Spalletti: 'Juventus ambitious, Vicario and Kolo Muani start tomorrow'
Quick summary
Coach Spalletti confirmed goalkeeper Vicario and forward Kolo Muani will start for Juventus in their next match, praising the club's ambitious project.
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Attributed to original sourceLuciano Spalletti confirms Randal Kolo Muani and Guglielmo Vicario will start for Juventus against Frosinone. ‘There are seven or eight teams who can challenge for the top four.’
It kicks off at the Stadio Stirpe on Sunday at 17.30 UK time (18.30 CEST).
The Bianconeri had a bit of a mixed bag in pre-season, after missing out on Champions League qualification, but are still revamping the squad this late into the transfer session.
Spalletti warning for Juventus players MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 26: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) “I want to congratulate Frosinone on returning to Serie A and my friend Massimiliano Alvini for the work he did to achieve promotion,” said Spalletti at the start of his press conference.
“The bell has rung, the season has started, and whoever isn’t ready will feel themselves getting pushed towards the exit. Teams are always evolving, so players must be prepared to go with that flow. I also went to watch a few Serie B coaches at work, to keep myself up to date.”
There have been many new signings, including Kerim Alajbegovic, Jhon Lucumi, Jeff Ekhator and Zeki Celik, joining stalwart Kenan Yildiz.
“The squad right now is cohesive, united, but in future I’d like us to also be solid, robust, determined. In general we’ve had a good transfer market, some areas need a few cosmetic changes, others entire restoration projects,” explained Spalletti.
“We brought in a player like Alajbegovic who provides that sudden shock of energy, he sees the next move and can see it through. We’ve certainly made it more competitive all over the team.”
TURIN, ITALY – APRIL 19: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, reacts prior to the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Allianz Stadium on April 19, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images) Juventus had been challenging for a Champions League spot until a late collapse and finished in sixth, so will participate in the Europa League.
“There are seven or eight teams who can challenge for the top four, and last season we missed out. We’ve got to prove ourselves and become a balanced team. We have improved, but only the results will show us how much we’ve improved.
“Right now you all seem to think we’ll be second or third, but it’s the usual game when you try to guess the line-up, they can’t all be in the starting XI.
“We had a good transfer strategy and are in a position to do more, while Milan made good investments, Inter and Napoli were already strong, Roma signed important players. They are all up there and have the same ambition, we all want to win many games.”
LECCE, ITALY – MAY 09: Head coach of Juventus FC Luciano Spalletti smiles during the Serie A match between US Lecce and Juventus FC at Stadio Via del Mare on May 09, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images) Spalletti did at least give the reporters present some guarantees for tomorrow against Frosinone.
“Vicario and Kolo Muani will start, then after that we’ll try to create a team that has balance, which gives individual players more freedom to express themselves within that framework.
“It is not system against system, but movement against movement, understanding where to create that space.”
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) Michele Di Gregorio is heading to Bournemouth on loan with option to buy for €14m , while Mattia Perin is ready to join Palermo in Serie B.
“We got Vicario because we consider him strong and experienced, good with his feet, and has just started training over the last week with the team. He will play, Perin will remain as long as he can be useful, while Di Gregorio is almost official now, so he’s not even in the squad.”
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What happened
In a pre-match press conference, Juventus coach Spalletti addressed the media regarding the club's ambitions and confirmed that goalkeeper Vicario and striker Kolo Muani will be in the starting XI tomorrow. The comments suggest Juventus are targeting a strong performance as they continue their campaign. Spalletti's endorsement of the club's project indicates a stable managerial outlook despite the pressure of results.
Chance analysis
Spalletti's public backing of Juventus' direction signals continuity and confidence in the club's long-term project, a notable tone from a coach whose position is often scrutinized in Turin. Confirming Vicario in goal and Kolo Muani up front gives a clear indication of how Juventus intend to set up, with the French striker getting another opportunity to lead the line. These are the kind of lineup clues that shape the narrative around a club's identity under their current manager.
Juventus receive a confidence boost with key starters confirmed and the coach publicly aligned with the club's direction ahead of the next match.