Spalletti ‘surprised’ that staff member didn’t follow him at Juventus | OneFootball

Luciano Spalletti admits he was ‘surprised’ that one of his staff members, Daniele Baldini, decided not to follow him at Juventus.

New Juventus coach Spalletti was unveiled at a press conference on Friday.

The Italian tactician confirmed he had brought four staff members to the Allianz Stadium, but revealed one of his closest collaborators, Daniele Baldini, decided against joining him in Turin.”

Spalletti must ‘accept’ Baldini’s desire

Italy head coach Luciano Spalletti reacts during the UEFA Euro 2024 Group B football match between Croatia and Italy at the Leipzig Stadium in Leipzig on June 24, 2024. (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS / AFP) (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP via Getty Images)

“I’ve brought four staff members, three are technical, and a fitness coach,” Spalletti said.

“We all know each other in the world of football; we just need to take confidence. They are Domenichini, Martusciello, Russo and Sinatti. I wanted to say a couple of words about Daniele Baldini, who decided to end his story as a collaborator. It was his decision, and I was a bit surprised when he told me. I want to thank him for all he made available to me and everything he taught me. He has all the qualities, I’m sorry, but I have to accept his desire.”

Who is Daniele Baldini?

BOLOGNA, ITALY – JUNE 4: Daniele Baldini (L) of FIGC and Manager Vincenzo Montella of Turkiye during the international Friendly match between Italy and Turkiye at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on June 4, 2024 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Baldini, 61, was one of Spalletti’s closest collaborators, having worked with the Tuscan tactician for his entire career, from being the Empoli vice-coach in 2001 to technical collaborator at Inter, Roma, Napoli and the Italy national team.

A former Italian defender, Baldini made 52 Serie A appearances with Empoli during his playing career.