Luciano Spalletti Involved In Spat With TV Host Over Jonathan David Criticism

A TV host has hit back at apparent criticism from Juventus boss Luciano Spalletti.

Luciano Spalletti Takes Dig At TV Pundits

Spalletti defiantly backed striker Jonathan David before and after his side’s 3-0 victory against Sassuolo on Tuesday, in which the under-fire Canadian scored and laid on an assist.

David was subjected to a fierce backlash after his nightmare penalty miss in the 1-1 draw with Lecce in the previous fixture, but kept his place in the starting XI and duly delivered the goods.

Clearly irritated with remarks in the press, Spalletti took aim at commentators who analyse controversial moments in social media videos, alleging some are friends with coaches from other teams.

In one such video, pundit Sandro Sabatini had questioned the handling of David’s penalty incident, believing the head coach was ultimately to blame for the confusion.

Captain Manuel Locatelli had opted to let David take the spot-kick, having been eager for him to net for the first time since the opening weekend.

Despite Spalletti failing to single out individuals in his post-match comments, Sabatini took exception to them.

Speaking on Sport Mediaset, he said: “I don’t know if Spalletti was referring to me because so many people made the videos.

“I’ll respond, even if he didn’t mention my name and could have, because I don’t like innuendos.

“I saw so many videos about that penalty, some even said David was unworthy. He took it out on my video and not on those who said David was unworthy… That’s fine.”

He added: “The allusions he made are completely unrealistic and, in my opinion, even ungraceful. I don’t support any team or any coach.

“Since I’m someone who, rightly or wrongly, has players, coaches, and managers who respect him, I’ll just say that I support the national team, and that’s the truth.”

Luciano Spalletti’s Rant In Full

Spalletti later revealed he had played David in the hope he would respond to the criticism in the media.

Leaping to the ace’s defence, he rallied against outspoken pundits, saying: “Because you get insults. It’s not just sporting comments like ‘he made a bad decision,’ no, they’re insults.

“They’re the ones who care about their friends elsewhere and try to cause confusion with these videos they make with their cell phones in hand, making all sorts of insults, because they care about their fate.

“They have a friend who coaches elsewhere, they care about another team, and they act like greats.”

Last month, Spalletti was involved in a frosty exchange with Locatelli during the 2-0 victory against Pisa.