Luciano Spalletti Supports Referee After Disputed Milan Goal in Juventus Match

Spalletti Backs Referee Over Controversial Incident in Juventus vs Milan

Luciano Spalletti stood by referee Maurizio Mariani after a debated moment involving Randal Kolo Muani that led to a goal for AC Milan in their Serie A clash against Juventus. The Juventus manager rejected criticism of the officials despite the physical contact between Kolo Muani and Koni De Winter sparking debate.

Defending the Refereeing Decision

Following the intense match, Spalletti refused to fault the referee for the decision that allowed play to continue leading up to Milan’s goal. Instead of blaming the officiating, he praised the referee's judgment and emphasized that his team's defense should shoulder responsibility for the goal conceded.

"Mariani is one of the best Italian referees and in my opinion, the line we are seeing is correct. We are adapting to what happens around the world. These are not fouls and it is right not to blow the whistle," Spalletti said in his post-match press conference.

He added that minor contacts should no longer be called as fouls in modern football, stating, "Either there is an impact, a foul... Everything is fine, I am not going to complain about these things here. The team should have brought the goal home earlier."

Focus on Tactical Growth for Juventus

Moving past the refereeing topic, Spalletti highlighted the need for Juventus to improve tactically. He wants his players to be more aggressive both when pressing opponents and when controlling the ball.

"I am asking them to go and press, and to build serious things when we have the ball," the coach explained. "Then to make them learn that the real difference is made in the spaces that no one measures. It is made in those moments where everything seems normal and you have the strength to overturn the result."

Juventus' Position and Upcoming Fixture

This draw leaves Juventus in fifth place with seven points in the Serie A standings. Their next challenge will be away at Sassuolo this weekend, where they hope to secure a win and climb the table.

• Current Standing: 5th place, 7 points
• Next Match: Sassuolo vs Juventus
• Date & Time: 13 September 2026, 21:45