Sabatini: Juventus are ‘pure morphine’ for Spalletti. Yildiz ‘could be’ like Kvaratskhelia

Former Roma director Walter Sabatini argues that Luciano Spalletti and Juventus need each other to the point that the Bianconeri will be like ‘pure morphine’ for the ex-Italy coach.

Juventus are set to appoint Spalletti as their new coach, as the Italian tactician has agreed to sign a contract until the end of the season with an option to extend if he qualifies for the Champions League.

Walter Sabatini worked with Spalletti at Roma and is convinced that the Certaldo-born tactician is the right pick for the Bianconeri.

“At Juventus, in the current situation, it’s not enough to just have a coach who does things properly,” Sabatini told Gazzetta.

“The Bianconeri need something more, and Luciano is the ideal genius to lift them back up. Juventus lack leadership on the pitch. When there are no players who can drag the team forward, you need an evolved style of play to neutralise the problems.

“Right now, doing things fairly well isn’t enough. I haven’t spoken with Spalletti, but if this were to be the club’s choice, Luciano would be the right man in the right place at the perfect time. Juventus need Luciano and Luciano needs Juventus.”

Spalletti is also looking for a new challenge after his disappointing spell as Italy coach. Sabatini argued that Juventus will be like “pure morphine” for the ex-CT.

“Luciano is physically suffering from the failure with the national team. He can’t find peace,” Sabatini continued.

“The pain caused by this experience with the Azzurri isn’t something aspirin can cure. He lived every day in Coverciano with a patriotic spirit. To ease that pain, Spalletti needs industrial doses of morphine, and Juventus could represent exactly that for him. An ideal and unmissable opportunity for both the club and Luciano, a perfect marriage.”

Italy were eliminated from the 2024 Euros in the Round of 16 at the hands of Switzerland and lost 3-0 in their opening World Cup qualifying fixture against Norway in June, and that defeat cost Spalletti the job.

Sabatini also believes that many players will develop under Spalletti’s guidance, especially Kenan Yildiz.

“I can picture him being unstoppable. He’s a fabulous talent, young and already decisive at the highest level,” he said.

“Yildiz could be for Juventus what Kvaratskhelia was for Spalletti’s title-winning Napoli. Not so much in terms of playing style, which is different, but in terms of his impact on the team and on matches.

“Spalletti is the embodiment of beauty and expansive football; every player benefits from it,” concluded Sabatini.

“I’m convinced Koopmeiners will rediscover himself under Luciano. If I had to find a flow, maybe Juventus would need more options in midfield.”