Luciano Spalletti believes there is a problem with Juventus’ character after they missed out on Champions League qualification following a 2-2 draw with Torino.
Juventus needed a win – and favours from elsewhere – to stand a chance of finishing in the top four, but ultimately sealed their own fate after letting a two-goal lead slip.
After kick-off was delayed by over an hour due to fans clashing outside the ground, Dusan Vlahovic scored a goal in either half to put Juventus in control.
However, Cesare Casadei halved the deficit on the hour before Che Adams completed Torino’s comeback late on, meaning Juventus finished sixth in Serie A and will play in the Europa League.
Spalletti had not finished a Serie A season as a manager below fourth place since 2008-09 with Roma (sixth).
And Juventus finished outside the top four in the top-flight for the second time in the last four seasons (after 2022-23, seventh), following 11 consecutive seasons of finishing in fourth place or higher.
"I'm the coach who has to examine what happened," Spalletti said. "We had the game in our hands; it's in these games that you see the people's character and how we are made inside.
"It's in games like these where you look for something more. It's not the same thing to have two points more or two points less.
"I think character always makes the difference. Sometimes, personalities get together. It's something that counts as much as physical strength and technique.
"A footballer's head should not change against certain teams. He can win or lose, but always have the same attitude.
"Everyone has doubts about the performance when taking to the pitch. When you remain tied to these doubts, you become doubtful, so you need to let go of them and make decisions.
"That's the solution. Everyone has doubts, but a decision must be made. If you have too many doubts, you don't have enough character, and you can't play for Juventus because this is what makes the difference.
"You don't teach personality. You can teach tactics and technique, but character is hard to learn. We've had ups and downs."