Juventus Boss Delivers Savage One-Liner When Grilled About Jonathan David Transfer Rumors
Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti dismissed inquiries regarding Jonathan David's challenging adjustment period in Turin, making light of rumors surrounding the forward's exclusion from the squad's recent holiday celebration.
Ever since Spalletti replaced Igor Tudor, David has rediscovered his menacing form. However, recent media reports suggested the Canadian forward had been marginalized and finding it difficult to blend with his teammates due to his reserved personality and struggles with the Italian language.
These issues, as per reports, resulted in his exclusion from team meals and the club's traditional Christmas gathering.
The coach addressed this situation with his characteristic humor earlier this week, dismissing allegations of ostracism with a playful suggestion that David's pasta-eating technique had upset his Italian teammates.
"The squad was justified in not bringing Jonathan David to dinner," Spalletti informed journalists before their fixture against AS Roma. "The initial time they brought him for a meal, he sprinkled Parmesan on his linguine alle vongole and they haven't asked him back! Does that satisfy your curiosity about David?"
His comments followed multiple Juventus teammates, including Manuel Locatelli and Mattia Perin, sharing photos and experiences with David during the autumn period.
The 25-year-old Canadian netted in his inaugural appearance for Juventus during a 2–0 victory against Parma, but was subsequently relegated to substitute duties behind Dušan Vlahović under former coach Igor Tudor. Lately, though, he has become a regular in the starting eleven with Vlahović out due to injury.
Currently, David remains focused on finding his rhythm in Serie A following his recognition as Canada Soccer Player of the Year and Concacaf Player of the Year, as he pursues additional chances with Juventus and aims to position himself optimally to captain Canada during the 2026 FIFA World Cup on home territory.