On Not Wanting to Become a Coach

"I don't want to become a coach because I don't want to age prematurely. I believe that every footballer has their own path to follow after their playing career, and it doesn't necessarily have to be in the football world. Regarding 'nurturing talent,' I am not actually nurturing them; I just want to protect them. Talent grows based on individual strength, dedication, and effort. When I watch matches, I understand that my focus is on individuals, movements, and decision-making, and that’s where everything starts. I want to focus on individuals, see their strengths, and help them stand out. I won't become a coach; I’ve already made that decision, and I'm confident in my choice."

On Locatelli's Role

"It’s important to emphasize that Locatelli is a player who has been positioned in front of the defensive line as the organizing core, even though he was initially recruited to play as a central midfielder. He has gradually moved forward, becoming an excellent ball-winner who can cover a lot of ground, but in this area, more teamwork is required. Due to the lack of match situations that allow him to organize the play, he has somewhat faded. I hope he can return to a three-man midfield in the future. I still remember his time at Sassuolo under De Zerbi, and his performances in the European Championship: he is a young player with excellent movement and breakthrough ability. When you spend 70 minutes defending, your mind isn't as clear when you finally get the ball."

On Barella

"Even though he is already at a very high level, Barella continues to grow; he has always been one of the best midfielders in the world. His goal against Ecuador showcased the composure of a champion, even though his second-half performance wasn’t as impressive. He has the ability to stop and pull off some extraordinary moves."

On Soulé and Huijsen

"Juventus has taken significant risks in recent years, partly due to off-field difficulties. The U23 project is bearing fruit, and we’ve been able to discover some very talented players. I hope Soulé and Huijsen can get a real opportunity at Juventus. If we can return to the UEFA Champions League next year, as it seems we will, we will need excellent young players, future champions like them. We need to be prepared for both the league and European competitions."