Spalletti entrusts Kolo Muani and Woltemade with the European push

Juventus and Rennes will meet today in the third matchday of the Europa League group stage. Coach Luciano Spalletti said the game is decisive to get out of the current crisis and to keep the European race alive. For this he has chosen Kolo Muani and Woltemade as starting forwards from the first minute.

Kolo Muani's words

Randal Kolo Muani recounted the week after the knockout against Lazio, describing the match against the yellow‑reds as “complicated” but “nice to be able to play straight away to move forward”. He added: “We must give everything we have to do well tomorrow”. The Frenchman then said that captain Bremer urged the team, highlighting a constructive discussion in the dressing room and the need to demonstrate their abilities on the pitch.

Kolo Muani also highlighted the confidence he feels from Spalletti: “He has always given me a lot of advice. In this world it is important to feel confidence. The coach pushes us to go beyond our limits.”

Spalletti's statements

Spalletti, in yesterday’s press conference, reiterated that he feels the squad’s confidence and that he has perceived the players’ commitment in the internal discussions. He spoke about the seriousness, honesty and willingness of the players to introduce new variables to return to the highest level. The coach also emphasized that the lineup and tactics depend on him, but that the match develops in unpredictable ways.

Spalletti good: Muani and Woltemade must raise Juventus' level

The coach confirmed that Kolo Muani and Woltemade will be on the pitch from the first minute: “Tomorrow (today, editor’s note) Kolo Muani and Woltemade play.”

The expected lineup

According to Spalletti’s indications, Juventus should line up in a 3‑5‑2 formation. In goal, Vicario will be called up, while the defence will feature Gatti, Bremer and Kelly. On the flanks, Celik and Cambiaso will have to provide balance and offensive thrust. In midfield, Koopmeiners, Douglas Luiz and McKennie will be responsible for possession and the tempo of play.

In attack, the starting pair will consist of Woltemade and Kolo Muani, tasked with putting pressure on the red‑and‑black defence. The lineup still needs to be confirmed officially, but Spalletti assured that the remaining doubts will be resolved before the kickoff.