Spalletti's Cheeky Slap: Juventus Boss Whacks McKennie Mid-Celebration on His Birthday Bash
Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti slapped Weston McKennie during wild celebrations after Kenan Yildiz's third goal in a 4-0 Serie A win over Pisa, coinciding with the boss's 67th birthday. It's not the first time, as he did the same to Lois Openda earlier, but McKennie remains a star with eight goals and seven assists, securing a contract extension to 2030. The incident, reported by Lorenzo Bettoni at Football Italia, has sparked humorous reactions online.
Spalletti's Cheeky Slap: Juventus Boss Whacks McKennie Mid-Celebration on His Birthday Bash
Picture this: the Allianz Stadium buzzing, Juventus finally breaking their Serie A duck after a month-long drought, and the bench erupting like it's the last orders at closing time. That's the scene as Kenan Yildiz slotted home his third of the night in the 75th minute against hapless Pisa, sealing a comfy 4-0 romp. But amid the hugs and high-fives for gaffer Luciano Spalletti on his 67th birthday, one moment stole the show – a proper cheeky slap to Weston McKennie's napper.
The USMNT star rocked up for his embrace, only to cop a playful – or was it? – whack from the Tuscan tactician. Clips are doing the rounds on socials, with punters howling and the USMNT Only account left gobsmacked: "Why Luciano Spalletti do Weston McKennie like that 😭". As reported by Lorenzo Bettoni at Football Italia, it's not malice, mind – more like Spalletti's quirky way of showing the love.
A Gaffer with a Slap Habit
Spalletti's no stranger to dishing out these tough-love taps. Back in January, he did the same to Lois Openda ahead of the striker's sub appearance in a Champions League clash with Benfica. Seems the Italian's got a signature move: celebrate hard, slap harder.
Don't panic, though – this ain't toxicity, it's Spalletti's eccentric coaching vibe. The Bianconeri faithful lap it up, especially after ending that grim winless streak. Pisa, bottom-feeders fighting relegation, barely laid a glove, letting Yildiz run riot and the squad breathe easy.
McKennie's Marching On, Slap or No Slap
For all the viral drama, McKennie's been Juventus' engine room this term. Under Spalletti, the Yank powerhouse has bagged eight goals and chipped in with seven assists across 27 outings. That's proper box-to-box brilliance, earning him a shiny new deal running to 2030.
From celebrating Lazio strikes to now this birthday bash against Pisa, McKennie's loving life in Turin. Spalletti's delight is clear – slap included. It's the kind of banter that bonds a squad, turning pressure into pints of positivity.
Birthday Blues or Jubilant Juve?
Spalletti turning 67 and marking it with a Serie A tonic? Priceless. Juventus needed this 4-0 thumping to kickstart their top-four push, and Yildiz's hat-trick heroics lit the fuse. Pisa? They'll lick wounds and pray for points elsewhere.
Social media's split: some cry foul, others chuckle at the camaraderie. Either way, it's peak Spalletti – passionate, unpredictable, and unapologetically Italian. As Juve gear up for the run-in, expect more fireworks, slaps optional. Who's complaining after goals like that?
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