Spalletti: ‘Yildiz ready for Juventus, David improved relationships’ | OneFootball

Luciano Spalletti explains why Kenan Yildiz does not start for Juventus against Milan and how Jonathan David’s ‘relationship’ with his teammates improved.

It kicks off at San Siro at 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Torino vs. Inter on the Liveblog.

This is a big crossroads for the season, because the Bianconeri know a victory would put them joint third with Milan, but a defeat can see Como and Roma close on them in fourth.

Spalletti explains Juventus decisions

TURIN, ITALY – APRIL 19: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, reacts prior to the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Allianz Stadium on April 19, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

“It’s a wonderful atmosphere, there are sentiments all over the place,” Spalletti told DAZN Italia while looking around at a packed out San Siro.

“It’s natural for the fans to push us on with their enthusiasm and we gladly take on that added responsibility. This evening we have to come here and prove ourselves, show what we are capable of.

“This is going to be a difficult match because Milan have this approach where you seem to be in full control and comfort, but then suddenly they are breaking through from every angle. So we would need drones hovering above to see their positions in order to be ready for their style of football.”

BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 05: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to the Coppa Italia Quarter-Final match between Atalanta BC and Juventus FC at the New Balance Arena on February 05, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Kenan Yildiz is again only fit enough for a spot on the bench, while Dusan Vlahovic also returns to the squad after a muscular setback, but the season is over for Juan Cabal and Arek Milik.

“Yildiz is fine, he needs a recovery process so is unable to train on the pitch, he has to train in a different way. He only returned to training with us for the final session, so out of respect for the team and also in agreement with Yildiz, it is better to start with those players who had a full week of preparation,” explained Spalletti.

“However, he is ready to give his contribution off the bench when needed.”

Jonathan David broke his goal drought last week against Bologna and leads the attack, with Jeremie Boga and Francisco Conceicao in the wider support roles.

“David is improving, especially in terms of relationships. Too often in football we talk about reading the spaces and movements, but not enough about how to fit into a group,” noted Spalletti.

“The players all love him, he loves them, and when you have that connection between players, the ball moves faster and the game gets louder.”

TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 08: Juventus FC head coach Luciano Spalletti looks on during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and SS Lazio at Allianz Stadium on February 8, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Much had been said in the early months on David’s lack of rapport with the Juventus teammates, which had been shrugged off with a joke that it was because he put cheese on seafood pasta.