Spalletti Named Juventus Coach, Wins Debut

Luciano Spalletti has been named Juventus coach until the end of the season, accepting an approximately eight-month deal after Igor Tudor’s sacking. He began with a 2-1 away win at Cremonese — Filip Kostić scoring inside 84 seconds and Andrea Cambiaso adding a second before Jamie Vardy pulled one back — and made tactical tweaks including deploying Teun Koopmeiners in a three-man defence. Spalletti acknowledged the pressure of the role and a recent difficult spell with Italy, and said he will instill discipline, confidence and results while aiming for the Scudetto and Champions League qualification. After nine matches, Juventus sit outside the early-season leaders but club officials have given him a window to restore the team’s standing. Napoli being held 0-0 by Como underlined that the title race remains open.