Spalletti: Sarr and Kelly to Start Against Alkmaar

Head coach Luciano Spalletti said that Juventus players may have realized that the situation truly depends on themselves after the recent crisis. However, Spalletti's options against AZ Alkmaar are limited. The match will kick off at AZ Stadion on Thursday at 20:00 GMT (21:00 CET).

Juventus won their first two Europa League matches, then drew 2-2 at home with Stade Rennais. A 2-0 win over Napoli in Serie A on Sunday lifted their spirits. Still, finding consistency remains a real problem for the team.

Spalletti confirmed that Pape Matar Sarr and Lloyd Kelly will start in the starting XI. He also said there needs to be rotation in attack. Weston McKennie is out with a muscle problem. Kenan Yildiz, Manuel Locatelli, Francisco Conceiçao, Nico Gonzalez, Zeki Celik, Kamil Grabara and Khephren Thuram are also on the list of absentees.

Edon Zhegrova is not in the UEFA squad. Jeff Ekhator, however, was called up to the Europa League squad for the first time. Spalletti said they have to limit players' minutes because of the next match, which will be played within three days. He added that this gives them an opportunity to reduce the fatigue of the forwards.