Spalletti questions disallowed Juventus goal in draw with Stade Rennais

Luciano Spalletti criticised the referee after Juventus were held to a 2-2 draw by Stade Rennais in the third round of the Europa League.

The Juventus manager said he could not understand why John Lucumi’s third goal for the Italian side was ruled out, and planned to review the decision in greater detail.

“I did not understand the decision to disallow John Lucumi’s third goal,” Spalletti told reporters. “I will look into it. When I watched the replay in the dressing room, Lucumi did not obstruct the Stade Rennais player.”

He added: “I thought I knew this rule very well, but after what happened I have started to question it a lot. The referee was less convincing in that particular incident, although overall he had an excellent match.”

The result moved Juventus on to seven points in fourth place, while Stade Rennais have five points and sit 13th in the table.

Spalletti also praised the partnership between Randal Kolo Muani and Nick Woltemade, but said he expected the pair to produce more.

“Kolo Muani and Woltemade worked well together,” he said. “I expect more from them because their ability is greater than the level they showed. When they play together, it feels as though we have the presence of three players.”

Woltemade continued his impressive start to European football with Juventus by becoming the third player to score in each of his first three appearances for the club in European competitions. He followed Darko Kovacevic, who achieved the feat in 1999, and Roberto Baggio, who did so in 1990.

The draw came after Juventus suffered a 3-0 home defeat by Lazio in their previous match, during the seventh round of Serie A. It means they have now gone two successive matches at Allianz without a victory.

The atmosphere around the club remains tense. Juventus supporters targeted the players and Spalletti with abuse during the match and responded with whistles.

Following the defeat by Lazio, some fans went as far as burning a Juventus scarf.

Spalletti said he was satisfied with the players’ response after that loss, but called for a stronger mentality in future matches.

“I am pleased with the players’ reaction after the defeat by Lazio because I saw spirit and effort on the pitch,” he said. “But I want more courage and the character of a team that wants to impose its control on the game.”