Claudio Marchisio says he continues to trust Luciano Spalletti at Juventus, although he understands why supporters would like to see Antonio Conte return to the Allianz Stadium.
The former Juventus midfielder also believes Roberto Mancini needs time with Italy, ahead of their Nations League test away against France on Friday evening.
Marchisio discussed Juventus and the Italy national team in an in-depth interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, published on Thursday.
He welcomed news that Juventus will receive a €250m capital injection this season despite being without Champions League football.
“It’s confirmation of the unique bond between the Agnelli-Elkann family and Juventus,” Marchisio said. “It’s an important signal, and yet another step in a history that has lasted over 100 years. Only Juventus has an ownership like that.”
Marchisio said changes at the club in recent years made consistency essential.
“Continuity on and off the pitch. That’s the thing that has been missing over the last few years with so many changes in the dugout and throughout the club,” he said. “We have to trust Carnevali, Massara and Ottolini now.”
On Conte, who has previously managed Juventus, Marchisio acknowledged the continuing demand for his return but insisted Spalletti should be given backing.
“The nostalgia for Antonio, of whom I’m also very fond, has and always will be there,” he said. “It was like that during Allegri’s time and also for the years that followed. Conte is Conte. But we need continuity and so I still trust Spalletti.”
He added that injuries, particularly the absence of Kenan Yildiz, had affected Juventus, but said the club could not use them as an excuse.
“I expect that they will return to fighting for the top positions from Christmas onwards. I also hope to be one of the main sides in the Europa League,” Marchisio said.
“Juventus should aim to win every competition and the cup shouldn’t be taken for granted either. We haven’t lifted a trophy for 30 years in Europe. That should be enough, shouldn’t it?”
Asked which of the club’s 10 summer signings had impressed him most, Marchisio selected an existing player.
“I’ll go with the 11th, Douglas Luiz,” he said. “He looks like a different player compared to two years ago and I’m convinced he can give even more, especially in front of goal.”
Marchisio suggested Jonathan David may simply have been the wrong fit for Juventus after the striker found form at Atletico Madrid. Randal Kolo Muani has yet to score in Serie A during 2026-27.
“Maybe he just wasn’t the right striker for Juve at this moment in time,” Marchisio said of David.
“Kolo Muani isn’t a striker. Spalletti will have to find goals in other ways, through Conceicao, Nico and McKennie.”
He said Yildiz’s absence left Juventus operating at “70-75%”, adding: “Kenan is special. Alajbegovic is a great talent, but he’s not quite the same.”
Marchisio rejected comparisons between Nick Woltemade and his former team-mate Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
“Ibra is Ibra,” he said. “Woltemade has great technique and physique, but he seems a bit lightweight.”
He also said January recruitment could be difficult because the players he admires usually want Champions League football, although a Europa League campaign could create opportunities for academy players.
Marchisio’s son Davide has recently signed his first professional contract with Juventus.
“He’s a good lad and having a good moment, I’m proud of him,” Marchisio said. “Davide told me: ‘Dad, Gatti presses so much, he’s always on me.’”
Ahead of Italy’s meeting with France, Marchisio said: “My favourite player is Olise. It will be a good test for Italy. Whatever happens, let’s not get too down about it. Mancini needs time.”
