• The relationship between Totti and Spalletti is one of the most dramatic stories in Calcio history

In a statement with significant weight in Italian football, not just for its technical content but for its historical and personal depth, Roma legend Francesco Totti unexpectedly endorsed his former coach Luciano Spalletti’s potential move to arch-rivals Juventus.

Totti considered that Juventus signing Spalletti, who is in advanced negotiations to succeed sacked coach Igor Tudor, would be a “winning deal” and a “major signing” for the Turin club.

These words, reported by Italian media on Tuesday, carry exceptional weight beyond mere tactical analysis; they come from a man who experienced the toughest periods of his career under Spalletti, in a relationship that shifted from respect to open conflict in front of the world.

Testimony from the heart of the “conflict”

The relationship between Totti and Spalletti is among the most dramatic in Calcio history. During Spalletti’s second term at Roma, he made the historic decision to bench “Il Capitano” Totti, causing immense tension that peaked at the end of Totti’s legendary farewell — a departure many felt Spalletti had directly accelerated, denying him a fitting finale.

For this reason, hearing Totti today, years after retirement, set aside personal history and gave a purely professional testimony in favor of his former coach is striking. Totti stated clearly: “I know Spalletti is a candidate to coach Juventus. I believe the club would make a major signing if they hire him.”

“Unique personality makes the difference”

Totti didn’t stop at endorsement; he offered an in-depth analysis of Spalletti’s character, informed by firsthand experience in the dressing room. The former Giallorossi captain added: “Luciano is a strong coach, always present, and wants to succeed wherever he goes.”

These qualities align exactly with what Juventus seeks. Following Igor Tudor’s sacking, the club — amid a rebuilding phase — needs a “strong” coach unafraid of big names, “present” with tactical details, and possessing a “winning mentality” consistent with the club’s ethos.

Totti concluded by highlighting Spalletti’s unique trait: “He has a unique personality and a real ability to make a difference in any team he coaches.”

Totti himself was once subjected to this “unique personality” that accepts no half measures and does not prioritise individual stardom over the team. He now acknowledges that this toughness is the very “ability to make a difference” that a club like Juventus needs to regain its former glory.

Why Juventus?

Spalletti’s potential move to Juventus comes at an ideal time. The experienced Italian coach, who recently led Napoli to a historic Scudetto, has proven he can defy odds and build competitive teams. Juventus, meanwhile, seeks a “guarantee” for a return to the podium. Spalletti offers that assurance. He knows the Italian league intimately and possesses the charisma and tactical discipline that has defined successful coaches in Turin.

Totti’s endorsement — as Roma’s top legend — of a move to bitter rivals Juventus is the strongest proof that, from a purely footballing perspective, this would be the right match, so much so that even “Il Re” Francesco Totti could not help but acknowledge it, putting personal history aside in favor of technical truth.