Spalletti Says Juventus Bad Signings Are in the Past as New Directors Take Charge

FolioPitch.com – 01 August 2026 | Luciano Spalletti has made no secret of the fact that Spalletti Juventus made some bad signings in recent years, and the club’s head coach believes the current team is finally paying the price for those mistakes. After watching his side secure a 2-0 friendly victory over OGC Nice on Friday evening, Spalletti opened up about the club’s transfer strategy, the impact of new directors, and why he remains optimistic about the future.

The Bianconeri’s win against the French side was highlighted by goals from Douglas Luiz and young talent Justin Oboavwoduo. Spalletti, speaking to Sky Sport Italia, expressed his satisfaction with the team’s improved coordination and pressing. “I liked a lot today, as last season the team would go on the attack even when it couldn’t feel the support of the defence and midfield, so would press even when the rest of the team wasn’t ready,” he said. “Instead, today they did well, filling that gap, winning back the ball and creating some interesting developments, even if they still lost the ball a bit too easily at times.”

Douglas Luiz, who returned from loan spells at Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa, was singled out for praise by the coach. “He looked sharper and helped cover the defence more after playing the ball. He moved faster, which is crucial. I could’ve left him on a little longer, but the fact nobody had muscular problems today is a good development.”

The transfer window remains open, and Juventus have been relatively quiet until recently, with deals now in place for Randal Kolo Muani from Paris Saint-Germain and Bayer Leverkusen winger Kerim Alajbegovic. Spalletti was asked whether he expected further reinforcements before the pre-season tour, and his response carried a pointed message for the club’s former directors, including Cristiano Giuntoli and Damien Comolli.

“My office is right next to Ottolini and Massara, so I know everything that is happening, I see their effort and their presence on the transfer market,” Spalletti said. “They are well-known directors, with experience and strong contacts. The transfer market is complicated for various reasons, we made some bad signings in recent years, so now we’ve got to fill those gaps. Unlike some other clubs, we also cannot just pay any sum, so we’ve got to make the most of things. I think the directors are perfect.”

Marco Ottolini, appointed director of sport in January, and Frederic Massara, who arrived as technical director on July 7, have been tasked with overhauling the squad. CEO Giovanni Carnevali joined from Sassuolo in June, completing a new leadership trio. Spalletti’s confidence in them is evident, and his comments underscore a clear break from the past.

Juventus fans will be hoping that the new regime can avoid the pitfalls that led to previous failures. The club has struggled in recent seasons, both on the pitch and in the transfer market, and Spalletti is the first to acknowledge that. “Spalletti Juventus made some bad signings in recent years,” he repeated, “but now we have the right people in place to correct the course.”

The addition of Kolo Muani and Alajbegovic is a step in the right direction, but more work remains. The club’s financial constraints mean that smart business is essential, and Spalletti believes that the new directors have the expertise to deliver. “They are well-known directors, with experience and strong contacts,” he emphasized.

As the pre-season continues, Juventus will be looking to build momentum. The friendly win over Nice provided some positive signals, particularly the improved teamwork and Douglas Luiz’s renewed energy. But the real test will come in the Serie A season, where the club hopes to challenge for the title.

In conclusion, Spalletti’s candid admission that Spalletti Juventus made some bad signings in recent years reflects a new era of accountability at the club. With a revamped directorial team, promising new signings, and a coach who is not afraid to speak his mind, Juventus appear ready to learn from their past mistakes. The fans will hope that the lessons are fully absorbed, and that the club can return to the top of Italian and European football. For now, Spalletti and his players are focused on the future, confident that the right structure is finally in place.