Juventus captain Manuel Locatelli believes his side “lack a bit of competitive nastiness” as they look to qualify for the Champions League.
The Bianconeri are fourth in Serie A, just one point ahead of fifth-placed Roma with three games to go in 2025-26.
Although Luciano Spalletti’s side are unbeaten in their last nine league games (W5 D4), they have been held to draws in their last two games against AC Milan (0-0) and Verona (1-1) respectively.
For the second time under Spalletti, Juve have drawn two Serie A games in a row – the previous one happened in November, against Torino and Fiorentina.
Juve have also failed to win in four of their last six Serie A home games against teams starting the matchday in the relegation zone (W2 D4).
They reached the play-off round of the Champions League this season, going out to Galatasaray after extra time after cancelling out a three-goal first-leg deficit.
However, Locatelli believes they must develop a competitive edge if they are to qualify for UEFA’s premier competition this time around.
“I think we lack a bit of competitive nastiness in certain moments,” Locatelli told reporters at the launch event of Juve’s Strength of Stories podcast.
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“We have to try to score when games are still open. Being clinical in front of goal helps us. The coach told us, we need a pinch of extra nastiness.
“As I’ve always said, it’s a familiar concept in football, we’re used to this sort of pressure. The important thing is that it all still depends on us.
“We have to play these next few games with maturity. We’re trying, but we lack that wickedness.”
Juventus travel to Lecce for their next game before hosting Fiorentina. Spalletti’s side will close out the season against rivals Torino.
