Spalletti explains argument with fan during Juventus 2-0 Benfica: ‘It was continuous’

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Peter Young | Last updated Jan 22, 2026 4:36 AM ET

Luciano Spalletti has explained why he decided to engage in an argument with a supporter during Juventus’s 2-0 Champions League victory against Jose Mourinho’s Benfica on Tuesday night: ‘It was continuous throughout the game’.

What Spalletti said to supporter during Juventus 2-0 Benfica

Juventus kept their dream of finishing the league phase in the top eight alive on Tuesday night thanks to goals from Weston McKennie and Khephren Thuram in an eventual 2-0 victory against Benfica on Tuesday night.

It was an all action affair for Spalletti, who made headlines for his touchline row with a supporter and for slapping striker Lois Openda on the sideline at the Allianz Stadium.

TURIN, ITALY – JANUARY 21: Khephren Thuram of Juventus greets teammate Pierre Kalulu following the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match between Juventus and SL Benfica at Juventus Stadium on January 21, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Spalletti was asked to explain his involvement with the supporter during his post-match press conference at full-time.

Spalletti assured reporters that there was nothing much worth reading into, but revealed what the supporter had said to draw a reaction.

“From the first minute, whenever anybody misplaced a ball it was: ‘Spalletti, take him off, Spalletti take him off’,” Spalletti told the press.

“It was continuous throughout the game. I told him ‘look, I only have five substitutions. It’s difficult if you carry on like this, I can’t change them all’.

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

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