Spalletti Discusses Juventus Expectations, Douglas Luiz and Yildiz

Luciano Spalletti admits there are ‘high expectations’ around Juventus in their visit to Frosinone, explaining what Douglas Luiz and Kenan Yildiz bring to the team.

It kicks off at the Stadio Benito Stirpe at 17.30 UK time (18.30 CEST).

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

The Bianconeri start three new signings, Randal Kolo Muani, Zeki Celik and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, while Douglas Luiz is revitalised after his loan spells with Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa.

Kerim Alajbegovic and Jhon Lucumi are initially on the bench after their transfers, along with returning Nico Gonzalez, whose future remains in doubt.

Spalletti ready for first full Juventus season SASSUOLO, ITALY – JANUARY 06: Luciano Spalletti head coach of Juventus and Giovanni Carnevali Ceo of US Sassuolo during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Juventus FC at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on January 06, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images) “It’s all about the passion you put into it, the desire to throw yourself totally into a situation and live it 24 hours a day. There are high expectations, and when the fans support Juventus, they are even higher,” Spalletti told DAZN Italia.

Douglas Luiz had been a huge flop in his first Juve season, but the coach is trying to transform him after a promising pre-season.

“He is able to bring his personality without ever going out of the team context. He has technique and quality, I’d like him to have a bit more pace, but we’re working on it, we’ll push him,” continued Spalletti.

“We raised the level of competition for every role, so there are no reserves or replacements. Last season Frosinone’s success was built above all on goals from set plays, they have this physical strength, so we need to focus on defending well there and in preventative marking on counter-attacks.

“They will have extra motivation as well being in their season opener on home turf, so we’ll see.”

PERTH, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 11: Kenan Yildiz of Juventus controls the ball during the match between Juventus and Palermo at HBF Park on August 11, 2026 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Janelle St Pierre/Getty Images) Kenan Yildiz starts despite that recurring knee issue, and Juventus have slammed the door shut on any interest from Arsenal, even for over €100m.

“He always brings something unpredictable and truly creative in any situation, but in these games where Frosinone will be aggressive, then physical fitness also helps you complete the performance,” added Spalletti when asked about the Turkish talent’s knee.

ROME, ITALY – MARCH 01: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on March 01, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images) “We must use their aggression and that means running hard, every bit as hard as they do.”