Spalletti expecting fireworks in crucial Champions League battle against Mourinho

Luciano Spalletti has no doubt that Jose Mourinho will have a few tricks up his sleeve when Juventus face Benfica in a pivotal Champions League fixture on Wednesday.

With two matchdays remaining in the league stage, Juventus are 17th in the standings with nine points, while Benfica are on the wrong side of the play-off cut-off in 27th.

However, the Lisbon giants are only three points behind the Bianconeri after winning their last two Champions League matches, having lost each of their previous six beforehand.

Should Benfica shut Juventus out en route to three points, it would be the first time they have won three consecutive games without conceding in Europe’s premier club competition since 1989-99 (a run of five in the European Cup).

Juventus also failed to win any of their first four Champions League games this season (D3 D1) but have since won their last two. They last won more in a row between March and November 2021 (a run of five).

Spalletti and Mourinho – who share two former clubs in Inter and Roma – have faced off as managers on eight previous occasions, with the Special One boasting three wins to his rival’s two (three draws).

Asked about his upcoming reunion with Mourinho in Turin, Spalletti said: “When we first spoke, he’d say more than me – he always wins in that respect!

“We respect each other, we appreciate one another and have spoken on the phone. It will be a pleasure to face him.

“The volume is always turned up a notch when Mourinho is involved, and for me, it will be a source of pride to be in the opposite dugout.

“You always expect something different with Mourinho. It’s a direct clash and I expect Benfica to be aggressive. They will come to play. I’m convinced it will be a good game.”

Spalletti has had a positive impact since taking the reins at the Allianz Stadium – since his appointment on October 30, Juve’s 24 points in Serie A have only been bettered by Inter (31) and AC Milan (28).

But the former Napoli and Italy boss has reiterated that he will not sign a long-term contract until his initial deal expires at the end of the campaign, saying: “I’m not ready for anything and Juventus are not ready for anything either.

“We will resolve this in the last week of our partnership. I’ve done nothing to deserve what you want me to say.

“In football, minds can be changed quickly. Juve have always had very strong coaches and they will find just as many in the future.

“If I want to continue coaching, I hope to be one of them. Evaluations are pushed to one side for now. We will come here and announce it together, in the final week.”