Di Canio suggests Kelly unworthy of Juventus: ‘He’s a tuna’

Former Juventus and Lazio striker Paolo Di Canio is unsure Lloyd Kelly will continue to be a regular starter at Juventus: ‘He’s a tuna.’

Ex-Italy international Di Canio was highly critical of Italian football on Wednesday night as he examined Serie A clubs’ defeats in the Champions League knockout play-off first leg.

Di Canio critical of Italian football

Juventus lost 5-2 away at Galatasaray on Tuesday night. Kelly was blamed for the Turkish side’s fourth goal as the English defender lost possession inside the box, leading to Noa Lang’s strike.

West Ham legend Di Canio didn’t mince words when criticising Serie A football, including Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti and Bianconeri defender Kelly.

“He [Spalletti] said: ‘Kelly doesn’t even know how strong he is’, but actually, he’s a tuna,” Di Canio said via TMW.

Di Canio: Kelly ‘is a tuna…in a good way!’

“In a good way, because he’s such a nice guy. However, there isn’t a storytelling that makes us think Kelly will be the starting defender of a Juventus side that wins the Scudetto or the Champions League in the future. Some things are said to motivate the players at times, but then you see performances like the one in Istanbul, which kill you.”

Kelly has had regular playing time under Spalletti this season, making 20 appearances across all competitions.

The English defender joined the Bianconeri from Newcastle in the 2025 January transfer window and has already played 51 games across all competitions with the Old Lady.

His contract at the Allianz Stadium runs out in June 2029.