasn’t expecting Luciano Spalletti to have such an immediate impact, but explains the lack of a new striker ahead of the Coppa Italia quarter-final with Atalanta.

It kicks off at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo at 20.00 GMT (21.00 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the Liveblog.

The winner will be decided after 90 minutes, or heading directly to a penalty shoot-out, as there is no extra time at this stage of the tournament.

Whoever wins will go through to face either Bologna or Lazio in the semi-final.

“Naturally both teams care a lot about this tie, it is a quarter-final,” Chiellini told Sport Mediaset.

“We are aware of the difficulties and the intensity that is required to keep up with Atalanta, but we’ll try to give our all to win.”

Kenan Yildiz is not fully fit with an adductor issue, while Dusan Vlahovic and Arek Milik are long-term absentees, so Andrea Cambiaso is moved into a more advanced role on the left.

Deadline day signings Emil Holm and Jeremie Boga are on the bench for the first time, but the long-awaited striker never materialised after failed attempts for Randal Kolo Muani, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Youssef En-Nesyri.

“I think we cast our eye over the transfer market and sought out many different situations that could’ve helped us during Dusan Vlahovic’s absence,” noted Chiellini.

“He is coming back soon, but not this month, and then we’ve got to see how long he’ll take to regain full fitness after a long injury.

“We’re pleased with how the team is growing, as some players are gaining confidence. We’re also pleased Federico Gatti is back and expect others to step up too, giving the team a hand during a difficult but exciting month.

“We need everyone, they all have to step up a gear, including those who so far have performed well.”

Luciano Spalletti was brought in to replace sacked Igor Tudor and has transformed the Juventus performances.

“We hoped he would have an immediate impact, of course, but usually coaches take longer for that to show. What was important I feel is during the Christmas period he had more time to work in training and that helped the change of gear,” concluded Chiellini.