Overview
- Juventus beat Cremonese 2-1 as Spalletti started Teun Koopmeiners as the left center-back in a back three in his Serie A bow with the club.
- Spalletti said the change was meant to raise the team’s technical level given Kenan Yildiz’s absence, then praised Koopmeiners’ attitude and on-field leadership.
- With Kelly out due to back issues, multiple reports say the defender role could be used again against Sporting in the Champions League.
- The experiment fits Spalletti’s history of successful role reinventions and carries added weight given the roughly €51 million invested in Koopmeiners.
- Analysts highlighted his value in build-up play but urged patience on defensive suitability, noting that sustained performances are needed before calling the switch permanent.