Juventus director Cristiano Giuntoli proved his ‘Bianconeri DNA’ with a special reminder ahead of the Roma match, but shrugged off all questions about the future.
It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).
Max Allegri said in yesterday’s press conference that Juventus had a certain DNA, so considering Giuntoli is a lifelong supporter of the club, what does that entail?
“First and foremost today May 5, we are in Rome, that is always a pleasure to mark this date,” Giuntoli told DAZN with a smile.
He was referring to May 5, 2002, when Juventus leapfrogged Inter on the final day of the season to clinch the Scudetto, as the Nerazzurri lost 4-2 here to Lazio.
“The DNA consists of trying to achieve the targets we set, the future is in our hands and we will try to bring home the points necessary to secure this objective.”
The mood in the Bianconeri camp is far from positive, despite securing their place in the Coppa Italia Final against Atalanta on May 15, as they have won only two of their last 13 Serie A matches.
Nonetheless, they are still third and a win here would mathematically guarantee their qualification for the Champions League in 2024-25.
“We had a great first half of the season, where everyone went beyond expectations. The second half was below par, but still got good results and it’s unfair to knock anyone down.”
Giuntoli rejects questions on Juventus future
Any questions about the future of players who are discussing new contracts, like Adrien Rabiot, Weston McKennie and Federico Chiesa, were shrugged off.
“It’s a great group of lads, we are all very united with the squad, club and coach, so we are focused. At the end of the season, we’ll sit down and try to evaluate together what to do.”
Is Chiesa the future of Juventus?
“Chiesa is the present, we get along with the player and his entourage. As I said, any situation has to be discussed only at the end of the season, as our focus is to get back into the Champions League.”
Kenan Yildiz and Alex Sandro did not make the trip to the Capital after muscular issues, but Juve face their former players Paulo Dybala, Leandro Paredes and Dean Huijsen.