Jesse Marsch is the coach of the Juventus striker’s national team, who broke his 135-day goal drought against Sassuolo: “He’s happy in Italy and wants to stay.”

“I know Jonathan well and I wasn’t worried after he missed the penalty against Lecce and all the controversy that followed: it happens to everyone. I saw him play live in Pisa and we talk often: I was sure that the goal would come soon. I wasn’t even surprised by the beautiful embrace from his teammates and Spalletti after his goal the other night.”

Why?

“Because Juventus is a great team and these are the attitudes of a big club. David is happy at Juventus and even in the toughest moments he always told me he wanted to stay in Turin.”

What do you expect from David after his goal against Sassuolo?

“Now Jonathan won’t stop and will score a lot. He just needed time to adapt. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. I’m David’s coach in Canada, but I also coached Haaland at Salzburg and had Milan’s Nkunku and other great strikers at Leipzig. After Erling, who is a monster, David is the best striker I’ve worked with. He has always scored and will continue to do so even in a tournament with less space like Serie A. Nkunku is less of a goalscorer, but he has a lot of quality and I’m happy that Milan are putting their faith in him.”

Since Vlahovic’s injury, Spalletti has been alternating between David and Openda: how do you see the relay in attack?

“Spalletti is a top coach, and the next time I come to Italy, I hope to go to Continassa to watch a Bianconeri training session. Competition is a stimulus and is normal in big teams. Spalletti is bringing out the best in David and the whole Juventus team.”

If Gattuso’s Italy gets through the playoffs, they’ll be in the same group as your Canada at the World Cup…

“I have a house in Tuscany and a soft spot for your soccer. My favorite player was Albertini. I hope to see you again in the United States, and I really hope to see Gnonto, whom I coached at Leeds.”