Overview
- Filip Kostic scored after roughly 90 seconds and Andrea Cambiaso added a second on 68 minutes before Jamie Vardy pulled one back on 83 for a tense finish.
- Luciano Spalletti set Juventus up in a 3-5-2 and deployed Teun Koopmeiners as the left-sided centre-back alongside Gatti and Kalulu.
- Spalletti said he used Koopmeiners there to add on-ball quality in the absence of Yildiz, describing the Dutchman’s focus and communication as exemplary.
- Match reports noted clear early signs of Spalletti’s style with quick possession, narrow spacing and a high press that drove a dominant first half.
- Spalletti emphasized that the team comes before individuals and called for courage and stronger relationships, while Cremonese coach Davide Nicola praised his side and admitted the Koopmeiners role surprised him.