Ottolini: Juventus Plots New Vlahovic and Spalletti Talks Amid Crucial Season Sprint

Juventus sporting director Marco Ottolini provided updates on key contract negotiations involving striker Dusan Vlahovic and head coach Luciano Spalletti, while emphasizing the club’s strategic vision and the necessity of patience within Italian football. Ottolini made these remarks ahead of Juventus’s Serie A fixture against his former club, Genoa, at the Allianz Stadium.

The Bianconeri are facing intense pressure to secure qualification for the Champions League. Their task became more challenging following a 1-1 draw with Sassuolo before the international break. However, a win in their current match would position them within one point of fourth place, especially after Como’s 0-0 draw with Udinese and Roma’s 5-2 defeat to Inter earlier in the day.

Ottolini Outlines Juventus Vision and Future Plans

Commenting on the upcoming game, Ottolini shared, “This is a special game for me; I want to extend my regards to everyone at Genoa, as I spent some truly unforgettable years there.” He also expressed satisfaction with the team’s current state, stating, “The team is performing well, including those players who have returned from international duty, and we are fully prepared to concentrate on this final push of the season.”

Regarding the future of Dusan Vlahovic, whose contract is set to expire on June 30, Ottolini confirmed that discussions for an extension have recommenced. While a departure as a free agent previously seemed likely, a new agreement is now increasingly probable. Ottolini explained, “We resumed talks with Dusan after his return from Belgrade, indicating a mutual desire to discuss and evaluate the situation. These negotiations will continue over the coming weeks, and there is nothing further to disclose at this time.”

Similarly, negotiations are advancing for a contract extension for coach Luciano Spalletti. Spalletti initially signed a short-term deal without explicit long-term guarantees, even if he secures Champions League qualification. “With the coach, as he himself has indicated, there is no immediate rush. We are fully focused on these final matches, but the discussions are well underway,” Ottolini stated.

In terms of player selection for the match, Jonathan David was chosen to lead the attack over Jeremie Boga, supported by Francisco Conceicao, Weston McKennie, and Kenan Yildiz. There is also keen interest in how Italy's international players within the squad will respond after the national team's recent failure in the World Cup play-off against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Ottolini also highlighted Juventus’s pioneering initiative with their “Next Gen” team, a second squad designed for youth development. “We were the first club in Italy to establish a Next Gen team, and we are very pleased with its progress,” he affirmed. He stressed that such projects demand considerable investment, infrastructure, and patience, but ultimately deliver significant results. “If one maintains a medium to long-term vision, it consistently yields positive outcomes, and we remain committed to this project.”

Addressing the broader landscape of Italian football, Ottolini advocated for a collaborative approach. He concluded, “Concerning Italian football as a whole, many have voiced their opinions, but I believe we need to convene, put individual interests aside, and focus on the system comprehensively,” underscoring the importance of collective action for the sport’s future development.