Juventus drew 2-2 with Rennes in a Europa League game in Turin on Thursday. After Jhon Lucumí's 88th-minute goal was ruled out following a VAR review, Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti said via TuttoMercatoWeb that he did not understand the decision.
Late goal ruled out
Lucumí converted in the 88th minute after Teun Koopmeiners flicked on a free kick, but VAR ruled that the defender had been offside at the moment of the flick-on.
Spalletti said: "I didn’t understand it, and I’m going to look into it."
Spalletti said: "When I saw it in the dressing room, I was surprised and disappointed. The Rennes player could have cleared that ball and Lucumí didn’t impede him. I thought I knew this rule, but after tonight I have a lot of doubts. The referee was very good, but a little less good on this incident."
First start together for the pair
It was the first time Nick Woltemade and Randal Kolo Muani had started together in a competitive match. Woltemade set up Zeki Çelik's opener and scored the equalising penalty.
Kolo Muani struggled to get involved and was replaced 10 minutes from time.
Spalletti said: "Today they did well, but I think I can expect more from both of them, because their qualities are greater than the performance they gave tonight."
Spalletti said: "What the two of them produce isn’t just the sum of their individual qualities. They can coexist, and when they work together, they can become three, not two."
Reaction after Lazio defeat
Via TuttoMercatoWeb, Spalletti said he was satisfied with Juventus' attitude after Sunday's 3-0 defeat to Lazio.
Spalletti said: "I’m satisfied with our attitude, because getting back into the game at a time like this was difficult. The lads accepted the difficulties, gained ground and were rewarded, even though we hadn’t made any glaring mistakes for their two goals."
Credit for Rennes and a message for Juventus
Spalletti also gave Rennes credit.
Spalletti said: "This is a good side, with quick, technical players and a strong academy. We have to show we’re better than the others, otherwise we just keep going round in circles."
Spalletti said: "We have this tendency to feel comfortable sitting deep, but modern football isn’t like that any more. Gaining a few metres means choosing when to press and having the attitude of a team that wants to take control."