Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti has defended his squad’s professionalism and confirmed that forwards Randal Kolo Muani and Nick Woltemade will start together in Thursday’s UEFA Europa League fixture against Rennes at the Allianz Stadium, following a 3-0 home defeat to Lazio.

What did Luciano Spalletti say about his squad after the defeat to Lazio?

Speaking to the media in Turin ahead of the European tie, Spalletti addressed questions regarding his future and whether he still retains the backing of his players. The manager revealed that he held a team meeting where he allowed the players to speak freely without interruption.

“I let them speak, the lads… and something interesting came out,” Spalletti explained, as reported by La Gazzetta dello  Sport. “We can go and push.”

Il Napolista reported that Spalletti remained silent during the gathering to gather maximum feedback on why the team’s performance levels drop unexpectedly during matches. The coach noted that the exchange confirmed the honesty and seriousness of the group, who expressed a willingness to incorporate tactical variables to reach their highest standards.

Addressing speculation about his job security following Sunday’s loss—which prompted jeers from the Allianz Stadium crowd—Spalletti shrugged off the pressure. Il Napolista noted that external reports have linked coaches such as Antonio Conte, Stefano Pioli, and Vincenzo Italiano with the Bianconeri bench. “Every time a game is lost or poor, people talk about a caretaker or someone else in my place,” Spalletti said. “That’s fine, I’m used to it, it’s part of the game. In cases like this, I choose balance.”

How did the players respond inside the dressing room?

Randal Kolo Muani confirmed that the squad held an open and honest debrief following the weekend setback. The French forward acknowledged that defender Gleison Bremer addressed the group directly, leading to a tense but ultimately productive conversation.

“We experienced a complicated match, but we immediately have an opportunity to quickly forget what happened with Lazio,” Kolo Muani said. “Bremer spoke up in the dressing room. There was a bit of tension, but it was a constructive discussion to demonstrate what we are capable of doing.”

Kolo Muani also praised the coaching staff’s approach, adding that Spalletti provides consistent guidance and instills strong belief within the squad.

Why are Randal Kolo Muani and Nick Woltemade starting together against Rennes?

Spalletti confirmed that Kolo Muani and Woltemade will feature in the starting lineup together against the French side. Statistical data highlighted by La Gazzetta dello Sport shows that when the pair play side-by-side in European competition, Juventus score a goal every 23 minutes, compared to a rate of one goal every 55 minutes when they do not.

Both forwards have registered two goals apiece in the tournament thus far, including strikes against NEC and Celta Vigo. Il Messaggero noted that while the Bianconeri have experienced domestic inconsistency—highlighted by a draw against Cagliari and the recent defeat to Lazio—they currently sit at a maximum six points in the Europa League following victories in their opening two fixtures of the league phase.

What are the broadcast details and fixture schedule for Juventus against Rennes?

Sky Sport reported that the League Phase encounter between Juventus and Rennes is scheduled for Thursday, October 22, with a kickoff time of 18:45 local time (CEST) at the Allianz Stadium in Turin. The match will be broadcast exclusively across Sky Sport platforms and streaming services in Italy, with commentary teams and pre-match studio coverage led by broadcasters and sporting analysts.

How do the teams approach the European standings?

Il Messaggero pointed out that Thursday’s fixture offers Juventus an opportunity to cement their standing at the top of the league phase table and take a significant step toward direct qualification for the Europa League round of 16. Rennes arrives in Piedmont carrying notable momentum and enthusiasm, presenting an immediate test for both the Bianconeri squad and a home fanbase demanding a response after the weekend league result.