Ottolini: ‘Juventus plot new Vlahovic and Spalletti talks’

Ahead of Juventus's Serie A clash against his former club Genoa, Sporting Director Marco Ottolini provided updates on crucial contract negotiations involving striker Dusan Vlahovic and head coach Luciano Spalletti. Ottolini also emphasized a broader philosophy for Italian football, stating, "Italian football needs vision and patience."

The Bianconeri are under significant pressure to secure Champions League qualification, a task made more challenging after their 1-1 draw with Sassuolo before the international break. However, recent Serie A results, including Como's 0-0 draw with Udinese and Roma's 5-2 defeat to Inter, offer Juventus an opportunity to narrow the gap to fourth place with a victory.

Ottolini outlines Juventus vision

"It is a special game for me, I want to salute all of Genoa, as I spent some unforgettable years there," Ottolini told Sky Sport Italia. "The team is doing well, including those who returned from international duty, and we are ready to concentrate on this final sprint."

Vlahovic and Arek Milik recently made their comebacks, but after months on the treatment table, they are currently fit enough only for the bench. The Serbian's contract expires on June 30, and while a departure as a free agent previously seemed likely, a new agreement is now increasingly probable.

"With Dusan, we started talking again after his return from Belgrade, showing the mutual desire to sit down and evaluate the situation. Those talks will continue over the next few weeks. There is nothing more to say than that," explained Ottolini.

Coach Spalletti, who replaced Igor Tudor on a short-term deal without guarantees, is also in discussions for a contract extension, even if he secures Champions League qualification.

"With the coach, as he himself said, there is no rush. We are concentrated on these final games, but talks are at an advanced stage," Ottolini confirmed.

In terms of team selection, Jonathan David is expected to start in attack, supported by Francisco Conceicao, Weston McKennie, and Kenan Yildiz, rather than Jeremie Boga. The performance of Italy's internationals in the squad will also be observed, especially after their recent World Cup play-off failure against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The wider discussion about developing young players in Italy often includes a stronger focus on second teams. Ottolini highlighted Juventus's pioneering role in this area.

"We were the first club in Italy to set up the Next Gen team and are very pleased with how that is progressing, but naturally that also requires investment and infrastructure," he explained. "It also needs patience, but if you have a medium to long-term vision, it does bring results, and we will continue to put our faith in this project."

Regarding Italian football as a whole, Ottolini concluded, "Many expressed their opinions, but I feel we need to sit down, set individual interests aside, and focus on the system in total."