Emanuele Giaccherini, a former winger for Juventus, has stated that the Bianconeri require more leadership within the squad. He also expressed his disagreement with recent comments made by Luciano Spalletti and believes Antonio Conte would be an “ideal” candidate for the vacant Italy national team coaching position.
Juventus is currently in jeopardy of missing out on a Champions League qualification spot, especially after their recent 2-0 defeat against Fiorentina.
‘Juventus Needs Leaders’
With only one game remaining in the season, Juventus trails the top four by two points. Giaccherini commented on the team’s performance, noting, “Spalletti was good at conveying a playing style, but they lacked the ability to win games, even when their quality of play was lacking. You also need personality.”
Spalletti’s frustration with Juventus’ loss to Fiorentina, a result that has significantly impacted their top-four aspirations, was evident. However, the Italian tactician also suggested that Juventus could have potentially fallen out of Europa League contention.
“Discordant words, I don’t agree with them,” Giaccherini stated. “The ambition at Juventus must always be to look up; it’s not possible to settle. Somebody like Chiellini is enough; he knows what to tell the team. Spalletti can’t be questioned, but Juventus need leaders.”
Giaccherini, who played under both Antonio Conte at Juventus and the Italian national team, was asked about his opinion on the potential new Azzurri coach. The appointment is expected to be made after the FIGC Presidential election on June 22, 2026.
“It’s necessary to change our mentality and invest in our lads with more confidence and patience, rather than signing foreign players to satisfy speculation between agents and directors,” said the former Azzurri winger. “I don’t know what Conte will do, but he’d be ideal.”
Reports in Italy suggest that Conte will depart from Napoli after two seasons. Conte previously managed the Azzurri from 2014 to 2016 and has indicated his openness to returning to the national team bench.
