Spalletti’s verdict on Sarr as Tottenham loanee makes full Juventus debut | OneFootball

Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti was delighted with Pape Matar Sarr’s performance against NEC: ‘He did many things well.’

Sarr played the full 90 minutes in Juventus’ 5-0 Europa League win against NEC on Thursday.

He had already made his debut with the Old Lady the previous weekend, coming off the bench against Sassuolo.

Pape Matar Sarr’s first Juventus interview via Juventus.com.

Last night, he made his first start in a Bianconeri shirt.

“Sarr is a thoroughbred because he has quality in his running,” Spalletti said during a post-match press conference, via TuttoJuve.

“He had a good game tonight, especially considering it was his first. He also responded to me a couple of times, so that’s positive. Players with these qualities can sometimes lack a bit of sharpness, but he did many things well. He was always involved with the team and close to the ball. I’m happy with his performance.”

REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 13: Luciano Spalletti Head Coach of Juventus looks on prior to the Serie A match between US Sassuolo and Juventus at Mapei Stadium – Citta’ del Tricolore on September 13, 2026 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)

Stats provided by Sofascore show Sarr completed 98% accurate passes, with 100% accuracy in the opposition half. He made 70 touches against NEC and won three of eight ground duels.

Gazzetta dello Sport rated him 6.5/10, while Tuttosport and Corriere dello Sport gave him 6/10.

TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 17: Players of Juventus pose for a team photograph before the UEFA Europa League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Juventus and N.E.C. Nijmegen at Juventus Stadium on September 17, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Sarr joined Juventus from Tottenham on deadline day, completing an initial loan move with an option to buy.

Juventus paid €2.5m for the player’s loan until the end of the season and have an option to buy for €27.5m.

Juventus’ next game is against Atalanta in Serie A, on Sunday, September 20.