Spalletti praises Lucumi's drive, calls Vicario a top goalkeeper, but favors Alisson and Martinez

Luciano Spalletti welcomes the ‘drive’ of Jhon Lucumi and ‘top goalkeeper’ Guglielmo Vicario, explaining why Juventus initially went for Emiliano Martinez and Alisson Becker.

The coach was speaking to reporters in the mixed zone after the final pre-season test against the Next Gen youth team , which as per tradition was interrupted early by a peaceful pitch invasion, albeit an earlier one than usual.

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) The senior side had won the first half 2-0 thanks to goals from Francisco Conceicao and Weston McKennie.

However, the focus from reporters was all on the new arrivals who weren’t there yet, namely ex-Bologna defender Lucumi, and Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Vicario.

Spalletti welcomes new Juventus signings 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) “Lucumi has this drive, this physicality that we could really do with,” said Spalletti.

“It’s a very South American thing, they call it garra, where the character is imposed on the game.”

Vicario arrived today to complete his medical tests and confirm the one-season loan from Tottenham with option to buy for a reported fee of €8m plus €2m add-ons.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – MARCH 15: Guglielmo Vicario of Tottenham looks on during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on March 15, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) “Vicario is a mature, intelligent, professional player. He’s got pedigree, one of those players who thinks about the sport even when he goes home in his spare time,” continued Spalletti.

“There are others who take their profession more lightly, but Vicario is one of those I like who is committed. He’s had the right growth process. I don’t know why, but in the last year he was probably deprived of something that meant he was unable to perform, but he remains a top goalkeeper.”

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) If that is the case, then why did Juventus go for Alisson Becker of Liverpool and Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez before eventually plumping for Vicario?

“We probably thought that with a more experienced figure like Alisson, Martinez and so have you, that they’d bring something more to the table, but Vicario has won tournaments too, he had experience abroad at an important club, so he’s on the same level.”

Spalletti has also welcomed new signings like Kerim Alajbegovic and Randal Kolo Muani to the team this summer.

“I had faced Kolo Muani in the Champions League when I was at Napoli, and appreciated his characteristics, even tracking him for a while,” revealed the coach.

“He is a complete striker, he attacks the space, works with the team, is quick, has technique, a bit of everything.

“As for Alajbegovic, he has creativity and quality, class in spades, he’s great to watch. We’ll have to see if he can be concrete in his performances, because he’s got a fantastic foot and can play in a few different roles, not just one specific one.”