Juventus have arrived in Perth, Australia, ahead of their pre-season friendly against Inter on Saturday, 8 August. It is a notable stop on a week in which Juventus have been on the move, and it gives Luciano Spalletti’s side a high-profile test before the season gets fully underway.
Friday’s pre-match press conference brought the focus onto preparation, rotation and the practical demands of the trip. Spalletti made clear that picking a starting XI for Juventus vs Inter is not just about what has happened in training. Travel, time zones and overall workload all have to be considered, especially with the club asking players to manage a demanding schedule.
What Spalletti said about the team
Spalletti said matches like this are useful because they reveal a team’s mentality. Inter, he noted, are a tough opponent and Juventus will need to stay united, clear in their approach and sharp from start to finish. He also thanked the club for the work involved in organising the trip and preparing the squad in difficult conditions.
That context matters because Juventus’s season is expected to be shaped by the Europa League and by matches on Thursdays and Sundays. Spalletti said that reality makes it unlikely the same XI will be used every time, and it adds another layer to how Juventus will manage the group across the campaign.
Kenan Yildiz and the rotation plan
Spalletti was also asked about Kenan Yildiz, but he stopped short of confirming whether the forward will start. He said the team will discuss who needs rest and who does not just before kick-off, and that he would rather wait until then to make a final call. The plan, he added, is for Yildiz to play one half.
Andrea Cambiaso also spoke on Friday and described the fixture as the kind of game players want to be part of. He said Juventus vs Inter remains a major match even in pre-season, and that the team will give everything while trying to build chemistry under the coach’s ideas.
Cambiaso said the squad are working well despite the travel and commitments, and stressed that spending time together is fundamental. He added that he is comfortable playing in different roles, whether more attacking or more defensive, as long as he contributes in the right way.
The message from Juventus is straightforward: this is still a friendly, but it is not being treated lightly. Against Inter in Perth, the club gets both a serious test and another chance to keep building toward the new season.
