Luciano Spalletti challenged Juventus to relish pressure and difficult moments after their late 2-2 Serie A draw with Lazio.
Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti called on his team to embrace pressure and view difficult moments as a test to be enjoyed, following the Bianconeri’s dramatic 2-2 draw with Lazio.
Speaking after the match, the coach stressed that top-level football demands the ability to remain composed and confident, even when plans unravel.
Juventus entered the contest still smarting from a heavy 3-0 Coppa Italia quarter-final defeat to Atalanta, a match in which they dominated possession and chances but paid the price for costly lapses. That sense of frustration resurfaced as Lazio went 2-0 ahead through Pedro and Gustav Isaksen, despite Juve largely controlling proceedings.
FT | ⌛️ | Kalulu’s late goal secures a point for the Bianconeri! @EASPORTSFC @easportsfcit #JuveLazio pic.twitter.com/6f69oZIDpO
— JuventusFC 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@juventusfcen) February 8, 2026
The hosts eventually found a way back into the game thanks to Weston McKennie’s header and a last-gasp equaliser from Pierre Kalulu, salvaging a point. Juventus finished the night with a staggering 33 attempts on goal compared to Lazio’s eight, yet Spalletti acknowledged a recurring issue, noting that his side have made more errors leading to goals conceded than any other Serie A team this season.
Reflecting on that trend, Spalletti admitted his tactical demands may play a role. He explained that he has encouraged his players to play out from the back under pressure rather than clearing their lines, a philosophy aimed at improving the team’s overall quality and composure, even if it occasionally leads to mistakes.
The Juventus boss was quick to defend individuals, pointing out that errors are part of the game. He highlighted Manuel Locatelli’s strong season and insisted that one misplaced pass should not overshadow a player’s broader contribution, while also acknowledging the fine margins involved, including unfortunate deflections and split-second defensive decisions.
Spalletti did, however, feel his side became too frantic at times when chasing the game. While praising the intensity and desire shown during the comeback, he stressed the importance of maintaining clarity and structure, arguing that accelerating the tempo should not come at the cost of composure or decision-making.
