Spalletti ‘surprised’ that staff member didn’t follow him at Juventus

Luciano Spalletti admits he was ‘surprised’ that one of his staff members, Daniele Baldini, decided not to follow him at Juventus.

New Juventus coach Spalletti was unveiled at a press conference on Friday.

The Italian tactician confirmed he had brought four staff members to the Allianz Stadium, but revealed one of his closest collaborators, Daniele Baldini, decided against joining him in Turin.”

“I’ve brought four staff members, three are technical, and a fitness coach,” Spalletti said.

“We all know each other in the world of football; we just need to take confidence. They are Domenichini, Martusciello, Russo and Sinatti. I wanted to say a couple of words about Daniele Baldini, who decided to end his story as a collaborator. It was his decision, and I was a bit surprised when he told me. I want to thank him for all he made available to me and everything he taught me. He has all the qualities, I’m sorry, but I have to accept his desire.”

Baldini, 61, was one of Spalletti’s closest collaborators, having worked with the Tuscan tactician for his entire career, from being the Empoli vice-coach in 2001 to technical collaborator at Inter, Roma, Napoli and the Italy national team.

A former Italian defender, Baldini made 52 Serie A appearances with Empoli during his playing career.