Chiellini: ‘Juventus happy with new Spalletti deal, eager to keep Boga’
Juventus director Giorgio Chiellini celebrates Luciano Spalletti’s new contract to June 2028 and admits Jeremie Boga will ‘probably’ be bought outright from Olympique Marseille.
The trip to Atalanta kicks off at the New Balance Arena at 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST).
Spalletti officially signed a new contract to June 2028, so will remain at the helm whether they qualify for the Champions League or not.
Chiellini planning Juventus future
“I’ve been telling you for weeks and even months that it wouldn’t be an issue, so I’m glad you don’t have to ask me about his contract anymore,” smiled Chiellini on Sky Sport Italia and DAZN Italia.
“It was something that had been predicted, maybe not taken for granted as such, but the natural conclusion to this process we’ve had since he arrived. Now we’ll play these last few games of the season and then have time to plan the future together.”
The fight for a top four finish is wide open, as before Como take on leaders Inter, there is this head-to-head, while Roma already beat Pisa 3-0 last night.
“We are not that interested in Milan’s result, we are focused on what we need to do, as there are others like Atalanta, Como and Roma who are our direct competitors. It might be a fight to the final minute of the final game, so head to head clashes like the one tonight could be decisive, as there isn’t much time left to recover lost ground,” added Chiellini.
“Atalanta are a strong team who are having great results and have the added bonus of home advantage this evening.”
Juve are forced to do without Joker in the pack Weston McKennie, as the versatile American is suspended, while Dusan Vlahovic, Vasilije Adzic and Mattia Perin are on the treatment table.
Boga is chosen as the False 9 rather than Jonathan David tonight, so does this suggest Juve will buy him outright from Olympique Marseille for €4.8m plus add-ons??
“He settled in very well and has an accessible price point, so we’ll evaluate at the end of the season, but obviously we’d be very happy to keep him. It is probable his future will be with Juventus.”
Atalanta are unbeaten against Juventus since the May 2024 Coppa Italia Final, winning two of their last four competitive meetings.
The most recent was here in February, as La Dea ran out 3-0 winners in the Coppa Italia quarter-final.
“Our strategy is aimed at getting competitive to win over the next few years. The Champions League qualification would change a few things, but we’ll evaluate that when the time comes.”