Nick Woltemade's Juventus spell hit a new low as they were beaten heavily at home by Lazio

Italian media issued a damning verdict on Newcastle loanee Nick Woltemade as Juventus' wretched start to the season continued. Despite scoring in Thursday's Europa League win away to Celta Vigo, Woltemade started on the bench as Juve hosted Lazio.

The German was eventually brought on at half-time with Juve 1-0 down. However, he couldn't help turn the tide as Lazio romped to a 3-0 victory, which left the Turin giants eighth in Serie A, eight points off leaders Inter Milan.

As things went from bad to worse for Luciano Spalletti's side, the team was jeered by fans inside the Allianz Stadium before and after the final whistle. The result and subsequent reaction left Woltemade looking bewildered, as if he'd seen a ghost.

Given he only played the second half, Italian media didn't go in too hard on the 24-year-old's performance, with Corriere dello Sport, Tuttosport and Calciomercato giving him 5/10 ratings, better than many of his team-mates. Tuttosport said: "Little tricks. Flashes. Minimal attempts. This game never changed."

Calciomercato was harsher, saying: "Lots of good will, but very little substance. He's not the centre-forward Spalletti wanted and needed: has that already been said?"

Further analysis of Juve's malaise didn't reflect well on Woltemade, who left the Magpies on a season-long loan at the end of the transfer window. Tuttosport said Juve, who also boast French forward Randal Kolo Muani in their ranks, "lack a centre forward."

The title wrote: "It's clear that Juventus's squad has serious limitations and that something went wrong this summer too: the lack of a centre forward is a problem that cries out.

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"The underestimation of the lack of character is also something that is being felt today. Spalletti is struggling, he has to juggle unsuitable players and too many injuries."

Woltemade is yet to score for Juve in Serie A this season, although he has two goals in the Europa League. Meanwhile, under-pressure Spalletti pulled no punches after the defeat, admitting his side was "inferior" to Lazio and accusing some of his players of giving up.

He said: "The important thing is to show a reaction, not to let ourselves be abandoned by events. It's a question of character. We don't gamble our future on luck, but on our willpower.

"We are forced to learn this and be able to recognise it. Some young people today fight, others give up at the first push. It's always part of a person's character."

Spalletti said he may need to re-assess his relationship with his players, adding: "Something needs to be changed. I was surprised by the performance. I need to think carefully.

"I'll have to self-analyse the relationship with the team, which is beautiful and sincere. They realise, on their own, that what we did today is absolutely not right."