Juventus coach Thiago Motta is unsure about watching this evening’s big match between Inter and Napoli and is delighted with Manuel Locatelli’s performances despite Italy’s snub.
Football Italia attended Motta’s post-match press conference at the Allianz Stadium on Saturday night after a 2-0 win over Torino in the derby della Mole.
Locatelli was one of the best players on the pitch. The Italian midfielder has been a regular starter in Turin but hasn’t been called up by Italy’s national team since last summer’s Euros.
Motta unsure about watching Inter-Napoli, won’t discuss Locatelli Italy snub
Motta said he didn’t talk to Spalletti about his choices.
“He doesn’t need to talk to me. He knows Manu well, and I won’t discuss the national team decisions,” said the Bianconeri boss.
“I can only speak about Locatelli at Juventus, and I am happy with the moment he’s having and how he helps on and off the pitch. His commitment has been outstanding since day one.”
In recent games, Khephren Thuram and Teun Koopmeiners have started with Locatelli, so Motta seems to have found his starting central midfielders.
“Right now, they are all fit,” he admitted.
“Thuram has entered with great footballing intelligence. They are three key players in the team. The movements change sometimes, and I hope they can raise the bar further. We have other players like Douglas Luiz, Fagioli, Adzic and McKennie. Personally, I really like midfielders. It all starts from them.”
Juventus’ next opponent after the international break is Milan. The Rossoneri beat Real Madrid in the Champions League but were also held to a 3-3 draw by Cagliari on Saturday.
“This is what football is about. There is massive competition at the moment,” Motta argued.
“Milan have a great coach, and there’s great respect for him and his staff. We’ll prepare the game at our best against a top team when the moment comes.”
Juventus are level on 24 points with Inter and just one below leaders Napoli. Partenopei and Nerazzurri meet at San Siro this evening. Will Motta watch the big match or Jannik Sinner play in the ATP Finals in Turin?
“I don’t know,” Motta replied, smiling.
“I like Sinner because my daughters watch him. They play tennis and want to meet him, but I don’t know him personally, so I don’t know how to do it. Let’s see tomorrow; perhaps I’ll use two screens.”