Luciano Spalletti “lives for fourth place” as Juventus hope to end Serie A season in good form

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Following a frenetic 3-3 draw with Roma on Sunday night, Luciano Spalletti spoke of his Juventus side’s unyielding reaction as well as end-of-season aspirations.

In what will no doubt go down as a modern classic Serie A encounter, Juventus clawed their way back right at the death to overcome a score line that stretched as far as 3-1 in the hosts’ favour at the Stadio Olimpico.

It was a brilliant night for goals in the capital, as Wesley struck the first blow just before the interval with a satisfying effort curling into the top-right corner. Then, right after the break, parity was restored with Chico Conceicao lasering in a rasping strike just underneath Mattia Perin’s crossbar.

The Giallorossi then moved into a different gear. First, Evan Ndicka poked in from a right-sided Lorenzo Pellegrini delivery in the 54th minute, before Kouadio Kone powered Donyell Malen through in behind to dink Perin 11 minutes later.

After this, Spalletti’s substitutes played a key role as the clock ticked past the 75-minute mark. On 78′, Edon Zhegrova sent in a great cross from the right for Jeremie Boga to volley home after an initial half-clearance.

Then, of course, right at the very last, another Zhegrova delivery was flicked on by Weston McKennie. It went past a flailing Ndicka and fell kindly for Federico Gatti to smash in and send the away section into delirium.

“I live for fourth place. Let’s give it some form, and I live for that form.”

Spalletti got straight to the point after his currently sixth-placed team’s dramatic comeback. Especially, following that 7-5 aggregate defeat to Galatasaray in Europe.

“If we’re talking about a reaction, I’m satisfied. If we look at the chances we created in the first half, no. Clearly, carrying the burden of the Champions League, the disappointment of being eliminated from that competition, two goals down, it was a difficult mountain to climb… but we were light on the second and third goals we conceded.”

Did the seasoned coach believe his side would drag their hosts back? “Of course, because that’s what you always have to convey.”

“Also, because we have players who can change the game at any moment: Yildiz can always make a play, like Zhegrova or Boga, who have vision and quality.”

Regarding fixture congestion, the boss continued, “These things weigh more than words, but I have to say that the fans also helped us… when they’re by our side, the pressure is less.”

“We had a moment where too many things hit us, and we were unlucky, despite having shown some important performances. I see the team has improved in every aspect. I’m sure we’ll have a great end to the season.”

GIFN | Max Bradfield