Juventus' Spalletti reveals the withdrawal: Kolo Muani was the only one

Allianz Stadium is enveloped in an electric atmosphere as Luciano Spalletti's Juventus makes its Europa League debut against Dutch club NEC. The black‑and‑white team imposes a 5‑0 victory, with goals from Alajbegovic, Woltemade, Celik, the former Roma player and Kolo Muani, the latter arriving after a solitary training camp.

Details of the Europa League victory

In the first half Juventus opened the scoring thanks to Alajbegovic, followed by Woltemade and Celik. The first goal came in under ten minutes, when Nico Gonzalez supplied the striker with a long ball from his own area. Spalletti launched Woltemade from the kickoff, a decision never taken before. Juventus displayed aggressive pressing from the first minute.

In the second half the former Roma player doubled the lead, while Kolo Muani came on in the final twenty minutes. Muani first provided the assist to Celik and then sealed the match with the fifth goal, taking the score to 5‑0. Juventus thus closed the game by scoring a hat‑trick in under forty minutes. NEC was unable to respond.

Polish goalkeeper Kamil Grabara made his debut in this match, replacing Vicario between the posts. His presence gave the black‑and‑white defence confidence from the first minute.

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Kolo Muani's solitary training camp

Spalletti explained that the training camp was optional and that Kolo Muani was the only player present, having eaten alone and slept alone. “For me it’s a wonderful thing, because it shows how much he cares and he suffers greatly from not being able to give his contribution,” the coach said. He added that the Frenchman possesses great ease in making deep runs, but needs to win more duels.

In the post‑match Spalletti praised the team’s clear conviction, stating: “I am extremely satisfied, we took the field with incredible clarity.” Regarding Kolo Muani, he emphasized that “more strength is needed in duels,” but he recognized all the player’s potential. What impression did his solitary training camp leave? Spalletti replied that the dedication is evident.

This is the seventh time Juventus has won the season‑opening match in one of the major European competitions by at least five goals. With five different scorers, the team displayed a collective block and great aggressiveness, as the coach reiterated. The result strengthens confidence after the last league defeat.