Luciano Spalletti listening to Kenan Yildiz’s advice on Juventus star’s best position as new coach mulls over ‘right, wrong and uncertain’ choices ahead of Champions League test

Juventus are set to face reigning Portuguese champions Sporting CP in the Champions League at the Allianz Stadium on Tuesday evening, with the Bianconeri still searching for their first win in Europe this season. “Tomorrow I expect a very difficult match,” Spalletti said while reflecting on the fixture. “With [Rui] Borges, Sporting know how to play football, they know how to stay on the pitch, and they have a clear idea, even if it’s hard to pin down. It’s a bit of a characteristic of Portuguese football, but they’re very good at switching roles and rotating. Plus, they have quality in tight spaces.”

Juventus opted to rest Yildiz against Cremonese as a precaution, with the young forward still managing mild discomfort from patellar tendinopathy that has troubled his knee in recent weeks. However, he has been training with the squad and will be available for the clash. 

On Yildiz’s condition, Spalletti added: “He’s available. Does he remind me of anyone? [Khvicha Kvaratskhelia] is someone who had those characteristics, then someone who got less visibility because he was a phenomenal player who could have played for the best teams in the world was Antonio Di Natale, who produced phenomenal plays. Yildiz is someone who fills everyone’s Instagram with great plays.”