Randal Kolo Muani warned by Spalletti after Juventus win

Randal Kolo Muani has been told by Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti that he must recover the standards expected of him after a subdued display in the club’s Serie A opener. Spalletti said the France striker’s lack of consistent top-level football had a reason and insisted that his qualities alone were not enough in matches where Juventus need a decisive finish.

Juventus won 1-0 away to Frosinone, with Bremer scoring the only goal after Kolo Muani missed a chance from a corner in the 19th minute. The result gives the Turin side a winning start to the league season, but Spalletti’s comments underline his dissatisfaction with the attack despite the three points.

Kolo Muani, 27, joined Juventus permanently from Paris Saint-Germain on August 2 after an earlier loan spell in Turin produced 10 goals and three assists in 20 appearances. His subsequent season at Tottenham was less productive, with five goals and four assists across 41 matches, before the Frenchman returned to Paris and remained outside Luis Enrique’s plans.

Spalletti still values Kolo Muani’s ability to hold the ball, find space and use his physical strength. He also wants another forward with different characteristics to complement him, while making clear that the striker must regain the elements of his game that have slipped.