Spalletti relieved as Juventus survive late AZ pressure

Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti admitted his side were fortunate that their Europa League meeting with AZ did not continue for several more minutes. The Italian team established a 2-0 advantage in Alkmaar but came under heavy pressure as the hosts mounted a late recovery.

Mexx Meerdink pulled a goal back for AZ, who also had another effort disallowed. According to VI, Spalletti felt Juventus might not have completed the victory had the game lasted another three or four minutes. The result ended AZ’s sequence of 17 unbeaten European home matches.

Spalletti nevertheless defended the quality of Juventus’ performance and rejected the idea that victory reflected weakness in the opposition. He described AZ as a strong side capable of immediately exploiting any drop in intensity. He also referred to Juventus’ earlier 5-0 win over NEC, arguing that Dutch opponents had been treated too dismissively despite NEC subsequently collecting seven points.

AZ goalkeeper Jari De Busser received particular praise from the Juventus coach. Spalletti highlighted De Busser’s ability with the ball at his feet, saying that his distribution helped neutralise Juventus’ pressing and effectively gave AZ an additional outfield player. The victory provided some relief for Juventus, who have won three of four Europa League fixtures but only five of their past ten league games.