Chiellini: ‘Not always a pleasure to meet Mourinho, Juventus want a striker’ | OneFootball

Juventus director Giorgio Chiellini jokes it is a pleasure to meet Benfica coach Jose Mourinho other than ‘during matches’ and confirms pursuit of a new striker in January.

It kicks off at the Allianz Juventus Stadium in Turin at 20.00 GMT (21.00 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Atalanta-Athletic Club on the Liveblog.

The Bianconeri saw their Serie A progress hit an unexpected bump over the weekend when they lost 1-0 to Cagliari despite an historic amount of possession.

Chiellini prepared for tough Juventus night

BOLOGNA, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Former Juventus player Giorgio Chiellini looks on prior to the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and Juventus FC at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

“We were a bit unlucky in Cagliari, but before the game I had said it was a trap, and that was a message to see where we were after many good performances,” Chiellini told Sky Sport Italia.

“I do think the team played well and the biggest issue was that we weren’t effective enough in front of goal with our chances. We needed to be more determined to get the result at all costs.”

Benfica had lost the first four Champions League fixtures before beating Ajax and Napoli by 2-0 results to give themselves hope.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – JULY 13: Giorgio Chiellini attends the Gold Carpet during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Final match between Chelsea FC and Paris Saint-Germain at MetLife Stadium on July 13, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)

Juve also had a rough start, picking up only three draws from the first four rounds, until victories over Bodo/Glimt and Pafos.

“This will be a very different kind of game, against a much stronger opponent, where we need balance and being wary of their qualities, especially as they are missing so many defensive midfielders that their team is top-heavy on the attacking side,” continued Chiellini.

“After a difficult start, we got the victory away to Bodo/Glimt and have only now realised how difficult that was. Now we have the opportunity to get a result here so when we go to Monaco for the final game, it’s not life or death.”

LISBON, PORTUGAL – DECEMBER 10: Antonio Conte, Head Coach of SSC Napoli (L), and Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of Benfica (R), shake hands prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 match between SL Benfica and SSC Napoli at on December 10, 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

Former Inter and Roma coach Mourinho said he would take the Juventus job in future if Luciano Spalletti were to leave.

“Jose was a great opponent and a great coach all over Europe, so it’s always a pleasure to meet him before and after matches, not so much during!”

Juventus are reported to be seeking a new striker, so they have approached Crystal Palace for Jean-Philippe Mateta and Fenerbahce for Youssef En-Nesyri. Are there any updates from the club on those negotiations?

“It’s difficult to improve a squad like this in January, we are evaluating options in an area where Dusan unfortunately had a serious injury. There is nothing on the verge of coming in, but there are two weeks to go, and if there is something to help the coach improve this squad, we won’t hold back.”