Former Juventus Star on Penalty Chaos and Spalletti's Future: 'Can't Expect Miracles'

Former Juventus midfielder Alessio Tacchinardi has voiced his opinion on the current Bianconeri squad, highlighting the need for a clear process and hierarchy concerning penalty kicks. He also believes that Luciano Spalletti is the right coach to lead Juventus forward, but only if he receives the necessary reinforcements: "You can't expect miracles from him without new signings."

Tacchinardi's Take on Juventus' Season, Locatelli's Captaincy, and Spalletti's Future

Tacchinardi recently shared his thoughts on various aspects concerning Juventus in an interview.

It has been a season of mixed fortunes for the Old Lady. With eight games remaining, the team currently sits in fifth place, locked in a fierce battle with Como and Roma for a coveted Champions League spot in Serie A.

However, Tacchinardi believes Juventus still faces several clear issues that need addressing: "We lack ambition, positivity. The team never manages to play with confidence, with charisma or personality – that's what's missing today."

Tacchinardi was also asked for his opinion on Manuel Locatelli's captaincy at Juventus.

He stated: "I was excited by his performance against Galatasaray. I liked what I saw from him and thought Juve had finally found a true captain. However, he lacks that crucial bit of cunning to truly drag the team over the finish line. But it's wrong to criticize his penalty kick (against Sassuolo). He scored the decisive one last season to secure their Champions League spot. It's all the other issues that aren't sitting well."

"In my era, Del Piero took penalties, period. Trezeguet, Nedved, Ibrahimović, and all these other star players arrived, but when there was a penalty, no one ever interfered with Del Piero."

"A penalty taker needs composure. Today at Juve, one player grabs the ball, another speaks to him, a third asks for an opinion, and Locatelli is left merely observing. This must be incredibly destabilizing; it's a significant mistake from the Bianconeri."

Tacchinardi was questioned whether he holds head coach Spalletti responsible for the disorganized pre-penalty routine.

"Yes, but I'm not inside the dressing room," he replied. "If Spalletti designates Locatelli as the penalty taker, then the other players must simply back off."

Tacchinardi was also asked if he believes Spalletti is the right person to elevate Juventus to a higher level.

Spalletti's current contract extends until the end of the 2025-26 season, and an extension beyond the summer has not yet been officially confirmed. Nevertheless, recent reports suggest that both parties are nearing an agreement, though initially only until the end of the 2026-27 season, with a potential option to prolong it further.

"I had dinner with him," Tacchinardi recounted. "It was myself, him, Ferrara, and Del Piero. When I left, I remember hoping he would go on to become Juventus's head coach."

"He possesses everything needed to restore the team to a high level, but he requires players with personality, depth, and charisma. You cannot expect him to perform miracles without them."

Tacchinardi was also asked for his thoughts on Juventus's chances of qualifying for next season's Champions League. The Bianconeri are currently fifth with eight matches remaining in the season, trailing fourth-placed Como by three points.

"I have many doubts," Tacchinardi stated. "They cannot afford any more slip-ups; they've already had too many. They desperately need Champions League qualification, especially if they aim to have a significant transfer window."