Thiago Motta is particularly pleased with his team’s activity on the transfer market, and is excited for what he has described as a ‘beautiful’ match between Juventus and Roma in Serie A on Sunday evening.
The Bianconeri coach sat down for his customary pre-match press conference on Saturday.
Motta is full of respect for Roma, and particularly for their head coach Daniele De Rossi. The two tacticians were long-term international colleagues with the Italy national team.
Motta confirmed that his players have prepared well, and that there are only a few fitness concerns to manage.
Motta: ‘Juventus have strong players in a strong team’
“Tomorrow we face a strong and determined team. The stadium will be full and we have prepared well and enthusiastically. Everyone is ready, it will be a great match.”
The coach faced questions on potential outgoings for Tiago Djalo, who had a move to Roma fall through on deadline day, as well as for Filip Kostic and Arthur Melo.
“Djalo, Kostic and Arthur are all part of Juventus. The outgoing market is still open. Our Maximum concentration is on Roma.
“I’m happy with the market because we’ve brought in strong players, who will compete in a strong team. The new guys will become available, I am very happy.
“All the guys who have arrived, also Koop, have made a big effort to be here. They are guys who have put all their talent at the team’s disposal and always give their best.”
Motta was also asked what he made of Roma’s start to the 2023-24 season. The Giallorossi have picked up just one point from their opening two matches.
He responded: “We are only at the third game. Daniele had a great end to the season. I know him well, because we were teammates in the national team. The thing I have always liked is that he faces the situation as he thinks is right, even if it means going against others’ opinions.”
Motta then shared a touching anecdote, providing a glowing character reference for the Giallorossi coach.
“When I was given the no.10 shirt in the national team, he gave me his full support. He could have easily not said anything, but he did say it and I am grateful to have had a teammate who defended me in a moment of difficulty.
“It’s reasons like that why he’s at a great team today. I wish him well, not tomorrow, but for everything else.”
Motta on Juventus players’ availability
Motta confirmed that all of his new signings are “All fit. All eligible for tomorrow.”
There are still some minor fitness concerns among the squad. Timothy Weah, Khephren Thuram and Arkadiusz Milik remain out with minor injuries.
Juventus-Roma will kick off at 19.45 BST at the Allianz Stadium on Sunday night.
