Spalletti admits Juventus´ ´real opponents are ourselves´ after mental collapse against Como

Luciano Spalletti lamented Juventus’ psychological fragility in their 2-0 defeat to Como at Allianz Stadium, confessing that “our real opponents are ourselves.”

Goals from Mergim Vojvoda and Maxence Caqueret proved enough for Cesc Fabregas’ side, who moved within a point of fifth-placed Juventus in the Serie A table.

The loss also extends Juventus’ poor run, with the Bianconeri failing to win their last five matches across competitions (D1 L4).

But more than the defeat, the manner in which Juventus conceded their goals, off defensive and goalkeeping mistakes, left Spalletti visibly frustrated.

“The performance was also dictated by that first goal, because incidents do make the difference,” Spalletti told DAZN Italia.

“We tried to get back into the game with individual pressing, but they forced us to go after them with their quality and possession.

“When you concede the opening goal 13 times, you pay for that in the long run.”

The defeat marked Juventus’ first loss at home this season, and indeed, their first since a 4-0 defeat to Atalanta in March 2025, bringing an end to a 16-match home unbeaten run.

“There was a spell when we had enthusiasm and some wonderful performances, then when that is lacking, so is the self-belief, the errors prove costly, and it becomes difficult to react psychologically,” Spalletti added.

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“This is how it works in the heads of the players, there is too much pressure over recent results, and these moments make the difference.

“It’s all about self-belief, that we have what it takes. We had managed to create that belief in our potential, but when confidence and a sense of authority goes…

“I saw misplaced passes that are simply never done by my players. It’s not something that happens, and they feel trapped by the situation.”

Saturday’s result also marked Juventus’ first top-flight loss at home to Como since April 1951.

Fabregas’ side completed the league double over the Bianconeri for just the second time in their Serie A history, following a run of three successive wins between November 1950 and January 1952.

But Spalletti refused to pinpoint the blame on one particular player, despite Weston McKennie and Michele Di Gregorio’s costly errors giving Como an early lead.

“Di Gregorio has no extra responsibility compared to all his teammates. He makes a mistake, just as the superficial back-pass was a mistake in the build-up,” the Juve boss continued.

“Everyone could’ve done better defending that situation, not losing the ball cheaply, the responsibility must always be shared.

“Our opponents are in this case ourselves. If we can sort some things out on a psychological and technical level, then we can have our say.

“If this is our level, then we’ll lose and cannot have ambition for any result.”