Juventus appoint ex-Italy boss Spalletti as new head coach
The Italian has replaced Igor Tudor at the Old Lady
Juventus have confirmed the appointment of former Italy head coach Luciano Spalletti as their new manager on a deal running until the end of the season.
The 66-year-old replaces Igor Tudor, who was dismissed following Sunday’s defeat to Lazio. Tudor had taken charge in March as Thiago Motta’s successor but departed after a run of eight games without a win.
Spalletti returns to club management for the first time since leading Napoli to the Serie A title in the 2022-23 season.
He later became Italy’s head coach, guiding the Azzurri to qualification for Euro 2024 before they were eliminated in the round of 16 by Switzerland.
However, his tenure with the national team ended in June after a World Cup qualifying defeat to Norway left Italy at risk of missing a third consecutive World Cup.
Spalletti brings extensive Serie A experience, having previously managed Inter Milan, Roma, and Udinese. He also enjoyed success abroad, winning two Russian Premier League titles with Zenit St Petersburg.
Massimo Brambilla oversaw Juventus’ 3-1 victory against Udinese on Wednesday as interim manager.
The result left the club seventh in Serie A, six points behind leaders Napoli after nine matches.
In Europe, Juventus sit 25th in the Champions League league phase, with one loss and two draws from their opening three fixtures.
What the experts say…
Our friends at the Italian Football Podcast reacted to the news of Spalletti’s appointment here.