Chiellini: ‘Juventus see Spalletti here for many years’

Giorgio Chiellini is confident that he will see Luciano Spalletti ‘at Juventus for many years,’ and warns tonight’s trip to Cagliari is a ‘classic trap.’

It kicks off at the Unipol Domus stadium at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s three Serie A games on the Liveblog.

There had been doubts around Kenan Yildiz this evening, but he has shaken off flu symptoms to take his place in the starting XI.

Manuel Locatelli is one yellow card away from suspension ahead of the showdown with Napoli next week, but it is Khephren Thuram who is rested instead for the return of Teun Koopmeiners.

“It’s only right, as every game is important, and tonight is one of those classic fixtures that can be a trap,” Chiellini told Sky Sport Italia.

“A win here would be very important for us, to give us a sense of consistency and be able to face next week’s Champions League and Serie A match with Napoli in the right mood.”

The Bianconeri had a dismal start to the campaign, which is why Igor Tudor was sacked to bring in Spalletti, but six wins in the last seven rounds have catapulted them right back into the title race.

“Juventus have grown, and I think the game with Bologna gave them a lot of confidence. There were some difficulties before that, but the Bologna match and also the chance to finally have some full weeks of training helped everyone to improve,” continued the director.

“If you put everything together, there was some good from that setback too, the team came together and became stronger.”

Spalletti only signed a contract that runs to the end of this season, but there are negotiations to pen an extension regardless of whether they qualify for the Champions League.

“We always had in our minds the idea of extending the contract. I always said that I could see Luciano at Juventus for many years. We’ll talk about it at the suitable moment, but we never had doubts,” assured Chiellini.