Spalletti’s Permanent Napoli Tattoo Creates Juventus Dilemma
Luciano Spalletti has officially joined Juventus as head coach, despite declaring just months earlier that he would “never coach another team in Italy” after his emotional departure from Napoli.
The veteran manager’s massive Napoli logo tattoo spanning the width of his forearm presents an awkward visual as he takes charge of one of Napoli’s historic rivals.
“Naples Forever in My Heart”
Spalletti addressed the elephant in the room during his first Juventus press conference with a revealing anecdote: “Today I had blood tests done, and I used my other arm because I have the tattoo here and didn’t want anything touching it. For me, nothing will change – Naples will forever remain in my heart.”
The 65-year-old coach signed a contract with Juventus until summer 2026, reportedly worth €3 million per season, making his prominent Napoli body art increasingly conspicuous.
March Declaration: “Could Never Coach Another Italian Club”
Just months before his Juventus appointment, Spalletti was adamant about his loyalty to Napoli. While coaching the Italian national team in March, he stated on the program Che Tempo Che Fa: “Of course, I could never coach another team in Italy. When you’ve experienced that environment, participated in Napoli matches as coach and worn the Maradona jersey, it becomes difficult to return as an opponent.”
His emotional connection to the club ran so deep that he initially didn’t even want to play against Napoli, let alone coach their direct rival.
The Scudetto Tattoo and Honorary Citizenship
Spalletti’s devotion to Napoli was recognized in December 2023 when he was named an honorary citizen of Naples for his “undoubted sporting merits and contribution to strengthening the image, prestige and Neapolitan identity even beyond national borders.”
The coach commemorated Napoli’s long-awaited Serie A victory by getting the tattoo in May 2023, immediately after winning the Scudetto. His departure shortly after the championship victory was bittersweet, with Spalletti explaining: “Sometimes you separate because of too much love. Napoli deserves better.”
Contextualizing the Controversy
Spalletti defended his career move, explaining: “It’s not that I should stop coaching because I spent a season at Napoli. I had to take this option for one season out of respect for the club and city. But after that season I was free and could have another experience. Those who use this situation to attack me are taking it out of context.”
The coach maintains that despite his professional transition to Juventus, his emotional bond with Naples remains unbroken: “In every city I left, I left something special. In Naples I felt something higher, understanding the beauty of football and what we achieved – a fantastic and important Scudetto. I established a special connection with these people. From my side, this won’t change.”
