Spalletti urges focus as Juventus prepare for Celta Vigo test

Juventus head into their second Europa League league-phase fixture against Celta Vigo on Thursday under pressure to maintain momentum after a 5-0 opening win over NEC.

Lucho Spalletti’s side converted five goals from just 11 shots in matchday one to top the league phase and have also kept a clean sheet in each of their last four group-stage games across the Europa League and Champions League.

Respect for Giraldez and Celta

Spalletti is wary of Celta Vigo despite the Galicians’ struggles in Europe. Celta have lost their last three Europa League games, their worst ever losing run in major European competitions, and have won just once in LaLiga this term, with five draws and two defeats.

Juventus, however, are winless in their last six major European matches against Spanish teams, drawing three and losing three since a 3-0 win over Barcelona in December 2020.

"This competition gives us the possibility of expanding our knowledge of the group, because we need to play some new faces and allow others to recuperate for the next match," Spalletti said.

"We go into this competition the same way we do any tournament, as we must always battle to get as far as possible."

The coach added:

"There are teams in this competition that could easily have been in the Champions League and narrowly missed out, but are built for that level. Claudio Giraldez is a very good coach and he sets his team out in an interesting way, so we need to be at the right level that is fitting for our club."

"There is no fear, nor pressure upon us. Giraldez has shown he can field a team with quality and experience, so we cannot afford moments where we seem weak."

Spalletti believes his Juventus side "cannot afford moments where we seem weak" in the Europa League clash.

The two clubs last met in the UEFA Cup last-16 in 1999-00. After losing 1-0 away in the first leg, Celta won 4-0 at home in the second leg to progress.