Juventus manager views USMNT’s Weston McKennie as ideal forward.
Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti suggested that United States midfielder Weston McKennie should assume a more attacking role following his team’s 3-0 victory over Napoli on Sunday.
“McKennie is an ideal central striker,” Spalletti remarked. “He competes vigorously, is formidable in aerial challenges, and possesses impressive jumping ability. He plays to achieve results because he makes decisive choices. He would excel as a striker.”
Juventus’ triumph against the reigning Serie A champions allowed Spalletti’s squad, now positioned fifth, to stay in contention with teams vying for the top four, as well as leaders Inter Milan, who hold first place with 52 points after 22 matches.
McKennie, who completed the full 90 minutes for Juventus in the victory, was not the only North American to receive accolades after the match, as Canadian standout Jonathan David netted his third goal in four games, drawing attention from his coach.
“[David] demonstrated that he can compete effectively in a box duel where space is limited, necessitating the removal of the opponent’s advantage,” Spalletti stated. “If you exert all your strength in those instances, it works; otherwise, you won’t succeed. He scored a goal like a true striker.”
Both McKennie and David are anticipated to be pivotal players for the United States and Canada, respectively, as their nations prepare to host the World Cup this summer.
The outcome allowed Spalletti to gain the upper hand over Antonio Conte, as both coaches faced their former teams.
Midway through the first half, David controlled a pass from Manuel Locatelli with his chest and directed it into the net.
Just three minutes prior, Juventus midfielder Khephren Thuram had struck the post, and three minutes after the goal, the Turin club had another opportunity when a shot from Francisco Conceicao was cleared off the line by Napoli defender Alessandro Buongiorno.
Kenan Yildiz and Filip Kostic contributed additional goals for the home side in the second half.
Napoli fell from third to fourth place, now tied on points with Roma, which played to a 1-1 draw with second-place AC Milan.
Spalletti guided Napoli to the Serie A title in 2023, while Conte led Juventus to three consecutive Italian league championships after also having played for the club.
David scored in his Serie A debut for Juventus in August but experienced a lengthy goal drought before regaining his form this month with a goal and an assist against Sassuolo, followed by another goal against Cremonese. He also provided an assist in Juventus’ Champions League win over Benfica on Wednesday.
The Canadian international’s season has also faced challenges due to a coaching change, with Spalletti taking over from the dismissed Igor Tudor in October.
The only positive news for Napoli was that Romelu Lukaku made his return in the second half, marking his first appearance since sustaining an injury during a preseason friendly.
Lukaku squandered his sole opportunity after a well-executed setup from Rasmus Hojlund.
Information from The Associated Press was utilized in this report.
