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Spalletti Recasts Koopmeiners in Defense as Juventus Stalls Again in Europe

European results still lag despite the coach repositioning the Dutchman as a deep playmaker.

Overview

  • Juventus drew 1-1 with Sporting CP in Turin, leaving them winless in four Champions League games with three draws and one defeat.
  • Teun Koopmeiners started a second straight match as a left center-back and said he feels much better in the deeper role he discussed with the club and Luciano Spalletti.
  • Spalletti praised Koopmeiners for showing personality and delivering a defender’s performance, with the Dutchman leading Juventus in passes attempted against Sporting.
  • The coach detailed Weston McKennie’s flexible assignment on the left to provide defensive cover for Kenan Yildiz and to free up Conceicao on the flank.
  • Italian coverage likened Koopmeiners’ build-up duties to Riccardo Calafiori’s under Spalletti, highlighting a broader tactical reset after the new manager’s recent appointment.