McKennie on adaptable Juventus, American Pope and pasta experiment

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Susy Campanale | Last updated May 10, 2025 11:20 AM ET

Weston McKennie insists Juventus must be able to ‘adapt’ tactically as they face Lazio, while he welcomes the first American Pope and fails to convince teammates of his revolutionary pasta recipe.

It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT, 18.00 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s three Serie A games on the Liveblog.

McKennie has tried to insist he has a great pasta recipe, using pesto, tomato, chicken and chili oil, but those around him seem unconvinced.

“It is a bit difficult here in Italy, as everyone has their tradition with pasta, so it’s tough to try something different,” McKennie told the frankly sceptical DAZN presenters.

McKennie with different roles at Juventus

“We have to play as a team, go hard, the important thing is to pick up the three points. There are another two matches after this, we are concentrated on getting the maximum from today,” added the USMNT midfielder.

Igor Tudor is facing his former club this evening and showed last week with the draw against Bologna that he can adapt his tactics to neutralise their opponents.

“It is important for a side to have different approaches, whether it’s man for man, or playing beautiful football. Sometimes you just have to win the game, so we can adapt. You cannot win a game without winning the duels.”

McKennie is playing in the Eternal City today, which now has a new figurehead, as Pope Leo XIV was elected this week, the first ever American Pope in the history of the Catholic Church.

“An American Pope is amazing, I wrote in my group chat that now English is the first language in Italy, seeing as the Pope is American!” joked McKennie.

This article first appeared on Football Italia and was syndicated with permission.

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