Juventus head coach Luciano Spalletti has declared Inter Milan the main favourites to win the Serie A title ahead of the new season, despite insisting that his own squad has improved significantly.
Speaking in an interview with Sportmediaset, the Italian manager stated that Juventus had taken major steps forward in the transfer market. However, he maintained that Inter Milan held the advantage in the race for the scudetto, the shield awarded to the Italian league champions.
Spalletti explained that Juventus had raised its level noticeably and added greater quality and competitiveness to its squad. He noted that while Inter remained the primary favourite, as many as seven teams would compete fiercely for qualification spots in the Champions League.
Title Race Favourites
The comments follow a challenging campaign for Juventus, which finished sixth in Serie A last season. That finish secured the club a place in the league phase of the UEFA Europa League, Europe's secondary club competition.
Expectations around the Turin-based club are higher for the upcoming season. The club management has been active in the transfer market with the specific aim of reinforcing the playing squad and returning the team to the top of Italian football.
Spalletti expressed particular enthusiasm for young star Kenan Yildiz. When asked during the interview to compare the Turkish forward to other high-profile players in the league, including Lautaro Martinez and Donyell Malen, the manager offered a firm response.
He declared that Juventus possessed the best player in the entire league in Yildiz. The young attacker has become one of the team's key talents as Juventus seeks to rebuild its competitive edge.
Club Tradition and History
Spalletti also addressed the unique pressure and heavy responsibility that comes with managing Juventus. He explained that the extensive history of the club creates elevated demands for everyone working within the organization.
The manager noted that working at the club's training facilities provides constant reminders of past glory. He said that wherever one looks on the walls, there are reminders of Serie A titles, domestic cups, and Ballon d'Or awards.
Juventus, based in Turin, is Italy's most decorated domestic club, having won more Serie A championships than any other team. The Ballon d'Or, awarded annually to the world's top footballer, has previously been won by legendary Juventus players including Michel Platini, Roberto Baggio, and Zinedine Zidane.
Through his statements, the Italian coach set the stage for the new Serie A campaign. He acknowledged the squad improvements at Juventus and expressed full faith in Yildiz, while maintaining that Inter Milan remain the team to beat.
