CHIELLINI'S VIEW: JUVENTUS IS ABSOLUTELY STILL IN THE TROPHY RACE
Luciano Spalletti & Giorgio Chiellini believe Juventus can still win trophies this season. The Bianconeri remain in the Serie A, Champions League, and Coppa Italia title races.
Chiellini Stresses Juventus Will Not Give Up Hope
After assuming the managerial role, Luciano Spalletti is confident that Juventus still has prospects for securing a trophy this year. The squad remains engaged in significant competitions and has a solid opportunity for a productive season despite recent inconsistencies. As they continue to compete in the Champions League and Serie A, while preparing for the Coppa Italia, Juventus can still aim for up to three titles. This brings optimism to fans that the season can still unfold positively.
This season, the primary objective for the Bianconeri has been to leverage their league position to ensure a return to the Champions League. However, as one of Italy's most prestigious clubs, expectations naturally extend beyond mere qualification. Fans hope to witness the club vying for trophies and restoring the competitive edge that has characterised much of Juventus's recent history.
Winning Serie A is not entirely out of reach. If Juventus can rediscover its rhythm and consistency, there is still an opportunity to re-enter the championship race. Although their performance in Europe has not been as convincing, encouraging a successful run in the Coppa Italia is still possible, making a Champions League triumph seem more challenging. Nevertheless, for many supporters, reinstating stability and a pattern of winning performances remains the top priority. They desire Juventus to rebuild its reputation as a cohesive, confident team capable of meeting both domestic and European challenges.
Chiellini Backs Juventus in Their Pursuit of Titles.
Giorgio Chiellini has expressed his belief that Juventus can still compete for trophies under Spalletti, despite the uncertainties surrounding their form. He remarked, "Desiring to win is already a significant step; Spalletti has communicated this from the very beginning and continues to do so," as reported by Calciomercato. Upon reviewing the standings, one might ask, "Why not?" With two-thirds of the championship still ahead, everything remains possible. We are all battling, and no one is following a single path to the Scudetto as we may have done previously.
Chiellini's comments reflect the club's sense of optimism. While acknowledging the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead, he understands that the league overall showcases each team overcoming their respective hurdles. Juventus's response to these challenges and its ability to capitalise on the opportunities that arise will ultimately dictate its performance in the coming months.
TRANSFER SHOCK: SERIE A GIANT MAKES XAVI THEIR NEXT MANAGER PRIORITY.
Xavi Hernandez is a candidate to replace Antonio Conte at Napoli. The former Barcelona boss, admired by Napoli's president, eyes a Serie A return after turning down Spartak Moscow.
Serie A Giant Awaits Barcelona Legend's Decision Soon
Since departing from Barcelona at the conclusion of the 2023–2024 season, Xavi Hernandez has not taken on any managerial roles and remains without a job in football. However, his anticipated return to management might be on the horizon.
Following his dismissal in May 2024, Xavi has been linked to various job openings. This week, he appears to be backing Victor Font as the prospective president of Barcelona. While he seems to have an eye on Italy, reports suggest he is more keen on a move to England.
According to Sport, the former Barcelona manager is a candidate to replace Antonio Conte at Napoli, and they also note that Xavi recently declined an offer from Spartak Moscow in Russia. However, he is not the sole candidate, as the defending Serie A champions are also considering former Barcelona midfielder Thiago Motta.
Despite Napoli being just two points away from the top of Serie A, there are speculations that Conte may be dismissed soon due to disagreements with the club's management. Should this happen, Xavi would be in a prime position to receive an offer, although Motta might be seen as a more preferable option due to his previous experience in Italy with Bologna and Juventus.
Xavi does have one advantage. Nonetheless, Xavi would still have a solid opportunity to secure the role since Aurelio de Laurentiis, Napoli's president, holds him in high regard. He praised Xavi's Barcelona side as a "true team" back in 2023, making it logical that he would seek something similar in Naples.
At present, it remains uncertain whether Napoli will decide to part ways with Conte in the coming weeks. If they do, it could allow Xavi to make his return to management with a club that aligns with his objectives.
MILAN GIANTS WORRY OVER DOUBTFUL STARS NOW
Denzel Dumfries (Inter) and Santiago Gimenez (AC Milan) are major doubts for the Derby della Madonnina. Both are struggling with ankle injuries, casting uncertainty over their availability for the crucial Serie A clash.
Inter and AC Milan stars delay return
Denzel Dumfries and Santiago Gimenez's chances of being available for the Derby della Madonnina this Sunday are increasingly uncertain.
The match kicks off at San Siro at 19.45 GMT.
Recent updates from the training camps are not promising, but both clubs are still hoping for last-minute fitness news before finalising their squads.
Key players for AC Milan and Inter have delayed their return.
After coming back early from international duty with the Netherlands, Dumfries has reportedly not participated in full training with Inter again, as reported by Sky Sport Italia.
His ankle injury is taking longer to heal than originally expected.
As long as he continues to experience discomfort and is unable to train regularly, he is unlikely to be risked for this crucial match this weekend.
Matteo Darmian and Henrikh Mkhitaryan have been sidelined for an extended period, and Piotr Zielinski is dealing with a calf issue following his appearances for Poland.
Manuel Akanji is expected to arrive at the Appiano Gentile facility on Thursday, making him one of the last players to return from international duty.
Milan is also concerned about Gimenez, who did not engage in full training with his teammates today.
The striker is still dealing with the ankle issue that kept him from representing Mexico during international matches.
He will likely aim for a return in next week's match against Lazio, potentially from the Milan bench.
Today, Rafael Leao, Christopher Nkunku, Strahinja Pavlovic, and Luka Modric came back from Croatia and only worked in the gym.
On Thursday, they are expecting Davide Bartesaghi, Zachary Athekame, Koni De Winter, and Alexis Saelemaekers at Milanello.
A key update was Adrien Rabiot’s return to full training with his teammates on Tuesday, as he is ready to return following a month-long recovery from a muscular injury.