Spalletti says Juventus opponents are underestimated after every win

Luciano Spalletti has criticised the tendency to dismiss Juventus’ opponents whenever his side wins, insisting their 2-1 victory over AZ Alkmaar was achieved against a strong team.

Juventus secured all three points in the Netherlands in the fourth round of the Europa League, with Teun Koopmeiners opening the scoring in the 19th minute before Randal Kolo Muani doubled their lead 18 minutes later.

Mexx Meerdink pulled one goal back for the Dutch side in the 88th minute, but Juventus held on to move on to 10 points and fifth place in the table. AZ Alkmaar remain on six points in 14th.

Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, Spalletti said he was particularly pleased with the result because of the quality of the opposition.

“I am extremely satisfied because we played against a very strong team,” he said.

“I remember everyone laughing in my face after we beat the Dutch side Nijmegen 5-0. People treated them as if they were a naive team, but they now have seven points in the Europa League.”

Spalletti called for a more measured assessment of Juventus’ performances and their opponents.

“I think we need to reassess ourselves, approach things with humility and give the team the credit it deserves without putting pressure on it,” he added.

“When we win a match, people say the opponent was weak or look for excuses. We played against a strong team.”

The Juventus manager also admitted his side came close to losing control of the contest late on.

“There was complete chaos, and if the match had continued for another three or four minutes, I do not think we would have won,” Spalletti said.

“What we should have done was score a third goal. Considering the way we play, we had to score a third.”

Spalletti also highlighted AZ Alkmaar’s record at home in European competition, saying the result reflected Juventus’ performance rather than any weakness from their opponents.

“When you win away against a team that had not lost at home in 17 European matches, winning 14 of them, it shows that you played with strength and efficiency,” he said.

“We showed the courage that was needed.”