Marchisio backs Spalletti, rejects Conte return calls at Juventus

Marchisio backs Spalletti amid Juventus fan unrest

Former Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio has publicly declared his continued support for head coach Luciano Spalletti, pushing back against sections of the fanbase calling for the return of Antonio Conte.

Spalletti, 67, replaced Igor Tudor in October 2025 but endured a difficult first campaign as Juve missed out on Champions League qualification after finishing sixth in Serie A. This season, however, the Bianconeri have shown signs of stability: Spalletti has won 24 of his 44 games in charge overall (D12 L8), with four of those victories coming from their opening six matches this term (D1 L1).

After five league games Juventus sit seventh, level on clean sheets with Lazio, Roma and Cagliari (three) and just three points adrift of early leaders Roma. Yet some supporters have lobbied for Conte – who departed Napoli in the summer – to take the reins in Turin once more. The 2011–2014 title-winning coach won 67.6% of his 151 games with Juve (W102 D34 L15).

Marchisio, who played under Conte, told La Gazzetta dello Sport: "The nostalgia for Antonio, of whom I'm also very fond, has and always will be there. 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."

The ex-midfielder acknowledged the impact of injuries – notably to forward Kenan Yildiz – but refused to accept them as justification for upheaval. "The injuries, especially the one to Yildiz, have hurt a lot, but Juve should never look for excuses," he said.

Marchisio outlined his expectations for the remainder of the campaign: "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. 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?"