'Frivolous' – Italian media refuse to hold back on Nick Woltemade despite Juventus goal
Newcastle United striker Nick Woltemade was again criticised by the Italian media, despite scoring in Juventus’ Europa League win against Celta Vigo.
Nick Woltemade made it two goals in two starts for Juventus as they came from behind to beat Celta Vigo 2-1 in the Europa League.
The on-loan Newcastle United striker is yet to start or score in Serie A but is Juventus’ leading scorer in Europe so far this campaign, having found the net in both of his appearances.
Woltemade scored from the penalty spot in a 5-0 win over Dutch side NEC Nijmegen before netting in open play during Thursday night’s victory in Spain.
We have launched a new NUFC YouTube channel to bring the latest Newcastle United news and analysis. Click this link and subscribe to NUFC Press Box.
The 24-year-old equalised in the 58th minute after capitalising on a defensive error from former Sunderland left-back Marcos Alonso. Randal Kolo Muani then came off the bench to snatch a 92nd-minute winner.
Nick Woltemade still facing criticism from Italian media
Woltemade had come under fire from the Italian media ahead of the game. Following Juventus’ 1-1 draw in Cagliari on Sunday, Tuttosport said: “Best wishes to Spalletti, who must make sense of a player who is completely out of place today.”
And despite getting on the scoresheet, Woltemade failed to escape the scrutiny, with Tuttosport claiming his goal rescued what was otherwise “an overall frivolous performance”.
“When he collides with the Celta defence, he falters,” the publication wrote after giving Woltemade a 6.5/10 in their post-match player ratings. “This is surprising, considering he's a lanky, 90-kilogram, 190-cm tall man.
“He deserves credit for setting up Koop for a penalty on the move. But he also missed the best chance of the Juventus first half. Then came the flash of brilliance, sporadic and marred by Marcos Alonso's madness, which gave the Bianconeri some breathing space and redeemed an overall frivolous performance.”
Corriere dello Sport handed Woltemade a slightly lower mark of 6/10: “He had a great chance to start and finally took it on a night that had been difficult for a long time.
“He spectacularly missed a left-footed shot from a good position, then swatted away Marcos Alonso's gift and put Juve back on track. Two goals in two European games.”
Nick Woltemade on his ‘best’ game in a Juventus shirt
By contrast, Woltemade felt the performance was his best in a Juventus shirt and spoke of his hopes of forming a partnership with Kolo Muani.
“I think I played my best game for Juve tonight,” Woltemade told Sky Sport. “I did some good things, I can do better, but I'm happy with the goal, which always gives confidence. I want to keep pushing.
“After Cagliari, Kolo Muani said that it's better for him to play with me, is it the same for me? Yes, I like playing with Kolo: an excellent player and striker , in general with two strikers the defense can only focus on one.
“So when we are together in the penalty area it is more difficult for the opponents to defend: I think we did well, Kolo scored his second consecutive goal, I'm happy. I have faith in my coach , I think every choice he makes will be the right one.
“Both Kolo and I are good players, we can do well both together and alone : the decision is up to the coach, continuing to score can only help us.”