There are flops at Juventus and there are stalwarts, all playing to secure a place under former Italy and Napoli manager Spalletti. He is expected to switch his tactical approach following a stuttering start at the Turin titans, despite not losing in his three games at the helm.
Breathing new life into a squad who lost confidence and motivation under former head coach Igor Tudor is a tough task for Spalletti, but he is a versatile tactician and has already rejuvenated Weston McKennie.
With McKennie's Juve's deal set to expire in the summer, and no news of a contract renewal after initial talks stalled, it is up to Spalletti to get the best out of a player who was recently overlooked by US boss Mauricio Pochettino.
Yet already the vultures of Serie A are circling for Juventus outcasts, with ex-Bianconeri manager Antonio Conte keen to bring in versatile attacking midfielder McKennie to Napoli during January's transfer window.
Conte attracted Kevin De Bruyne from Manchester City in the summer, but the Belgian midfielder tore his hamstring while converting a penalty against Inter Milan last month. His injury rules him out of action until at least until February.
Defending champions Napoli also lost central midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa to a hamstring injury for Cameroon, and he is sidelined until late January or early February.
Conte eyes up Juve's midfield maestro
Their underwhelming start to the campaign needs a shake-up, and reinforcing the midfield is priority for under pressure Conte.
Giovanni Manna, Napoli's sporting director, is familiar with McKennie and could persuade the Texan to switch sides.
Spalletti could start to implement McKennie as an attacking winger if he opts to play 4-3-3, with the 27-year-old back in favor at the club having been seen as surplus to requirements under Tudor.
He was deemed overweight and not at his physically fit premium when Tudor was manager, but McKennie has since trimmed down with his silky skills admired by Spalletti.
Silverware is goal for Juventus stars
Like all players at Juve, especially those who have encountered a relentless change of head coach, the goal to be in the mix for silverware has been a long-suffering experience.
McKennie, who initially joined Juventus on loan from Schalke in August 2020, was brought in by Andrea Pirlo to fill the gap left by Blaise Matuidi's move to Inter Miami.
Having regained his starting berth at the club under Spalletti, which could tempt McKennie to negotiate a contract extension, has made him an attractive proposition for Napoli.
Juventus definitely would not wish to strengthen a rival for European soccer. Spalletti should have fully utilized McKennie during training over the enforced break, which could mean getting the American purring on the pitch when the Bianconeri recommence battles in Serie A and the Champions League.