The former coach analyzes next Saturday’s Fiorentina-Juve match: “The Viola need a spark to get back on track.” And on algorithms: “People must come first”
“Fiorentina needs a spark; Juve needs goals from its strikers.” This is how Cesare Prandelli frames the match closest to his heart: on one side, his six years as a player in black and white, half of which were spent alongside Michel Platini; on the other, his six seasons (2005–10 and 2020–21) on the Viola bench. “Spalletti’s influence is already evident, but Saturday will be difficult and risky for Juve. In Florence, it’s the match of the year, and there’s no better opportunity than this to turn things around and begin the climb out of last place,” assures the former Italy coach who led the team to the 2012 European Championship runner-up finish.
It’s only November, but Juventus and Fiorentina have already changed coaches: what surprises you the most?
“Fiorentina is in last place in Serie A. Vanoli inherited the team from Pioli, who is a great coach. If Stefano couldn’t do it, there’s definitely a problem. Vanoli isn’t a newcomer; I hope he finds solutions quickly.“
What is Juventus’s problem?
”In recent years, they’ve likely prioritized players over people. And when that happens, you need luck to win.”
Are you intrigued by Comolli’s algorithms, the new Juventus CEO?
“Curiosity is fine, as long as you put the man before any number or formation. Spalletti, who is an experienced and successful coach, is already proving that at Juventus.”
Are you referring to Koopmeiners in defense, Juventus’s “Spalletti-style” move?
“Koop needs space in front of him; he can’t play right wing. Luciano is a tactician with a keen eye—in fact, after a training session, he moved the Dutchman back to use him as an additional playmaker. Spalletti opened up the field for Koopmeiners; he showed courage, but above all, he was smart. I can’t really see Koop in a four-man defense, but we shouldn’t set limits.”
Spalletti replaced Tudor and immediately announced his desire to get back in the Scudetto race: too optimistic?
“He’s coaching Juventus; it’s only right to be ambitious. It was unusual to hear talk of fourth place in the past. Luciano spoke like a true Juve man; Boniperti would have appreciated him as a coach. I, too, am convinced that with Spalletti, the Bianconeri can get back in the Scudetto race.”
Comolli said that the Juventus he fell in love with was the one that supplied Italy with Bearzot in 1982: is an even more Italian-oriented Juventus still possible?
“Yes, but you have to plan at the youth academy level and then bring some Italians back home from abroad. If I were at Juventus, I’d start with Tonali.”
Vlahovic is doubtful for the big match against Fiorentina, while the other big former player, Kean, is recovering: which is more significant?
“Juventus would lose a lot without Dusan, and Spalletti knows it. Kean needs playing time to be devastating: when he gets it, he scores in bunches like last season.”
If Vlahovic doesn’t recover, would it be better to replace him with David (one goal), Openda (zero), or with a “Spalletti-style” move like Yildiz as a false nine à la Totti?
“Yildiz is a great talent, but he doesn’t have Francesco’s goal-scoring instinct. The Turkish player is a playmaker skilled at dribbling: though with a different style, I see him more like Kvara starting from the left in a 4-3-3. Luciano’s teams play around their strikers and score a lot; Juve needs goals from its forwards. If Vlahovic doesn’t recover, David would have a great chance: one not to be wasted. I’ll say it again: Spalletti needs goals from his strikers to shift Juventus into high gear.“
Openda hasn’t scored in seven months: what would you do to get him going again?
”Playing him wider might take the pressure off him to score, but seven months is a long time: the problem is more psychological than technical. Spalletti will have to find the right words and implement targeted training sessions.“
Could Yildiz be Spalletti’s Sinner?
”Yildiz is Yildiz, a great talent. Rather than looking for Sinner-like players in soccer, we should understand how Jannik became Sinner—a perfect blend of balance and determination.”
Gattuso doesn’t have a Sinner. Is he worried about Italy and the risk of missing another World Cup after the loss to Norway?
“We should all be worried. I agree with Gattuso; in the second half, timidity and fear got the better of us against Norway. I remain optimistic about the World Cup.”
Conte’s remote coaching setup—he was in Turin last week, the team in Naples—what did you think of that?
“The coach always helps everyone, but who helps the coach? I’m with Antonio; it’s good to take a break every now and then. Especially if you give it your all like he does.”
Serie A kicks off again with the Milan derby: any predictions?
“I expect a lot of goals.”
Can Roma, currently at the top of the table, dream of the Scudetto with Gasperini?
“Yes, because the team has already adapted to Gasp’s style of play; it will depend on the upcoming matches, on who arrives in the transfer window, and also on Inter.”
