Spalletti: ‘Juventus need courage, or you can step aside’

Luciano Spalletti had a stark warning for Juventus players ahead of his debut against Cremonese tonight. ‘Courage is fundamental, so either play the right way, or step aside.’

It kicks off at the Stadio Giovanni Zini at 19.45 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game, Udinese-Atalanta and Napoli-Como on the Liveblog.

The former Napoli and Italy coach was only appointed to the role on Thursday, after Igor Tudor was sacked on Monday, and caretaker manager Massimo Brambilla oversaw the 3-1 win over Udinese on Wednesday.

He had his presentation press conference yesterday and one training session, then travelled to Cremona for the match.

“I am convinced that the team counts and not the individual. Consequently, if you create a good rapport with everyone and they all experience it the same way, then one day you wake up and feel like you are working on a superior level,” Spalletti told DAZN Italia.

“We need to stay together for a few months to create that and make this an even more enjoyable adventure.”

He had just one training session with the squad and has made big changes this evening, although some were forced by the absence of Kenan Yildiz, Lloyd Kelly and Gleison Bremer.

“I absolutely needed today to find quality to replace Kenan Yildiz in the middle of the field. We will try to play with the best players that I think I have at my disposal this evening.”

Spalletti had a stern warning for anyone at Juventus, after a series of disappointing performances this season under Tudor.

“Having courage is fundamental, we are not in a situation where nobody is watching us. So either you play it the right way or you have to step aside, courage is needed.”