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TURIN, ITALY – JANUARY 03: Lois Openda of Juventus looks dejected following the Serie A match between Juventus FC and US Lecce at on January 03, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Luciano Spalletti insists Lois Openda has shown ‘outstanding’ commitment even if he hasn’t played much: ‘It’s another mistake I’ve made…’
Openda has had a disappointing debut season at the Allianz Stadium, only netting twice in 34 appearances across all competitions.
Spalletti: Openda ‘demonstrates outstanding professionalism’
The Belgium international joined Juventus on loan from RB Leipzig last summer, with an obligation to buy, and the clause was activated upon achieving a top-ten finish.
Openda has played barely 1,100 minutes across all competitions with Juventus this season, and just 688 minutes under Spalletti since October.
Questioned on the Belgian’s lack of playing time this term, Spalletti replied (via Sky Sport): “That is another mistake I’ve made. I have to make decisions, but I’m sure I’ll get something wrong.
“He is committed and demonstrates outstanding professionalism. I haven’t played him much because I thought others could give me better results.”
Openda is expected to get even less playing time in the final three games of the season as Dusan Vlahovic is back from an injury and could even start against Lecce tomorrow, as Spalletti admitted during his press conference today.
Juventus paid €3m for Openda’s loan move, while the fee for his permanent transfer is €42m.
ByLorenzo Bettoni
Lorenzo Bettoni is the Editor of Football Italia.
