Spalletti: Douglas Luiz Likely to Stay at Juventus, Yildiz Sacrificed for Alajbegovic

Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti has indicated that Douglas Luiz is expected to remain with the club for the upcoming season, citing his impressive pre-season performances. Spalletti also lauded Kenan Yildiz's willingness to "sacrifice himself" for teammate Kerim Alajbegovic during their recent friendly match.

The Bianconeri concluded their international summer tour with a 2-0 win against Serie B side Palermo in Perth. Kenan Yildiz and Arkadiusz Milik scored the goals that secured the victory.

The team lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Francisco Conceicao, Alajbegovic, and Yildiz supporting striker Randal Kolo Muani.

Spalletti commented on Yildiz's contribution, stating, "Seeing as Alajbegovic almost always attacked the right-sided centre-back, Kenan sacrificed himself chasing down the full-back, with humility, like a real professional who gives everything for the team."

Federico Gatti featured in the back four after Pierre Kalulu was substituted during warm-ups. Gatti, who has been linked with a move to Napoli, played a solid game despite initial plans for limited minutes.

"Kalulu is not a worry. Gatti was only meant to play 20-30 minutes, but he did really well and played a good game," Spalletti added.

Douglas Luiz also featured in midfield, and reports suggest his pre-season displays have earned him another opportunity at Juventus.

"We'll evaluate it, but Douglas Luiz will probably stay this season. I made him play regularly so that I could get to know him better," the coach revealed.

"He has undoubted quality, but we need to consider how he covers the pitch. He can play with a more attacking or defensive teammate, is versatile in his construction and through balls.

"He knows how to play football, so I am satisfied."

This marks Spalletti's first summer pre-season with the Juventus squad, having taken over mid-season previously.

Reflecting on the friendly, Spalletti said, "I liked the fact that this match was played at a high tempo, so it was a useful friendly, even if we lost the ball a few too many times due to our haste.

"We’ve got to find our balance, but we did see a team that was more confident. I saw some positives in the defeat to Inter too, but it’s good if there was something we didn’t like, it lets us be more determined and humble," the coach concluded.