Spalletti happy to give Juventus youngster Alajbegović 'more responsibility'

Luciano Spalletti believes Juventus youngster Kerim Alajbegović deserves "a little more responsibility" ahead of the Europa League clash with AZ Alkmaar.

Alajbegović scored his first Serie A goal in black and white in Sunday's 2-0 win over Napoli. At 19 years and 41 days, the Bosnian became the youngest foreign player to score in the history of Serie A meetings between Juve and Napoli.

Alajbegović is also the youngest forward in Europe's five major leagues to have both scored at least one goal and provided at least one assist in the 2026-27 season. Five attacking players born in 2007 or later have both scored and assisted in those leagues this season: alongside the Bosnian talent, they are Lamine Yamal, Charalampos Kostoulas, Jay Robinson and Paul Mendy.

While Spalletti was pleased with the impact Alajbegović has made in a short space of time, he was keen to keep expectations around the youngster in check.

"Alajbegović took on responsibility; a young player like him usually takes a step back in difficult moments, but he made an important contribution to turning those difficulties around," Spalletti said. "When he first joined the squad he was seen as a promising talent, but given his form and his response on the pitch, we are happy to give him a little more responsibility. It's great to see this reaction, but playing regularly at this level is not easy, so let's not rush and raise expectations too high. I can say that, sooner or later, he will be on the pitch for part of the game against AZ."

The two sides will be meeting for the first time in European competition. AZ Alkmaar are unbeaten in their last five European matches against Italian opposition (4 wins, 1 draw), while Juventus have avoided defeat in their three Europa League games against Dutch teams (2 wins, 1 draw), scoring seven goals and conceding only one in those matches.