Luciano Spalletti admits there are ‘high expectations’ around Juventus in their visit to Frosinone, explaining what Douglas Luiz and Kenan Yildiz bring to the team.
It kicks off at the Stadio Benito Stirpe at 17.30 UK time (18.30 CEST).
The Bianconeri start three new signings, Randal Kolo Muani, Zeki Celik and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, while Douglas Luiz is revitalised after his loan spells with Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa.
Kerim Alajbegovic and Jhon Lucumi are initially on the bench after their transfers, along with returning Nico Gonzalez, whose future remains in doubt.
Spalletti ready for first full Juventus season
“It’s all about the passion you put into it, the desire to throw yourself totally into a situation and live it 24 hours a day. There are high expectations, and when the fans support Juventus, they are even higher,” Spalletti told DAZN Italia.
Douglas Luiz had been a huge flop in his first Juve season, but the coach is trying to transform him after a promising pre-season.
“He is able to bring his personality without ever going out of the team context. He has technique and quality, I’d like him to have a bit more pace, but we’re working on it, we’ll push him,” continued Spalletti.
“We raised the level of competition for every role, so there are no reserves or replacements. Last season Frosinone’s success was built above all on goals from set plays, they have this physical strength, so we need to focus on defending well there and in preventative marking on counter-attacks.
“They will have extra motivation as well being in their season opener on home turf, so we’ll see.”
Kenan Yildiz starts despite that recurring knee issue, and Juventus have slammed the door shut on any interest from Arsenal, even for over €100m.
“He always brings something unpredictable and truly creative in any situation, but in these games where Frosinone will be aggressive, then physical fitness also helps you complete the performance,” added Spalletti when asked about the Turkish talent’s knee.
“We must use their aggression and that means running hard, every bit as hard as they do.”
