Massimiliano Allegri and Luciano Spalletti politely traded barbs in the pressers before the clash between Juventus and Napoli. The Bianconeri boss praised the colleague but also put pressure on the opponents. The Partenopei manager didn’t beat around the bush.
“I understand that for him it’s easer to disguise them as a second-tier team, but they are filled with champions so it’s impossible to hide from the role of favorites. You can repay sizeable investments only by competing to win the Scudetto and the Champions League. They can’t be content with a top four finish. He has won more than me, and I bow in front of his cabinet trophy. He’s at a level above me, and I have to learn from him.”
According to La Repubblica, Spalletti and Allegri haven’t spoken in 16 months since their two sides collided in September 2021. Napoli prevailed 2-1 that day. The two gaffers had a heated exchange about referees in the tunnel that leads to the locker room.
Per La Gazzetta dello Sport, the rift is rooted in their different upbringings and characters. Both are Tuscans, but the Azzurri boss was born in the countryside, instead the Old Lady’s one near the sea. As for their communication styles, Spalletti is philosophical, while Allegri direct. The former is more serious and hard-working, the latter light-hearted and prone to joking. Moreover, their strategies are very diverse on the pitch, as Napoli pursue victories by putting on a show, while Juventus do it abiding by their motto: “Winning is the only thing that matters.”
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