Spalletti admits he never fully harnessed Adam Ounas at Naples

In a quiet office at Juventus’ training ground, Luciano Spalletti looks back on his three‑year spell at Naples. The current Juventus manager told Tuttosport that his biggest regret is never having fully showcased Algerian winger Adam Ounas during that period.

Positive influences cited

When asked which players he felt he had helped the most, Spalletti named former Chilean midfielder David Pizarro, Slovak midfielder Stanislav Lobotka, Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah and Manchester City full‑back João Cancelo.

Yet the name that surfaced when he was pressed for a missed opportunity was clear: “Adam Ounas at Naples, without any doubt.” The quote summed up his lingering disappointment.

Ounas arrived in Naples in 2017 after a promising start with Bordeaux, but never cemented a regular place. He was loaned out three times before departing for Lille in 2022.

Now 29, the Algerian winger plies his trade in Qatar. Observers still praise his technical ability, even if his career has fallen short of the early hype.

Spalletti’s admission underlines how even seasoned managers can struggle to unlock talent, a reminder for clubs scouting emerging players.