Turin, Italy - In a surprising turn of events, Luciano Spalletti, former manager of the Italian national team, has returned to club football, signing with Juventus just months after a disappointing end to his tenure with the Azzurri. The announcement, made on Thursday, sees the 66-year-old take over from Igor Tudor, who was sacked following a series of poor results.
Spalletti's appointment comes after a tumultuous period for Juventus, marked by inconsistent performances and managerial changes. Tudor's departure was triggered by an eight-match winless streak, a stark contrast to his initial success in securing a Champions League spot for the team last season. Juventus, currently seventh in Serie A, hopes Spalletti can revitalize the squad and steer them back into contention for the title.
"Luciano Spalletti is the new head coach of Juventus, signing an agreement with the Club until June 30, 2026," the club stated, expressing their delight in welcoming a coach of his expertise. Spalletti's contract reportedly includes a clause for automatic renewal should Juventus qualify for the Champions League.
Spalletti's return to club management marks a significant chapter in his career, especially after his recent stint with the Italian national team. Tasked with defending the Euro title, his reign ended prematurely after a lackluster performance at Euro 2024 and a subsequent defeat to Norway in the World Cup qualifiers.
Prior to his national team role, Spalletti achieved remarkable success with Napoli, leading them to their first Serie A title in 33 years in 2023. His extensive coaching history includes notable spells with Roma, Inter Milan, and Zenit St. Petersburg, where he won multiple titles. His resume also includes coaching Empoli, Sampdoria, Venezia, Udinese and Ancona.
Juventus's decision to appoint Spalletti underscores their ambition to reclaim their status as a dominant force in Italian football. The club has struggled to maintain its competitive edge in recent years, with its last Serie A title win dating back to 2020. Spalletti's proven ability to build successful teams and his tactical acumen are seen as key assets in revitalizing the Old Lady.
Spalletti's debut with Juventus will be this Saturday against Cremonese in Serie A, followed by a Champions League match against Sporting Lisbon. These initial matches will be crucial in setting the tone for his tenure and demonstrating his ability to turn the team's fortunes around.
The appointment of Spalletti marks the third full-time coach for Juventus since May 2024, highlighting the club's search for stability and a return to its winning ways. Including interim managers, he is the fifth coach in that span. His arrival brings a blend of experience, tactical knowledge, and a proven track record of success, offering Juventus fans renewed hope for a brighter future.
