Nick Woltemade impresses Juventus boss Luciano Spalletti against AC Milan

It’s been a busy past week for Newcastle United striker Nick Woltemade.

The German international completed a season-long loan move to Juventus last Tuesday, joining the Serie A side for the remainder of the 2026/27 campaign. 

Juventus beat Napoli to Woltemade’s signing after initial interest from Naples, and the big man made his debut in Turin on Sunday night.

Woltemade came off the bench against AC Milan in a 1-1 draw at the Allianz Stadium, and Juventus boss Luciano Spalletti has been discussing his deadline day signing in his post-match interview.

Has Spalletti got it wrong with Big Nick? 

Luciano Spalletti believes a "physically imposing" Nick Woltemade can bring power and aerial ability to Juventus' attack following his debut last night.

The 24-year-old came on for the final 15 minutes against AC Milan, helping his new side secure a late point as centre-back Federico Gatti struck in stoppage time to make it 1-1.

Woltemade had limited touches, but did fire one chance just over the bar and won a few free kicks before a feisty exchange with Milan's Strahinja Pavlović.

"Woltemade is a physically imposing player who can really help us. He’s strong and powerful too.

"He won a free kick in a dangerous position and almost scored a goal just after coming on."

"Nick is very tall and strong in the air, so that’s something we can make use of."

While Woltemade may be tall, Spalletti may be in for a shock if the expects the slender German to be his battering ram up top and physically dominant. 

There is no doubting his technical ability, but we've rarely seen the German use his 6ft 6" frame to bully defenders or throw himself at crosses.

Woltemade facing Kolo Muani battle?

Spalletti then spoke about Woltemade's ability to play in a deeper role, or alongside starting striker Randal Kolo Muani.

Based on his comments on the former PSG and Spurs striker, it sounds like Spalletti sees Kolo Muani as his main man up front, giving Woltemade work to do if he's not paired alongside the French international.

"Woltemade has everything it takes to play as an attacking midfielder. He can play alongside Kolo Muani."

"As for Kolo, I’m on that train and I’m staying on it. At the end, we’ll see where that train has taken us….we will see. 

"I got on that train by choosing him and wanting him as my striker, and now I’m staying on it. I’ll stay there until the end of the season.”