Spalletti’s Juventus Chance for Douglas Luiz: Yildiz Sacrifices Himself for Alajbegovic

FolioPitch.com – 12 August 2026 | Luciano Spalletti, the manager of Juventus, has given a glowing review of Douglas Luiz‘s performance in the team’s pre-season friendly against Palermo. The Bianconeri won the match 2-0, with goals from Kenan Yildiz and Arkadiusz Milik. Spalletti confirmed that Luiz ‘will probably stay’ at the club after impressing in the pre-season games.

Spalletti praised Yildiz for ‘sacrificing himself’ for Kerim Alajbegovic, highlighting the Turkish midfielder’s humility and dedication to the team. ‘He chased down the full-back with humility, like a real professional who gives everything for the team,’ Spalletti said.

Luiz started in midfield, and there are reports that he has done enough to earn another chance at Juventus. Spalletti stated that Luiz ‘has undoubted quality, but we need to consider how he covers the pitch.’ The manager added that Luiz is versatile in his construction and through balls, and that he knows how to play football.

Spalletti took over the Juventus job mid-season, so this is his first opportunity to work with the squad in the summer. He praised the team’s performance in the match, saying that they played at a high tempo and showed a more confident team. However, he also noted that they lost the ball a few too many times due to their haste.

Spalletti concluded that the team needs to find their balance, but that they saw a team that was more confident. He also praised Federico Gatti, who replaced Pierre Kalulu in the back four and played a good game.

In conclusion, Spalletti’s Juventus chance for Douglas Luiz seems to be looking up after his impressive performance in the pre-season games. Yildiz’s sacrifice for Alajbegovic has also been praised by the manager, highlighting the team’s dedication and humility.