Weston McKennie slapped by Luciano Spalletti after Juventus goal

Weston McKennie was bizarrely slapped by his manager, Luciano Spalletti, after Juventus scored in their 4-0 home win over Pisa. McKennie played the full 90 minutes, lining up at wing-back, and was clipped on the cheek during the second-half celebrations following Kenan Yildiz’s 75th-minute goal.

Yildiz ran to the touchline to celebrate and Spalletti joined the group; McKennie arrived a little later and received the slap before being offered some encouraging words and returning to the field. Spalletti has made the same gesture before, notably in January when he slapped Lois Openda ahead of a Champions League match with Benfica, and the action has been presented as a show of affection rather than anger.

McKennie has had a productive 2025-26 season, registering eight goals and seven assists while filling roles from defence to attack.

weston mckennie, luciano spalletti, juventus, pisa, kenan yildiz, slap, wing-back, 4-0 win, lois openda, champions league