Spalletti likens Juventus to 'lions' after Coppa Italia progress

Luciano Spalletti compared Juventus to "lions" after they booked their place in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals with a win over Udinese.

Goals in either half from Jonathan David and Manuel Locatelli sealed their place in the final eight and extended Juventus' unbeaten run to eight matches in all competitions.

Since the Coppa Italia last 16 returned to knockout matches in 2008-09, Juve are the only team to have always progressed through to the quarter-finals, winning all 18 of those games.

And they are now unbeaten in their last 12 meetings against Udinese in all competitions (W11 D1), but Spalletti believes they can still improve.

"We played a decent game, we did everything well," Spalletti told Italia 1. "We were well-balanced; we capitalised and created big chances.

"We could have managed certain situations better, and given the level we have, we need to take advantage in those.

"You have to be fierce and mean. A real lion gives all of its strength, even against a mouse."

David and Lois Openda also had goals chalked out for offside, with the scoreline not fully reflecting Juventus' dominance.

Outside of that, David only managed one shot – his goal – though he had six touches in the opposition box, a team high. Openda's only strike was his offside attempt.

"They're two central strikers. If you talk to them, they'll tell you that's where they operate best on the pitch," Spalletti explained.

"David is technically very good, and links up well with the team. He moves very well in the box when the team plays against a low block and knows how to manage difficult situations.

"Openda is better at attacking from deep; he needs space, but they compensate for each other and can also play together. We're pleased that they're doing well."