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Official: Luciano Spalletti Takes Charge Of Juventus
Juventus has announced the appointment of Luciano Spalletti, who has signed an initial contract through the end of the season.
However, he wouldn’t last long in the role, with the club from Turin relieving him of his duties following an eight-match winless run that left them eighth in Serie A and 25th in the Champions League, outside the playoff spots.
Italian media quickly identified Luciano Spalletti as the leading candidate to take over, reporting that he would initially sign a short-term deal.
The appointment has now been confirmed, with the contract set to extend if he secures Champions League qualification.
”We are delighted to welcome a coach with such expertise and experience to the Bianconeri family,” a club statement reads.
”Welcome to Juventus and good luck, coach!
Spalletti’s last role was as head coach of the Italian national team, a position he held for less than two years.
He was dismissed after a damaging 3-0 defeat to Norway that hurt Italy’s chances of automatic World Cup qualification. Earlier, his side had also failed to progress beyond the round of 16 at EURO 2024, losing to Switzerland.
He enjoyed far more success in the job before that though, leading Napoli to their first Serie A title since 1990 in the 2022/23 season, becoming a club legend in the process.
Such is his connection with the club from Naples that his appointment is seen by some as somewhat controversial. After winning the league with them, he got their badge tattooed on his arm and stated he’d never manage another Italian club.
Despite some unease over his past with Napoli, Roma, and Inter, the 66-year-old’s wealth of experience makes him an attractive choice for Juventus.
The club has struggled to find success under less experienced managers like Tudor and Thiago Motta.
Spalletti’s reign with the Old Lady begins on Saturday night with a trip to Cremonese.
