GOAL reported that Gazzetta.it described a squad meeting at Continassa after the Lazio match in which Luciano Spalletti asked the Juventus players about changing formation, a discussion that led to the team's recent use of a 5-3-2 with a five-man midfield.
The meeting at Continassa
According to GOAL's account of Gazzetta.it, Spalletti stood in front of the full Juventus squad and asked, "What do you think?" and "What makes you feel better protected?"
The players talked it through and reached their conclusions, according to Gazzetta.it.
GOAL reported that Gazzetta.it said Juventus's five-man midfield came about from that meeting.
What followed after Lazio
Gazzetta.it said that after the Lazio match, Spalletti noted down the key points from the meeting and drew his conclusions.
GOAL said Juventus needed points and were carrying injuries, so the manager made a change out of necessity.
GOAL also said Spalletti admitted after the Lecce match that the change was not his preferred solution.
Spalletti's explanation
Spalletti said: "They talked about what was needed most from a tactical point of view."
Spalletti said: "We changed something, switching to three midfielders and this 5-3-2, because at times like these, everyone knows it and I know it too, you need more clarity and more solidity. We went for the more solid option and, in looking for that, we found this system. We're happy because, from the very first moment, from the first training session, it was clear that we were able to regain a little more balance as a team."