Italian club Juventus is preparing to face Portuguese side Benfica on Wednesday evening, in the seventh round of the group stage of the 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League. The match holds great importance for the Bianconeri, who are aiming to boost their chances of qualifying for the next round.

Luciano Spalletti, the Juventus coach, said during the pre-match press conference: "When you play against a team like Benfica, you're not just playing against any ordinary team, but against a part of football history and a football identity. Portuguese teams set their own rhythm, and you often realize it late. I expect the players to be ready and able to express themselves through their own abilities."

He continued: "When we first spoke at the beginning, Mourinho always talked more than me, and he always wins in that aspect. We respect and appreciate each other, and we spoke over the phone. It will be my pleasure to face him. Things are always more intense when Mourinho is involved, but I feel proud to be on the bench opposite him."

He added: "We always expect something different with Mourinho. It's a direct confrontation, and I expect Benfica to be aggressive. They will come to play the match, and I am convinced it will be a good game."

Spalletti continued his talk about the winter transfer market, saying: "Autolini is in the office next to mine, and we only meet at night. Comolli was also present at training this morning. These are all questions that should be directed to them. I am doing a different job. I accepted this team from Juventus and don’t expect anything. My mindset is always to progress calmly and steadily, with the confidence that we can fight to achieve our goals with the players I found when I arrived."

He explained: "Of course, injuries might make you think differently, but I am happy with the players I have available."

Spalletti added about the match: "I expect to see the same things I see every day; they enjoy progressing in training, and I enjoy watching them. Portuguese teams are all somewhat similar; Sporting has something similar to Benfica, and if you don't make the right decisions, you might fall into a trap like in the match against Sporting."

He continued: "We are strong and have a clear idea of how to play. The spotlight is more intense in Champions League matches, and we hope to be worthy of that spotlight."

Spalletti added about Benfica's strengths: "They are a team that can play against anyone. I need to focus on what my team must do. Their abilities include keeping the ball on the ground and playing at a very fast pace. Portuguese football is always admired because it forces you to move the ball very quickly."

Spalletti concluded his talk about his future with the team by saying: "I am not ready for anything, and Juventus is not ready for anything either. We will resolve this in the final week of our partnership. I haven't done anything to deserve what you want me to say. In football, minds change quickly. Juventus always has strong coaches and will find others in the future. If I want to continue coaching, I hope to be one of them. Evaluations are postponed for now, and we will announce them together in the last week."