Spalletti: Douglas Luiz gets Juventus chance; Yildiz sacrificed for Alajbegovic
Quick summary
Luciano Spalletti discussed Douglas Luiz's role at Juventus and explained that Kenan Yildiz was left out of his squad selection to make room for Alajbegovic.
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Attributed to original sourceJuventus coach Luciano Spalletti confirms Douglas Luiz ‘will probably stay’ after impressing in pre-season, while he praised Kenan Yildiz ‘sacrificing himself’ for Kerim Alajbegovic.
The Bianconeri concluded their international summer tour with today’s 2-0 victory over Serie B side Palermo in Perth, sealed by goals from Yildiz and Arkadiusz Milik.
It saw them set out in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Francisco Conceicao, Alajbegovic and Yildiz fanning out behind Randal Kolo Muani.
Juventus finding new shape PERTH, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 11: Kenan Yildiz of Juventus controls the ball against Tommaso Cassandro of Palermo FC during the match between Juventus and Palermo at HBF Park on August 11, 2026 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images) “Seeing as Alajbegovic almost always attacked the right-sided centre-back, Kenan sacrificed himself chasing down the full-back, with humility, like a real professional who gives everything for the team,” Spalletti told Sky Sport Italia.
Pierre Kalulu pulled out in the warm-up and was replaced in the back four by Federico Gatti, who has been heavily linked with a potential move to Napoli.
“Kalulu is not worrying. Gatti was only meant to play 20-30 minutes, but he did really well and played a good game.”
PERTH, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 11: Douglas Luiz of Juventus looks on during the match between Juventus and Palermo at HBF Park on August 11, 2026 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Janelle St Pierre/Getty Images) Spalletti also started Douglas Luiz in midfield and there are reports the former Aston Villa man has done enough to earn another chance at Juventus.
“We’ll evaluate it, but Douglas Luiz will probably stay this season. I made him play regularly so that I could get to know him better,” added the coach.
“He has undoubted quality, but we need to consider how he covers the pitch. He can play with a more attacking or defensive teammate, is versatile in his construction and through balls.
“He knows how to play football, so I am satisfied.”
PERTH, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 11: Kerim Alajbegovic of Juventus shots at goal during the match between Juventus and Palermo at HBF Park on August 11, 2026 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Janelle St Pierre/Getty Images) Spalletti took over the Juventus job mid-season, so this is his first opportunity to work with the squad in the summer.
“I liked the fact that this match was played at a high tempo, so it was a useful friendly, even if we lost the ball a few too many times due to our haste.
“We’ve got to find our balance, but we did see a team that was more confident. I saw some positives in the defeat to Inter too, but it’s good if there was something we didn’t like, it lets us be more determined and humble,” concluded the coach.
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What happened
Italy national team coach Luciano Spalletti addressed the media regarding his latest squad choices, highlighting that Douglas Luiz has earned a significant opportunity at Juventus. He explained the decision to leave out Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz in favor of including Alajbegovic, framing it as a sacrifice Yildiz made for the newer call-up. The comments shed light on Spalletti's selection philosophy and the form of key Juventus players heading into upcoming fixtures.
Chance analysis
Spalletti's remarks signal a shift in Italy's attacking options, with Yildiz's omission potentially indicating a dip in form or tactical mismatch, while Alajbegovic's inclusion suggests Spalletti is rewarding emerging talent. Douglas Luiz being highlighted suggests he is being integrated into a more prominent role at Juventus, which could affect both club and national team dynamics. For prediction systems, Yildiz's reduced standing and Douglas Luiz's rising influence are both relevant to upcoming Italy and Juventus match assessments.
Yildiz's omission is a negative signal for his national team prospects, while Douglas Luiz's highlighted role suggests a positive trajectory at Juventus.
Treat Yildiz as less certain for Italy call-ups and consider Douglas Luiz's growing role at Juventus when modeling both club and national team lineups.