On 4 August 2026, Juventus’ men’s first team gathered in Hong Kong for a pre‑season friendly against Chelsea scheduled for the following Wednesday. Speaking at a Tuesday press conference, captain Manuel Locatelli and head coach Luciano Spalletti addressed the upcoming match and the squad’s mindset.
Locatelli said the squad feels good and ready, describing the fixture as a serious test. He highlighted the integration of new signings, calling them top‑tier players who have the ability to raise the team’s overall level. He stressed that the collective strength remains Juventus’ biggest asset.
Reflecting on the previous season, Locatelli admitted that missing the Champions League left a bitter taste. He noted that the team did not achieve its goals and must turn that disappointment into motivation for each training session. While acknowledging the setback, he affirmed that the Europa League remains an important competition and that the squad will approach it with serenity, focusing on one game at a time.
Spalletti echoed the emphasis on collective attitude, stating that football is not just about tactics but about the team spirit and what each player contributes to the group. He likened a game to an empty box that must be filled with many elements, warning that focusing on only one aspect will not make a difference.
The coach said Juventus aim to build on the positives shown last season, pointing out that the side has demonstrated it can play good, modern and productive football on multiple occasions. He explained that the new project starts from that foundation, with the ambition to add further improvements and to eliminate the lulls that previously cost results.
Spalletti characterized Chelsea as a top team led by a talented coach with an impressive playing career. He noted that Chelsea’s recent matches have shown quality and depth, making the upcoming fixture a real test for Juventus. However, he framed such encounters as opportunities to prove the team’s worth, insisting that the season is just around the corner and that Juventus must start strong and measure up to Europe’s best sides.
Both speakers agreed that the pre‑season match will serve as an early indicator of the squad’s readiness and that the experience in Hong Kong will help the team acclimatise before the competitive campaign begins.