Juventus return to European duty with the noise of Sunday still close behind them, but Luciano Spalletti has chosen conversation rather than confrontation as the response to the defeat by Lazio. Rennes arrive in Turin 72 hours after the Allianz Stadium turned against the Bianconeri, with supporters whistling and leaving after Lazio’s third goal.
A dressing-room response before Rennes
- After the Lazio loss, Spalletti gave his players room to speak in a team meeting. He said the discussion confirmed the group’s honesty, seriousness and willingness to add more to their performances.
- Bremer also addressed the squad in the dressing room. Randal Kolo Muani described the exchange as constructive, acknowledging the tension after a difficult night while insisting the players wanted to show what they can deliver.
- Spalletti said the player involved in recent internal remarks had explained himself to his team-mates and that the matter was already clear to him on Sunday evening. He added that the squad accepted the explanation because of the strong relationships within the group.
- Juventus now face Rennes in Turin, with the coach viewing the match as an immediate chance to move beyond the Lazio setback.
The Juventus coach did not hide from the wider climate around the club. He said he is accustomed to hearing talk of possible replacements after every poor result or unconvincing display, describing it as part of football. His response, he said, is to keep his balance.
Spalletti accepted that Juventus are behind where they expected to be at this stage. “Results shape this job,” he said in substance. “We know we are not meeting expectations.” He stressed that the answer cannot lie in one individual action, but in how the team responds to the changing demands of matches and to opponents’ decisions.
Kolo Muani and Woltemade to start together
The most direct selection message concerned the attack. Kolo Muani and Nick Woltemade will begin together against Rennes, Spalletti confirmed.
The pair have each scored twice in Europe this season, finding the net against NEC and in Vigo. Juventus’ numbers are markedly stronger when they share the pitch: a goal every 23 minutes, compared with one every 55 minutes when they are separated.
Kolo Muani said he is receiving regular guidance from Spalletti and that the coach’s faith matters to the entire squad. He also pointed to the demands of playing every three days, saying the players must be ready for the intensity of the Rennes contest. Asked about playing alongside Woltemade, the French forward left the final decision with his coach.
Rennes bring pace and confidence
Spalletti expects an awkward examination from a Rennes side he described as physically strong and comfortable in open spaces. He highlighted their speed in attack and the form of Lepaul, Rennes’ leading scorer, whom he called an excellent player.
Rennes sit sixth in their domestic league, only one point off the top, and arrive with the confidence that position brings. For Juventus, the task is not simply to erase the memory of Lazio, but to set the tone through their own attitude and restore a sense of control in front of a crowd that will be watching closely after Sunday’s anger.
The match will be shown live on Sky Sport, free-to-air on TV8, and via NOW and Sky Go streaming services.
